Although this example of Renault’s very hot hatch of the mid‑Noughties is 16 years old, it’s covered a mere 6577 miles in all that time.

The rare pre‑facelift model is finished in Steel Grey; only 173 of the three‑door Sport 225 models were produced for the UK in this shade.

Retained by Renault from new, after three months, it passed into the hands of a private owner, but its use was sparing – despite the undoubted appeal of its 2.0‑litre turbocharged engine tuned to produce 225bhp, with a 0‑60mph of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 147mph.

While its owner worked overseas, it was carefully stored until recently.

Freshly MoT’d (with the certificate expiring in July 2022), the only flaws to this car, described as with a 'stunning, unmarked' interior, 'very good, original underside', 'lovely' engine bay and 'superb' driving experience by the vendor, are some storage marks on the body, including some scratches on the bonnet.

It is, otherwise, unmodified and untouched, even down to the o...