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Peugeot RCZ vs Renaultsport Megane

Hot hatch meets hot coupé as the sizzling Renaultsport Mégane takes on the stylish Peugeot RCZ.

Peugeot RCZ vs. Renaultsport Megane

Photos: Pete Gibson February 2011

When it comes to hot hatch and coupé models, French manufacturers like to blur the boundaries. For example, the sportiest machines in the Peugeot and Renault line-ups are closely matched when it comes to price, but one is a hot hatch billed as a coupé, while the other is a coupé that drives like a hot hatch.

Both have won Auto Express group tests in the past, but it’s time to throw the form book out of the window as we bring together two of the best cars in years from the across the Channel. In flagship THP 200 guise, the Peugeot RCZ features tweaked suspension and an upgraded chassis, while its 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivers superb performance. It also boasts one of the most eye-catching shapes on the road.

The rakish Renaultsport Mégane 250 isn’t short of visual appeal either, particularly in our test car’s bold yellow paint finish, while its 2.0-litre 247bhp powerplant delivers scorching pace. Fitted with the optional Cup chassis, it also promises to deliver a razor-sharp driving experience. 

This is sure to be a closely fought contest, but which of our pair offers the more desirable mix of style, performance and handling? Read on as we get to grips with two cars that really do celebrate the French philosophy of vive la difference.

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1 Comment

Are the RSPCA aware...

...that French horses are not as well looked after as any others? They certainly aren't as strong. Look at what you get out of the 200 French horses in the RCZ compared with what Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen get from the 180 German horses in the Ibiza, the Fabia and the Polo "junior" hot hatches. I was a major "on the paper" fan of the RCZ, happily waiting for some searing pace to go with the looks. I think it's going to be a very long wait. Even the 247 French horses in the fastest Megane coupe aren't exactly giving their all, according to the figures. Volkswagen's uber-Golf, (the R, as in "arf-arf"...) is far more convincing with only a few more German horses, and it is so much better put together than anything French except their juicy lady film stars. I lived for many years in France and formed the opinion that they use special nuts and bolts that undo themselves one turn for every 1600 kilometres, or 1000 miles in pukka-speak. "Squeak, squeak, rattle, rattle, squeak" makes 5 noises, so that's how you know the 5000 miles service is due. "Simples!"

By ThatOne on 3 March, 2011, 4:59pm

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Peugeot RCZ vs. Renaultsport Megane front track

2nd Renaultsport Megane 250

Rakish hatchback promises driving thrills and practicality, too. But does it deliver?
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

These machines deliver driving thrills by the bucket load and are great to look at. With its Cup chassis upgrades, the Renaultsport Mégane is a no-holds-barred hot hatch. Its punchy 247bhp engine delivers searing acceleration, while its astonishing grip and engaging handling ensure a frenetic driving experience. 

The RCZ has the sharp responses, accuracy and handling precision you’d expect of a sports car. Its smooth and tuneful engine, slick gearbox and communicative controls make it a joy to drive. The stylish coupé is also more comfortable to live with day-to-day and, in THP 200 guise, it comes very well equipped.

Only one of them has the wow factor, though, and this unique ability to make every trip an event is a precious commodity. It’s the difference in this test, and enough to secure the narrowest of victories for the Peugeot RCZ. 
 
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