The last thing you need when you have almost 200 horsepower under the bonnet is any distraction. So Renault has got rid of them.

If you enjoy grappling with the complexities of satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone technology and an MP3-equipped, iPod-ready sound system, then this car is not for you, because it hasn't got them.

Air conditioning? Forget it. If you want a cool breeze on a hot summer's day then open the window.

The Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup is about as gadget-free as you can get.

Instruments are pared down to the all-important speedometer, a tachometer with an alarming 7,250rpm red line, fuel and coolant temperature gauges. That's it.

And that is plenty, because when you are at the wheel of this potent package, you want your eyes firmly on the road ahead, not gazing at an array of glitzy instrumentation.

The raw statistics tell you most of what you need to know - a 1998cc, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine generates 197 horsepower at maximum revs. Acceleration from standstill to 62mph is 6.9 seconds and top speed is 134mph.

That sort of power naturally means you need to keep a close eye on your speed and around town I found the best way to ensure you kept to 30mph was simply to leave the car in the third of its six close-ratio gears.

Yes, it means poorer fuel consumption, higher emissions and more noise, but at least you avoid picking up points.

Helping to keep this power glued to the road is an air diffuser built into the rear bumper, which channels the airflow to produce a low-pressure zone beneath the car, which in turn sucks the car downwards.

The Cup chassis, which rides on menacing 17-inch black alloy wheels, has a ride height 7mm lower than the standard 197 and its cornering ability has been improved by stiffening of the springs at both the front and rear.

The front suspension is also more stable under braking and that's just as well, as the 197's braking system is super-powerful, using huge ventilated front discs, which are clamped by red Brembo callipers.

If the standard car is still not eye-catching enough for you, then accessories include the rear spoiler from the Clio Cup race car, side skirts and an extra front splitter.

But for all the sporting looks and stripped-down appearance, the 197 Cup can deliver a relaxed, quiet (ish) ride and when driven sensibly, it is more than capable of delivering fuel consumption in the mid 30s.

Auto facts Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup

  • Price: £14,995
  • Insurance group: 15
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 33.6mpg
  • Top speed: 134mph
  • Length: 399.1cm/157.1in
  • Width: 176.8cm/69.6in
  • Luggage capacity: 10.1 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 12.1 gallons/55 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 199g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles