For an indication of what a handful the Renault Clio V6 could be, consider the venue where the French car maker launched its mid-engined Frankenhatch.

Instead of a proper race circuit, it chose a karting track, somewhere in northern France. The tight, winding course meant there were no corners requiring more than second gear – an attempt to keep speeds down and cars on the black stuff.

Renault and TWR, which helped make the mid-engine, V6-powered Clio a reality, knew all too well that their new V6-powered, rear-wheel-drive hatchback was a feisty, unpredictable machine. A single misstep could send drivers spinning off the road faster than they could exclaim "merde!"

I was there, and once behind the wheel it quickly became apparent why someone at Renault had made the executive decision to use a kart circuit. The Clio V6 Trophy cars were cantankerous things. Cars were spinning left, right and centre, and on the bus back to the airport it became clear just how few journalists had managed to keep theirs pointing in the right direction.

Surely the road car would be nothing like as barmy as the race car…?

From Clio Trophy to Clio V6

Remarkably, just two years after the 1999 launch of the racer, a road-legal version of the Clio V6 was made available to the public. And yes, it was every bit as bonkers as the Trophy, a small car with big attitude.

Around 256 were sold in the UK, but today only 37 remain on the road, with another 127 on SORN (StatutoryOff Road Notification). You have to wonder what fate befell the missing 92.

Driving a Phase 1 Clio V6 a few years back brought back memories of its unique, soft suspension, which allowed for such body roll that the front splitter could scrape the ground with surprisingly little encouragement. While this softness was manageable on tight turns, it made sudden changes of direction at higher speeds precarious. The weight transfer, awkward rear suspension, and slow, unwieldy steering – paired with a laughably wide turning circle – meant the Clio V6 demanded constant vigilance.

Yet this very challenge is what makes driving a Clio V6 every bit as captivating as a supercar or niche machine like a Caterham Seven or Ariel Atom. To drive one well, you must engage both your instincts and your intellect. A slow-in, fast-out approach is critical; braking and steering must be smooth, and commitment to throttle inputs is essential. Once you start accelerating, there’s no room for hesitation. If you like a challenge, you’ll relish trying to get to grips with a Clio V6.

Mid-engined madness: Clio V6

I learned much of this first-hand on a road trip to Skye, accompanied by an E46 BMW M3 coupe and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII for Top Gear magazine. Midway through the journey, we encountered snow, and I discovered the Clio V6 made an impressive snowplow. Its rear tyres gripped surprisingly well, and the pronounced front air dam helped clear a path. Experiences like these stick with you, fostering a deep affection for a car as character-filled and, in many ways, technically flawed as the Clio V6.

The Phase 2 model improved considerably, sporting a shorter, more precise gearshift and reworked ratios that allowed the 255bhp V6 to stay in its power band after each upshift. A longer wheelbase and redesigned suspension enhanced stability, letting drivers carry more speed with better control over the mid-engined setup. While the exterior saw some stylistic improvements, the interior remained fairly uninspiring. Still, it was hard to fault Renault for the interior finish when the car itself felt like such a triumph against the odds.

Now, let’s talk about the future values of the Clio V6. Could it become a prized collector’s item with rising values over the years? Even if it doesn’t appreciate significantly, it might still hold enough value for an enthusiast to drive, enjoy, and perhaps even sell later without financial loss.

Values are on the rise

I remember when you could pick up a pristine Phase 2 Clio V6 for around £15,000. But in recent years, prices have surged. Today, examples with fewer than 10,000 miles have hit the market with asking prices reaching £100,000. Phase 1 models can be found for around £45,000, with Phase 2 models closer to £60,000. Will it continue to rise in value? I don’t know of any crystal balls that come with a guarantee, unfortunately, but the likelihood is that a car this dramatic from the start of a new millennium will continue to appeal to generation X and millennials for years to come.

So, if you, like me, regret not getting on board when prices were lower, it might be time to fire up your “Man Maths” calculator and figure out a way to make it work – just as Renault did. The Clio V6 is the sort of car any collector with a sense of mischief should have in their collection.

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