Renault Megane vs Renault Clio 2004

They include a powerful, turbocharged version of the quirky Megane hatch – you know, the one with the big derriere.

The second is a slightly more powerful version of the smaller but highly regarded Clio Sport.

Both cars offer high levels of performance and to go with this a free "performance" driving course will be offered to buyers.

Renault which has a long history with Australia made a return to this country with a flourish and brace of new models back in 2001.

But it has failed to build on the initial splash, with sales slipping backwards last year and still slightly down again this year.

However, it argues that it is in for the long haul and the good news is that cars like the Megane Turbo 225 and Clio Sport 182 could set tongues wagging once again.

"Our aim is to develop the Renault Sport name and to show buyers a more passionate side of the brand," says director of operations Rudi Koenig.

Renault Sport has its own plant which specialises in performance models at Dieppe in the Normandy region of France.

Both the Megane and Clio models adopt the new Renault Sport DNA which consists of twin tailpipes and a special alloy wheel design.

The Clio Sport will be familiar to readers as the little hotty that spearheaded the company's return four years ago.

It was initially available in very limited numbers all of which were snapped up by performance hungry punters.

The new car adds a more aggressive look and 7kW of extra power, lifting engine output to 131kW or 182bhp – a fraction more than Peugeot's 206 GTi 180 (ergo the 182 tag).

Torque stays the same at 200Nm but is produced slightly lower at 5250rpm.

The dash from 0-100km/h has been shaved from 7.3 to 7.1 seconds.

With a longer, wider footprint and five-speed manual stick the Clio goes hard and offers the enthusiast plenty of bang for their buck, with a ride and handling package that is among the best in class.

An even sportier Cup version is offered this time, with even firmer, lowered suspension for better handling.

Both versions are an absolute hoot to drive.

Wheel size has jumped from 15 to 16 inch on both cars but the Cup can be readily identified by its smoky coloured alloys.

A bright Racing Blue is a standout new colour.

On the downside weight in the Clio is up from 1035kg to 1090kg and in making way for the twin exhaust system the spare wheel has been replaced by a reinflation kit.

However, it is the turbocharged Megane that is the real suprise packet.

A turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-litre engine transforms the stylish hatch into something a whole lot more tastier than the standard car.

The engine delivers 165kW of power and 300Nm of torque from 3000rpm, catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.

That is quick but not quite as fast as a Subuaru WRX but then again it is an entirely different sort of car.

It is the smooth, almost seamless way the Megane delivers this power that is most impressive, providing plenty of get and go across the entire engine range.

The engine is hooked up to a Nissan-developed six- speed manual tranny and is one of the smoothest turbos that we have driven.

Mid-range acceleration is particularly strong, mak- ing overtaking a simple matter.

It is this same mid-range power that makes the car a joy to push this car through twisting mountain roads.

A special front suspension setup minimises the torque steer normally associated with powerful front- wheel drive cars.

This is the twisting, bucking sensation that you sometimes feel as the front wheels attempt to transmit power to the pavement.

The Megane's aggressive Brembo brakes take some getting used to.

Ventilated fourpot 312mm front discs are fitted along with one pot 300mm rear discs.

Large 17 inch wheels and low profile rubber fill out the wheel arches.

Inside, the look is ultra modern with color-coded seatbelts – bright orange in the car we drove.

Both are the Clio Sport 182 and Megane Turbo 225 are very well equipped with many luxury features including stability control and several airbags.

The Clio Sport 182 is priced from $32,990 while the Megane Turbo 225 retails for $42,990 – both prices exclude on-road costs.