SITTING somewhere between the everyday run-around Renault Clio and the blisteringly-quick hot hatch Clio Renaultsport is a new GT-Line model and one thing is certain - it's definitely not for the faint-heated.

In fact you get the very best of both worlds with is model. It has all the everyday comforts with its paddleshift controls and Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox but press the R.S Drive button and select sport for all the Va Va Voom you could wish for.

The GT-Line has a number of distinguishing features such as 17-inch GT alloy wheels, daytime running lights, a F1-inspired rear diffuser twin chrome exhaust, extra tinted rear windows and tailgate, the GT logo under the Renault diamond emblem and a Renaultsport rear spoiler which was an optional extra on the test car costing £205.

The interior, whilst immediately recognisable as a Clio, also boasts some stand-out features that are GT-Line specific. These include GT dark carbon cloth sports seats and GT kick plates.

Comfort levels are supreme and there's a whole host of cutting edge equipment to be explored, such as Renault's R-Link multimedia system featuring a seven-inch integrated colour touchscreen with TomTom Live sat nav, an application store, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and - as any car looking like this needs - a Bass Reflex sound system that is guaranteed to wake the neighbours.

There are signs of this car's sporting potential at every turn with aluminium foot pedals, anthracite door panel inserts, an anthracite soft-touch dashboard, gloss anthracite air vent surrounds and just in case you should somehow forget it's a GT-Line model there are GT emblems on the seats and steering wheel.

The sports seats are firm, but comfortable and can also be heated to beat off the winter chill.

So the Clio GT-Line certainly looks the part and is kitted out with plenty of sporting razzmatazz, but does the performance live up to the big build up?

The answer is yes and no. Yes, it handles superbly and grips the Tarmac like glue, but no, because I thought it would be fearsomely rapid.

Don't get me wrong, there is all the power, acceleration and driving prowess you could wish for, but at times it seemed a little tame.

That concern can easily be rectified though by putting the car into sport mode and tightening up its handling. It's far edgier and the steering is weightier, but you can expect to feel a few bumps along the way.

Acceleration through the automatic transmission is beautifully fast and smooth and there are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts if you fancy taking a little more control.

And despite its 120bhp, 1.2-litre petrol-driven engine, the GT-Line packs a mighty punch with a constant supply of power on tap.

Engine and road surface noise is kept to a minimum thanks to the car's excellent insulation and comfort levels are generally good, although back seat passengers may feel a little closed in with the dark windows.

The boot is a decent size for a car of this type and can hold 300 litres which can be increased to 1,146 litres with the rear seats folded flat. And elsewhere there are a number of handy storage compartments, although the glove-box isn't that big and the cup holders were too small to hold anything bigger than a can of pop.

Safety features are comprehensive and include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, cruise control with speed limiter, stability and traction control, hill start assist and plenty more besides.

All in all, the Clio GT-Line is an exciting model that helps breach the gap between sensible and off the wall.