The price for a sporty-looking, lively handling hatchback can sometimes be a high one.

High purchase price, high insurance rating and low fuel consumption can be the triple whammy waiting to take some of the shine off your dream purchase.

Renault has come up with a model offering much of the joie de vivre of the full-blown Renaultsport range, but with none of the aforementioned disadvantages.

The Clio GT carries a sub-£14,000 price tag, group seven insurance and 40mpg everyday fuel consumption.

Power comes from a perky 1.6-litre engine, developed from the powerplant used in the Twingo Renaultsport 133, which pumps out 128 horsepower.

The Clio GT provides a bridge between the mainstream range and the high-performance Clio Renaultsport 200.

The punch under the bonnet is matched by GT styling features, such as the gloss black grille, extended front spoiler and side skirts, twin tailpipe exhaust, drilled aluminium pedals and sporty front seats, with extra lateral support.

In turn, those looks are backed up by sports suspension which was tweaked by Renaultsport engineers, who were in charge of tuning the chassis, with uprated front and rear springs and new rear dampers fitted for sharper handling and response. The ratio of the GT’s steering is also closer for swifter response and greater driving pleasure.

The GT model, which is also available with the 1.5 dCi 106 diesel engine, takes its exterior design cues from the new Mégane. Inside, the emphasis has been on improving comfort and all-round finish quality. Everyone on board has generous head, shoulder and kneeroom and there is a decent amount of both luggage and cabin storage space.

The three-door GT model takes the Dynamique specification and adds a host of equipment from extra tinted rear windows and tailgate, to fixed cornering lights and cruise control with a speed limiter – a useful device in areas decked out with speed cameras.

Like all Clios, the GT is available with an integrated Carminat TomTom colour satellite navigation system, which is reassuring driving companion.

In addition to route guidance, the system also displays traffic information and can suggest alternative routes to avoid delays when necessary. Speed restrictions are shown by a signpost symbol on the screen, which turns red and flashes if the limit is exceeded. Speed camera alerts are also provided.

The display screen also serves as a central multimedia display for radio information, telephone lists (when combined with Bluetooth) and MP3 player. If the GT is not your cup of tea, there is no shortage of choice in the new Clio range, with no fewer than 29 versions across seven trim levels.

Auto facts Renault Clio GT 1.6 VVT 3dr

Price: £13,985

Insurance group: Seven

Fuel consumption (Combined): 40.9mpg

Top speed: 122mph

Length: 398.6cm/157in

Width: 170.7cm/67.2in

Luggage capacity: 10.1 cu ft

Fuel tank capacity: 12.1 gallons/55 litres

CO2 emissions: 160g/km

Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles