There is always something quite charming about little fast Renaults, be it on the roads or on the race track. The new generation Renault Clio RS may have lost some of that charm as a road car, but there is a new racing Cup version that picks up the slacks, protecting the car’s reputation.

And the first batch of these amazing machines are now delivered, gearing up for the 2014 season of Renault Clio Cup UK, Britain’s premier one-make saloon car championship. Each team is seeking a multi-car return to the flagship category next year and has secured no less than three of the fourth generation racing Renault Clios.

The reputation small fast Renaults as the finest in their class, paired with the handling and affordability of the new 1.6 liter turbo models, has inspired many experienced figures to return to action in the Clio Cup, and many rookies to use it as a reliable stepping stone.

The first units of the Renault Clio Cup race car have been delivered to teams such as Total Control Racing and Scuderia Vittoria that have ordered two cars each, JHR Developments, and existing drivers Finlay Crocker, Ronnie Klos and Simon Belcher each buying one. 20Ten Racing is among the teams planning a multi-car entry.

Commenting on the first wave of orders, Renault UK Communications Director Jeremy Townsend said: “To have sold the first allocation of cars is fantastic and testament to the commitment our teams and drivers have to the Renault UK Clio Cup. We know from the feedback we’ve received so far, the fourth generation car is proving incredibly popular and it looks set for a great debut in 2014.”