De-badging is the way to go.
The good thing about the 16v is that it looks so different from the rest of the Mk1 range that you dont need any badges. It only has "16v" on the side and "Renault" and "Clio" on the back.
Ive blacked out the "16v" on my side strips, which I dont think matters as people get the idea from the bonnet bulge, wide arches and bumpers.
But I wonder what would happen if you took the "Sport" and "2.0 16v" badges off a 172... it certainly wouldnt be as distinguished from the rest of the range then.