Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Megane 250 Cup

Renaultsport’s stripped-out hatch hits road.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Renault Megane
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Cup is an excellent hot hatch – and we’d choose it over Renaultsport’s regular Mégane 250 every time. It has the raw appeal to attract hardcore driving fans, but is still comfortable enough to use every day. In terms of fun-per-pound, not much else on the road can touch it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Climbing to the top of the hot hatch league is tough – but Renault has already got the Cup wrapped up! The Renaultsport 250 Cup is an even more driver-focused version of the all-new performance Mégane, aimed at track day enthusiasts who favour thrills over comfort.

It ditches the leather sports seats in favour of a set of thin, tightly hugging Recaros. Plus, the Cup loses the standard car’s dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights – although this shaves £1,000 off the price in the process.

But the newcomer isn’t just a stripped-out version of the regular Renaultsport Mégane, because the engineers have sharpened it up, too. The suspension is 15 per cent stiffer, while thicker anti-roll bars and a limited-slip diff have been fitted. And the result is improved handling feel, reduced body roll and much faster cornering.

One feature that hasn’t been axed is the Renaultsport Dynamic Management button. Hit this, and the stability control doesn’t intervene so keenly, while throttle response is sharper, too.

The Cup sprints from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds – the same as the standard car – but the changes to the chassis make for a far more engaging, raw driving experience, even at low speeds.

Just like the excellent Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup, the Mégane has immense grip, and corners quickly with precision. The step up in driver involvement between this and the regular car is huge.

To scrub off speed safely during intense track sessions, the brake discs are grooved. Plus, the calipers are painted red – and unless you climb into the driver’s seat, that’s the only way to tell the Cup apart!

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £5,330 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,754 off RRP*Used from £14,000
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,494 off RRP*Used from £14,350
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025