Now looking rather dated when put alongside equivalent products from Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen and Peugeot, curiosity about Clio is being sustained by some aggressive marketing – and also the fact that it provides affordable driving towards the young.

The entry-level 1.2, with 60PS, continues to be a major seller, providing more enjoyment than its specification suggests.

In the other end of the scale, and sandwiching a great deal of petrol and diesel engines, may be the awesome Clio V6, a mid-engined, two-seater hooligan of the car with performance and handling which will give many a supercar a run because of its money.