05/08/2008 18:22. Australias fiercely competitive hot-hatch segment is about to heat up following the introduction today of the new Renault Sport Megane dCi 175 and Clio 197 models. The two cars are suited to very different buying tastes but both end up at a nexus of high-performance, practicality and affordable pricing that has come to define the Renault Sport range.

Renaults Renault Sport (RS) line of hatchbacks has a long history of setting a high standard for affordable performance and practicality, but increased competition from Ford, HSV, Volkswagen, Mazda and more will mean the new French cars will need to pull out all stops if they hope to succeed.

Clio Renault Sport 197 - a pint-sized powerhouse

The engine in the petrol-fuelled Clio Renault Sport 197 is based on the unit that powered the... // CarCental