Back in about 1993 when I was interested in buying a new Renault, and closer to 25 years old, I approached the local Renault dealer to enquire about a 19 16V. I had just received a brochure from a friend OS and was keen on finding out when they were getting to AUS.
The dealer said the 16V was not likely to come to AUS, but that he could do me a deal on a 19 with a body kit (front dam, rear spoiler and alloys which were accessories at the time). I said I didn't want the body kit, just the motor, trans and suspension in a normal 19 body.
That's why I like the latest crop of performance cars (RS Clio etc), nice discreet looks, no wild flares, pram handle "Cossie" style wings etc. Advertising performance seems to be out, how it performs is in.
In a recent junk mail auto accessories catalogue at home it described those huge coffee can mufflers as a "show muffler" sort of said it all really!
Simon