Renault Gordini news - Gordini: back in blue - 2009

As TopGear.com revealed back in March, Renault is bringing back Gordini.

The French manufacturer will unveil the Twingo Gordini later this month. The mini hot hatch will reach the UK early next year, followed by the Clio Gordini and, most likely, a Megane Gordini too.

Now, we know what you're wondering: how hot are they going to be? Hotter than the Renaultsport versions?

Er, no. The Gordini models look likely to remain mechanically identical to the Renaultsport cars, and will instead be differentiated by posher colours and wheels and trim.

Which is a bit disappointing, really. Renault says the Gordini brand will ‘inject additional joie de vivre' into its line-up, but we never felt any of Renaultsport's offerings to be lacking in joie de vivre. What they were lacking, clearly, was a 250bhp Twingo and a 300bhp Clio, but it doesn't look like Gordini will provide this.

Still, we should get some good-looking hot hatchbacks in classic racing blue. How about incorporating those retro quad headlights too, Renault?