Technically, this car is very similar to the Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy we reviewed in late 2011. What has happened since then is that its once special maximum power output of 265PS in metric units, 261bhp in imperial ones, has become mainstream. Just over a year ago, 265PS was 15PS above the Megane Renaultsport norm. Now, it is the norm.The current range forms the well-established pattern of having two models - the standard one and a cheaper Cup version with less equipment but various tweaks, collectively known as the "Cup chassis", to improve the handling - plus the £1350 option of having the CUp Chassis fitted to the standard car.Most Renaultsport models we've tested in recent years have had the Cup chassis. This one didn't. If you want to know what a Cup chassis-equipped 265 feels like, click on the link to the 2011 review of the Trophy, where you'll learn of the effects of the stiffer suspension, mechanical limited slip differential and so on.Without these things, the 265 is considerably more comfortable to drive in normal conditions, as you might expect. As you might also expect, it's not quite so impressive when you start to give it large on amusingly twisty and satisfactorily quiet country roads.The large amount of power being sent through the front wheels is well-contained, but not as well-contained as all that, and I think there might be a case for bringing the power output back down to the previous 250PS (247bhp in shillings and old pence) for Meganes not fitted with the Cup chassis.In its higher-specification form, the 265 costs £1200 more than the more basic Cup, and for that you get automatic dual-zone climate control air-conditioning (the Cup has aircon too, but it's more basic), automatic headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming interior mirror, keyless entry, heated front seats (with electric adjustment and a memory function for the one on the driver's side), LED daytime running lights, a tyre pressure monitor, rear privacy glass and rear parking sensors.If you don't think those sensors are sufficient - as you may well not, since the back half of the Megane is a devil of a thing to see out of - a rear parking camera is available as a £360 option. For a further £300 you can have the Visio System, introduced last year to the Scenic MPV, which adjusts the headlight beam and lets you know if you're starting to wander out of lane. Engine 1998cc, 4 cylinders Power 261bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 37.7mpg / 174g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 6.0 seconds Top speed 158mph Price £26,445 Release date 15/05/2010
Our Rating
