Launch of the latest Renault Megane Renault Sport 250 extends the French manufacturer’s reputation for producing some of the world’s most desirable hot hatchbacks.

The latest version is now available in two models – Sport 250 Cup ($41,990) and Cup Trophee ($46,990). The latter gains 19-inch alloy wheels and leather trimmed Recaro seats amongst its extra goodies. 

Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 184kW/340Nm, driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and mechanical limited slip differential. Brembo brakes handle the stopping department.

Performance specifications are impressive – including Renault Sport Dynamic Management (three ESP settings) and, straight from the motorsport world, onboard telemetry via the Renault Sport monitor. Among the monitor’s features is driver selectable pedal mapping with five modes – ‘linear’, ‘normal’, ‘snow’, ‘sport’ and ‘extreme’. 

Analogue instruments are another cue to Renault’s F1 world (plus a warning light for gear changes). Gauges have a racy yellow background and there are yellow highlights in the trim material and steering wheels (yellow and blue are Renault’s F1 colours). 

Suspension and chassis tuning has also been handled by Renault Sport – it’s the now familiar Renault Sport Performance Hub front set-up. Australian versions of the Megane Sport 250 run a larger anti-roll bar (24.2mm) for 13 per cent more roll stiffness than European models.