Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup

The new Renaultsport Mégane has a lot to live up to. The French firm has a long history of producing legendary hot hatchbacks, from the rapid 5 GT Turbo to the track-inspired R26.R.

However, the Mégane appears to have all the raw ingredients to be a success. Under the bonnet is a punchy 2.0-litre turbo, giving 247bhp, while the entry-level Cup model tested here gets stiffer suspension and a limited-slip differential.

Plus, the car looks every inch a hot hatch contender. The standard Mégane Coupé was a stylish starting point, but Renault’s designers have given it a muscular makeover. They have added a menacing black finish for the nose, chunky flared wheelarch extensions and a large centre exit exhaust. Cup versions get black 18-inch alloys as standard, plus our car featured optional LED daytime running lights. These stylish additions are integrated with the front spoiler, and we think they’re well worth the £150 extra outlay.

Climb behind the wheel and the sporty theme continues. The thick-rimmed steering wheel, gearlever and door trims all feature bright yellow stitching, while the same colour is used for the rev counter. Plus, for an extra £850 you can specify body-hugging Recaro sports seats.

The rest of the cabin is standard Mégane Coupé, which means fit and finish are reasonable, even if quality isn’t on a par with the SEAT. Despite the Mégane’s less versatile three-door layout, there’s little between our two contenders in terms of space inside, and the 344-litre boot is a decent size and shape. However, most hot hatch buyers are concerned more about driving thrills than versatility – and the Renault doesn’t disappoint.

Turn into a corner and it responds instantly, while the well weighted steering provides accuracy and immediacy in equal measure. There are huge reserves of grip, and the clever front differential delivers impressive traction out of corners.

At low speeds the ride is firm, but as the pace increases the stiff set-up provides incredible body control. In fact, on twisty roads, few models are as enjoyable or deliver such strong real-world pace. The Mégane’s straight-line performance also impresses. The smooth turbo gives 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds – nearly half-a-second faster than the Leon.

Rapid progress is aided by a slick gearchange and a buzzer to warn you to shift ratios before hitting the rev limit. Better still, the Brembo brakes deliver eye-popping stopping power. Even in greasy conditions at the test track, the Mégane took only 47.7 metres to come to a halt from 70mph.

At £21,995, it costs £1,545 more than the better-equipped Cupra. And with no five-door option, the Cup isn’t as practical – but for driving fun, the Renault has few equals in the crowded hot hatch market.

In detail - Renault Mégane 250 Cup

* Price: £21,995

* Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 247bhp

* 0-60mph: 6.2 seconds

* 30-70mph: 5.3 seconds

* Economy: 29.2mpg

* CO2: 195g/km
* Why? Latest Renaultsport promises razor-sharp driving dynamics and blistering pace.