Renault Megane R.S.

FIRST DRIVE Latest Renault Sport hot hatch impresses with strong performance.

- Sam Naylor

IT’S been a long wait, but the latest Renault Sport Mégane has finally arrived in the UK. Its predecessor was among the finest cars in its class, so this new model is hugely important for hot hatch fans here and abroad.

But since production of the previous car ceased, the market has been filled with a crop of talented rivals. Hyundai has wowed us with the i30 N, yet it’s the superb Honda Civic Type R that is our current hot hatch champ. While we’ll have to wait to find out if the Mégane can beat it in our group test very soon, this first drive on UK roads proves the Civic will have a fight on its hands.

The Mégane is available with manual or auto boxes, and ours was fitted with the former. Renault Sport’s current Clio R.S. has been criticised for being auto only, but the French firm will offer the Mégane with both a manual and a DCT from launch. Our car also featured the £1,500 ‘Cup’ pack, adding a limited-slip diff and a stiffer chassis. The car had a £950 set of 19-inch alloys and a striking £1,300 Volcanic Orange paint job as well.