Engineers based in Oxfordshire have teamed up with Renault to produce the final production version of the amazing Clio Renaultsport V6 the world's only mid-engined hatchback. Developed from the Clio Renaultsport Trophy racing car, the road-going version hits the roads in 2001, writes David Duffy.

The car is the wildest Clio ever seen with bulging wheelarches covering 17in wheels and a 230 horsepower three-litre V6 24-valve engine giving it a top speed of almost 150mph

And with an on-the-road price of 25,995, the two-seater mid-engined 'supercar' is 4,000 less expensive than the target price announced last year.

The car was developed through the combined expertise of Renaultsport creators of Renault's six championship-winning Formula One engines Renault Design and the Leafield-based TWR Group, which is also responsible for assembling the car from parts supplied by Renault.

The Clio Renaultsport V6 will be exclusive with a UK allocation of about 400 cars per year. Borrowed from the world of competition, many of the car's parts also contribute to the efficiency of the vehicle by improving aerodynamics and cooling. The wide front spoiler together with the discreet spoiler above the rear hatch increase downforce and therefore roadholding. The heavily perforated front bumper admits air to the radiator, while the widened front wings reflect the appearance of a Formula One car's side pods, with integral air intakes to ventilate the engine compartment. The left-hand intake is also connected to the induction system and assumes the role of dynamic air intake.

Other sports-type features include the fuel filler cap, the twin round stainless steel exhaust pipes emerging from the centre of the rear bumper, the honeycomb grilles around the rear silencers, the front fog-lamps and the cooling air intakes integral with the front bumper.