Renault's UK new car sales are booming, 37% up in the new registration plate month of September and a massive 83% up for the first nine months of this year with 75,791 registrations.
To put that into perspective the UK's market was down 8.8% in September and up 7.8% for the year.
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Aiming to keep up the momentum Renault have just held a roundup of new and updated new models for the media to test drive and of course write about.
These included the new Wind Roadster, Twingo and Clio Gordini models, Megane GT range, new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet, their Scenic with the new twin clutch EDC gearbox and a low emission 98g/km eco2 Clio.
Gordini returns
Some Renault enthusiasts will remember the Gordini label being used for the most sporty versions of models such as the Dauphine, Renault 8 and 12s from 1953 to 1976.
Just as MINI added Cooper and Cooper S labels and Fiat have Abarth versions, now the French manufacturer, which already has the RenaultSport label for such versions, have added the retro Gordini badge for a limited edition run for the Twingo and Clio RenaultSport versions.
Gordini specification will broaden the appeal of each model range by offering more equipment with more refinement making them less 'hard-core' but still very potent.
There are just 500 units of the Clio Gordini 200, 3-Door 2.0-litre, 198bhp for sale and 200 units of the Twingo Gordini 133, 3-Door 1.6-litre, 131bhp. Prices are £19,650 and £14,500 respectively.
The Twingo Gordini 133, just as the RenaultSport and Cup versions has a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine which produces 131bhp and 118lb ft of torque at 4,400rpm.
Top speed is 125mph and zero to 62mph takes 8.7 seconds and fuel economy is quoted as 42.2mpg in the Combined Cycle with CO2 emissions of 159g/km so the VED road tax is £155. Insurance is group 21E.
Remember the Twingo is a three door city hatchback but with the RenaultSport chassis and lowered suspension it is a pocket rocket.
The Gordini spec just makes it a bit more special with extra fixtures and fittings so it is visually more refined.
The extra items include Gordini leather upholstery and leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, gloss black centre console, special mats, 17-inch Gordini style alloys, racing stripes, GT rear spoiler and of course an exclusive identification serial numbered plate.
The Gordini packaging adds £1,650 to the price of the RenaultSport 133 version but given it is a limited edition, given the extra refinement and given the demonic performance for a car this size, it will fly out of showrooms.
Renault Clio Gordini 200
The Clio Gordini 200 is much the same message, £1,940 more than the Clio RenaultSport 200 three door hatch but with lots of extra equipment which includes cruise control, automatic climate control, body striping, Gordini 17-inch wheels, F1 style front blade beneath the bumper, rear spoiler, body side mouldings and of course a leather upholstery and trim.
All very grown up and it should appeal to the downsizing driver who still wants performance but in a smaller car.
Power output from the 2.0-litre petrol engine is 198bhp, with 159lb ft of torque at 5,400rpm, top speed is 141mph, 0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds, average fuel economy is 34.4mpg and road tax with 195g/km of emissions is £425 for the first year and then £235 after that. Insurance is Group 31A.
This model is not cheap to buy or to run but it is just as brilliant to drive as the Clio Renault Sport 200 and the Gordini extras make it look very special even at £19,650.