Renaultsport Mégane 250 blows in

The last Mégane spawned one of the greatest hot hatches of modern times - the ultimate iteration of which was the razor-sharp, roll-cage equipped R26R. As such, we're expecting great things of the new Renaultsport Mégane when we finally get behind the wheel. Its aesthetics certainly don't dent that expectation.

What's all the fuss about?

Again, the Renaultsport Mégane 250 is the successor to a mighty fine hot hatch - and given that car's evolution from slightly soft hot hatch to a hardcore almost-track car, this is probably only the start. But what a start: it gets 247bhp (25bhp more than the R26R) from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and 251lb.ft of torque from low revs.

Anything that stands out?

Two different versions will be available: Sport and Cup. The latter will be a slightly more driver-focussed variant with a limited slip differential for better handling. Sadly for family buyers, it's based on the three-door Mégane only (for the moment, anyway).

When can I buy one?

If you've got around £19,000 you can have a basic Sport version when it goes on sale this autumn, with the LSD-equipped Cup model likely to cost a couple of thousand more. Both get a six-speed manual gearbox.

Mark Nichol