Skip advert
Advertisement

Renaultsport Megane 250

Flagship hatch turns up the heat

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

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

If you can’t put up with the stiff ride in the Renaultsport Mégane Cup, the 250 could be just the ticket. It delivers 99 per cent of the fun of the stripped-out entry-level model, but adds a welcome dose of comfort. Better still, it features a more luxurious cabin with a long list of standard kit. However, if you must have the ultimate in hot hatch driving dynamics, together with the well appointed range-topping interior, you can add the Cup chassis for an extra £1,200.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If Renault’s Mégane GT diesel is a bit soft and slow for you, the firm’s tuning arm could have the answer. The tweaked and tuned Renaultsport Mégane 250 three-door is one of the sharpest and fastest hot hatches on the block.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69253","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

We’ve already been impressed by the hardcore, entry-level Cup model, which delivers intoxicating driver thrills that trump cars costing twice as much. But does the more expensive and luxurious range-topping version serve up the same winning formula? Auto Express got behind the wheel of one of the first to hit UK soil to find out.

As with the Cup model, the 250 leaves passers-by in no doubt about its performance potential. The sleek lines are given extra impact by an aggressive black-painted nose, chunky wheelarch extensions and large tailgate spoiler. Our car wore eye-catching optional 19-inch Speedline alloy wheels, which add more visual menace.

Inside, the Mégane is packed with sporty touches. There’s a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, drilled aluminium pedals and bold yellow rev counter. Spend an extra £950, and you get a pair of comfortable, figure-hugging optional Recaro front sports seats.

Prod the starter button and the 248bhp 2.0-litre turbo burbles into life. The smooth and torquey engine is identical to the unit found in the Cup version, and blasts the Mégane from 0-62mph in only 6.1 seconds.

In fact, the only clue that you’re in the top-of-the-range Renaultsport is the ride, which is much more comfortable. It’s still firm, but for most owners the set-up will make the 250 a more cosseting daily companion. Fortunately, the car’s soft side hasn’t come at the expense of handling.

As you’d expect, there is a huge amount of grip, terrific poise and incredible agility. Traction is strong out of slower corners, too, even though the 250 features an electronic limited-slip differential in place of the more effective mechanical version in the Cup model. Adding to the appeal are the standard Brembo brakes, which
serve up eye-popping and fade-free stopping power.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,655 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025