Inside & Out:
Despite having been around for some time now (originally hitting our shores in 2010), the Mégane Renaultsport still manages to stand out - even in the less than extrovert shade of Oyster Grey found on our test car. Suitably different to the five-door Mégane, the sleek design is bolstered by the Renaultsport bumpers, chunky sills and rear spoiler. A gloss black nose, optional 19-inch alloy wheels (£700) and the central exit exhaust pipe finish off the look.
The cabin is just as purposeful, our Cup model coming with cloth Recaro seats that feel as good to sit in as they do to look at - if you're going to add one option to this car, then this is it. On top of that there's a leather wrapped steering wheel (with race-inspired centre marker for those wild oversteer moments), a set of alloy pedals and an analogue rather than digital speedometer. Otherwise it's actually fairly plain inside, and you'd best not look too hard for soft touch plastics, as you'll likely leave disappointed.
Ride & Handling:
If you buy the Cup model, then it's worth noting that it comes with stiffer suspension than the regular Renaultsport Mégane, and on the road the unrelenting damping may be too much for some. However, despite this inherent firmness, it's a car that rarely crashes or bangs, the springs clearly well-matched to the dampers.
It certainly wouldn't put us off. And there's one very good reason for taking the plunge and specifying the Cup model - it comes as standard with a mechanical limited slip differential (LSD). While the standard car isn't lacking in front end bite or lateral grip, the LSD adds another dimension to its list of talents. On a smooth dry road the Mégane 265 Cup proves pretty much unshakeable, and you can lean as hard as you'd like on the front end; the diff bites and pulls the nose closer to your chosen apex.
And thanks to those Recaro seats your view of that apex will be pretty much perfect, their adjustment allowing you to sit low in the chassis and the deep bolsters stopping you sliding around. Combine that with steering that is communicative and well-weighted, sharp Brembo brakes and a chassis that is generally neutral and well-balanced (unless you turn off the ESP and are aggressive with your inputs) and there are few hot hatches that are as confidence inspiring as the Mégane 265 Cup.
Engine & Transmission:
It's a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor under the bonnet, but for the most part you wouldn't know that from driving the car. It doesn't have the growl of anything with more cylinders or a much larger displacement, though it does sound engagingly raspy through that central-exit exhaust, and mid-range punch is there in abundance, but it's this engine's keenness to rev that will leave the most lasting impression. Where others struggle to deliver throughout the whole rev-range, in the Renault you'll find yourself bouncing off the limiter if you're not careful (or you've not pre-set the audible warning) such is its voracity to accelerate.
And in the right conditions, accelerate it will - from 0-62mph in just six seconds before finally calling it a day at nearly 160mph. You'll need to activate the sports mode on the ESP system though, as without this the car reverts back to its previous (pre-2012 facelift) tune of 'only' 250hp. Still, regardless of power level chosen even in the wet traction is impressive, and with that LSD in place you can make use of most of this car's power through the corners. There's a sense of real satisfaction to be found through blipping the throttle on downchanges as well, the task made all the easier by the slick short-throw gearshift and neatly spaced pedals.
Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:
The bottom line is that this car is cheap for what you get - by specifying the Cup model you save £1,200 over the regular car, but you gain tinted windows, that limited slip differential and red brake calipers. Of course you lose the standard leather seats, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers, but you make up for it with sheer ability.
And for less than £25,000 only the less-focused Ford Focus ST costs any less. If you want the Astra or Golf equivalents you'll need considerably more cash. Insurance is broadly comparable with its rivals, and though residuals can't beat those of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the latter is more expensive and doesn't offer a mechanical differential.
