RenaultSport Megane 250 Cup

FEW firms can match Renaultsport when it comes to giant-slaying reputations. The French giant’s tuning division has been a regular Performance Car Of The Year favourite, with its rapid Clio hot hatches often humbling more exotic and expensive machinery. So expectations for the new Mégane are high.

On the face of it, the Renault doesn’t disappoint, thanks to its rakish coupé lines, menacing black wheels and the vivid yellow paint of our test car. Keen drivers will also be bowled over by the Mégane’s mouth-watering mechanicals: there’s a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo, race-inspired Cup chassis and powerful Brembo brakes.

Push the starter button, and the car fires into life with little drama, before settling down to a muted idle. However, extend the torquey unit to the red line and the soundtrack improves, taking on a hard and metallic tone that’s similar to a racy BTCC machine’s.

But it’s the chassis that shines the brightest, thanks to its huge composure and poise. There’s plenty of grip – although the nose will wash wide in tight corners – and the chunky three-spoke steering wheel provides lots of feedback. The brakes have a strong bite, while the six-speed box’s short throw gives rapid changes.

Sadly, the Mégane lacks the infectious fun factor that marks out the smaller Clio, and the firm Cup chassis can be uncomfortable.

However, blistering performance and compact dimensions mean few high-performance models can match its cross-country pace.

The Mégane’s top 10 finish is well deserved. The fast French hatch is beaten only by a brace of supercars, some expensive sports saloons and a pair of stripped-out Porsches. Once again, Renaultsport has shown that huge driving thrills don’t always have to come with big bills – the basic 250 Cup starts at £23,160.