In 2000, when the GTIs seemed destined to go out of fashion, Renault presented a sporty Clio 2, prepared by specialists from the Renault Sport department. The 2000cc 16c engine (type F4R) had been modified and gave over 170 horsepower, more than that of the competitor Peugeot 306 S16. The performance was exceptional, the behavior on the road was safe and the weight was limited (1035 kg) thanks to numerous targeted interventions, such as the adoption of the aluminum hood.