Renault Clio V6 Phase 2
The 2003 Renault Clio V6 Phase 2 is one of the most audacious production cars ever conceived by a major manufacturer. Taking the modest Clio supermini and installing a 3.0-liter V6 engine in the middle of the car, behind the driver and in place of the rear seats, Renault created a junior supercar that had more in common with the Renault 5 Turbo philosophy than any conventional hot hatch.
The Phase 2 was a significant improvement over the Phase 1 (2001-2002), which had been developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The Phase 2 received a more powerful engine (255 horsepower versus 230), revised suspension geometry that addressed the Phase 1's notorious handling unpredictability, and subtle bodywork changes that improved aerodynamic balance.
The 2,946cc V6 engine, derived from Renault's familiar V6 unit, produced 255 horsepower at 7,150 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque. Mounted transversely behind the driver, it fed the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine's character was urgent and exciting, delivering a satisfying surge of power from the midrange through to a screaming top-end that sounded utterly exotic for a car wearing a Clio badge.
The Phase 2's chassis revisions were substantial. The rear suspension geometry was redesigned to reduce the extreme oversteer that had made the Phase 1 challenging to drive at the limit. Revised spring rates, damper settings, and anti-roll bar calibration improved both stability and response. While the Phase 2 remained a demanding car to drive quickly, it was significantly more predictable and confidence-inspiring than its predecessor.
The widebody construction was dramatic. The rear bodywork was massively widened to accommodate the mid-mounted V6 and the wide rear tires, giving the car an aggressive stance that looked nothing like a standard Clio. The interior deleted the rear seats entirely, replacing them with the engine and a structural partition. The front cabin retained two seats with reasonable comfort and a surprisingly practical layout.
Renault Sport produced approximately 1,309 Phase 2 units between 2003 and 2005, making it substantially rarer than the Phase 1. Each car was hand-assembled at Alpine's Dieppe facility, the same plant that produced the A110 and A310.
The Clio V6 Phase 2 remains one of the most exciting and unusual hot hatches (or more accurately, mid-engine sports cars) ever produced. Its combination of mid-engine layout, powerful V6, dramatic bodywork, and Renault Sport engineering creates a driving experience that is genuinely unique in the automotive landscape.
Verify Phase 2 specification (not Phase 1) through VIN and equipment. Check for rust in the complex widebody structure. The mid-mounted V6 should be inspected for cooling system condition, as overheating can cause head gasket issues. Test the handling at various speeds — the car should be predictable but will still oversteer if provoked. Check for accident damage, as many have been driven enthusiastically. Low-mileage, well-maintained examples command strong premiums.
Hand-assembled at Alpine's factory in Dieppe, France between 2003 and 2005. The Phase 2 was a significant evolution of the Phase 1 with revised suspension and more power. Approximately 1,309 Phase 2 units were produced.