For more pictures, see our galleries for the Clio Dynamique and Clio RS

The only thing better than a long drive for getting to grips with a new vehicle is a session at the track. Renault provided both at its launch of the new Clio Dynamique and RS models for 2009. The Cape weather provided the drama.

My adventure began with a trip from Asara wine estate in Stellenbosch to Killarney race track, which I know well because I live so close to it I am regularly treated to its weekend audio show.

Still, there was no chance I was going to get lost on my way there. TomTom, makers of GPS navigation systems, have partnered with Renault to outfit Dynamique models with their Carminat navigation system as a standard.

We tried on several occasions to fool the little lady in the box, but she quickly and courteously corrected us and calculated a new route for us to follow.

Strong styling

The update in the Clio styling is striking when compared with previous models. For those less familiar with its history the new front bumper and contoured headlamps that extend downward to the grille are likely to be the highlights that catch the eye. The update continues with a broad air intake and front fog lamps and black protective mouldings while the rear sports new light clusters and bumper.

I’d venture a large bet that the interior styling is unique to Renault. I've seen fascias in different brands that look like they were all squeezed from the same mould, but the glossy charcoal highlights and centre panel stand out, as do smaller details like the markings on the knobs and switches.

I’m not a fan of the control stalks, which look like somebody took a hacksaw to them. Stubby things with a myriad functions that required me to crane my head round the steering wheel in an attempt to decipher their markings. It’s the first car where I have seriously struggled to get the wipers working.

Whisper quiet?

Renault also claim that the new model has "impressive soundproofing", but I frankly couldn’t tell if this is the case. My drive partner plugged an iPhone into the entertainment system’s USB port and the volume had to be cranked up considerably to clearly hear the music above the road noise. Perhaps you have to drive an earlier model to notice the difference.

Still, the Clio has a range of cabin equipment and systems that are either not offered in cars of the same class or come as optional extras.

I also can’t fault the overall drive experience it offers. It has more than enough power to hold it’s own on the road and the steering is direct.

Renault engineering was put to the test when a truck wandered in front of our convoy as the lanes at a road works narrowed into a single-vehicle exit between concrete barriers.

Smudge on the tar

I thought I was about to go down in memory as the hack who wrote off a launch vehicle but was stunned as the brakes scrubbed off the speed and the Clio stuck to its line without as much as a shiver. All this on a roughly-finished road surface in pouring rain.

The downpour did manage to ruin part of the day as we arrived at Killarney to water sheeting off the track. Scrap the track time and gymkhana.

Instead we were to follow our trusty TomToms and take a long drive through the winelands. I quickly left my fellow convoy drivers cradling their coffees, took possession of a Clio Sport and headed, quite literally, for the hills.

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