Renault’s impatient little fastie well suited to Hong Kong’s tight tracks

The drive has not begun well. The accelerator of this Renault Clio 1.6 RS Trophy is keen, but its brakes seem abrupt in the heavy traffic of Central in Hong Kong. Consequently, this 220-horsepower, turbocharged test car has jerked and lurched from Wan Chai to Western at an average speed of 16km/h.

The Diamond marque’s squat, Dieppe-tuned compact is not to blame, however. The driver’s right foot has become too used to the smoothness of too many continuous transmissions on the Southside, and this 1,618cc Clio’s circuit brakes are merely reminding the tester to stop driving like a pussy, listen to the revs, and trust Renault’s new transmission.

Such a rebuke is well-deserved on this grey morning. Fast Renault “Pocket rockets” such as this Clio RS Trophy usually require quicker thinking and more decisive driving than standard saloons. And if you must drive in busy Connaught Road West, you’d better sharpen your street skills. With pedestrians and vehicles close at every angle, the trick is not to panic, however. Give this impatient little fastie extra space in traffic, and learn its revs. If you haven’t the patience, anticipation, coordination or nerve to learn this Clio’s “dance” in one of the most densely populated cities in the world, then partner up with the arguably less-impatient performance rides such as the Mini Cooper S or Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Highly tuned pocket rockets seem more popular in Hong Kong. There is plenty of choice with punchy models such as the Abarth 695, Ford Fiesta ST, Audi S1, the popular Honda Jazz RS and the Mini Cooper JCW, and all have staunch devotees because they are compact, surprisingly fast and easy to park. Hong Kong’s revving scene is also changing. The city’s main highways are increasingly crowded and packed with speed cameras, so more “involved” drivers prefer more remote revving grounds such as Bride’s Pool Road, where many experiment with short bursts and handling, usually at night.

Even so, the Clio is starting to shine. The tester’s right foot eventually finds the Renault’s six-speed, dual-clutch rhythm by Centre Street, and the Clio manages a rewarding burst through Kennedy Town, until it is quelled by another red light. As the traffic thins in leafy Victoria Road, the satnav offers clear details of Hong Kong Island’s northwest coast on a fine seven-inch screen. A larger monitor might distract drivers at faster speeds, however.

The Clio’s cabin flashes Renault’s Formula 1 “Trophy” credentials, but its seats are comfy and firm on the back and lack restrictive bolstering in the thighs. The switches feel well-made and thoughtfully placed, but the steering wheel’s red stitching at 12 o’clock might distract drivers. The gear flippers need a decisive grip but are as responsive as the Abarth’s, and particularly enjoyable in the tight, upward bends and short straights of Pok Fu Lam and Cyberport.