Welcome!
There isnt a Mk3 Clio yet: the newest shape one is still a Mk2 (1998-present) and is known as Phase2. What youre thinking of as a Mk2 is actaully a Mk2 Phase1. There were also three Phases of the Mk1 Clio (1991-98).
Mk2 Phase1 (1998-2001) saw a number of engine options and some confusing trim levels. But during 2000, before the Phase2, there was a new range of engines and trim levels given to the Clio. These included a new 1.4 16v unit giving 98bhp. The trim levels also chaged - offering sport ("Sport" 1.2, Si 1.4 and RSi 1.6), budget and luxury options for most engine sizes apart from the Renaultsport Clio. The sport trim had nice seats, better headlamps and some nice multispoke alloys.
I looked into getting one of these at the time and they were doing some very good deals - which means theyre fairly popular (especially in metallic blue). I really wanted a hot hatch though and went for a Mk1 16V because I was a bit older and could get better insurance quotes. I think the 0-60 is about 10.5, but the performance isnt quite as good overall as a VTR on paper, but who knows on the road.