Superchips Renaultsport Mégane Video

Extra performance doesn’t come cheap – well not usually anyway. But for £445, Renaultsport Megane 250 owners can get their cars’ computer reprogrammed by Superchips to boost power from 247bhp to around 300bhp.

So what is the effect on performance? To find out we raced a Superchips-tuned Mégane against the standard Renaultsport Mégane 250 over a standing quarter mile sprint. And then compared the two in a fourth-gear rollon from 50mph for good measure.

The result wasn’t that surprising: the tuned car was faster. You’ll have to watch the video to find out by how much.

However, as the Superchips performance upgrade gives the Renaultsport Mégane 250 similar power as a Ford Focus RS, we thought it only fair to have another drag race. This time the results were surprising.

Away from the track, you might expect the extra firepower to make the Mégane more unruly in corners – but, surprisingly, torque steer wasn’t a huge problem. 

Although you can feel the front end snatching around more than before, it’s easy to control, with small adjustments to the throttle making a big difference at the front end.

The Superchips remap also includes a handheld ‘Bluefin’ control system, which saves the engine’s factory settings, and means drivers can dial in extra performance when required.

Overall, the enhanced pace doesn’t transform the Mégane, but adds to its strengths.  Downsides are likely to be worse economy – if you use the performance all the time – plus increased insurance costs. 

Also, the upgrade can affect your manufacturer’s warranty, though Superchips does provide supplementary cover included in the £445 price.

But really, when you consider the increase in oomph, at this price it’s a bit of a bargain.