Renault Megane Reviews

Anyone think the small car class is underdone for choice? No, I didn't think so. Three and five-door small cars are running rampant in the marketplace, sourced from all four points of the compass and with petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains.Renault has updated its Megane with a little diesel with a six-speed double-clutcher, available in Dynamique or Privilege spec - we're in the former.VALUEThe Dynamic is priced from $27,490 - a $1500 price impost over the petrol-powered equivalent, with a features list that's really not missing much. The cabin is trimmed with cloth predominantly, with a leather-wrapped reach'n'rake adjustable steering wheel and gear shifter, 16in alloy wheels (with a full-size steel spare wheel slung under the bum), dual zone climate control with rear vents, power windows, a 60/40 splitfold rear seat backrest,  a four-speaker sound system with auxiliary and USB input as well as Bluetooth phone and audio link, power-adjustable and folding exterior mirrors.The test car was also fitted with satellite navigation - a $1490 option.TECHNOLOGYThe turbodiesel now in the hatch is an 81kW/240Nm 1.5-litre SOHC 8-valve direct-injection intercooled turbodiesel engine with a particle filter, which is not anywhere near the diesel outputs from the class leaders - Ford, Mazda and Holden all have mid300s for torque and over 100kW of power.The Renault makes up ground with a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, which claims 4.5 litre per 100km and 117g/km. The Megane also gets the flat credit-card -like key with smart locking features and keyless ignition.It's handy to be able to walk away and have the car lock itself, or unlock by touching the handle, although a couple of times it didn't always work as you'd think and you'd have to press the unlock button on the card - a first-world problem.DESIGNGone are the angular looks of the old car's front and the rump is far less pronounced - think Sharapova instead of Williams - it is a more attractive and cohesive look than that of the previous generations. The cabin has an open feel about it, with the driver getting a digital speedo that might not be to all tastes.The sound system controls - on the dash and the stalk behind the helm - would take some getting used to. The chrome trim highlights on the front doors look good but are hard on the driver's right leg, which rests against it. Rear head room is adequate but leg room isn't.SAFETYA five-star NCAP car (Renault was the first to gain that ranking many moons ago), the Megane has stability control, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, as well as dual front, front-side and full-length curtain airbags. The safety features also include automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.DRIVINGThe little French hatch is behind the eight ball for outputs and but for the lighter kerb weight would be a genuine slug. Fuel economy numbers make up for it to some extent, but for now there are more lively diesel alternatives that can acheive similar numbers.The little diesel is a chuggy powerplant but the cabin is reasonably well-insulated from it - but it's still not the quietest. The chassis compromise between ride and handling is pleasant, one of the better balanced set-ups in the segment. Cabin space is not abundant, particularly for the legs of rear passengers, but bootspace is good - the full-size spare is slung outside the car, under the more-svelte rump.Seating is comfortable for the driver, who checks speed on a digital readout that some mightn't like but I got used to; the sound system controls (on the dash or stalk) are less easy to like. The instruments and centre display have been given an effective cowling to shield from light and that's not something that is always done well by European brands (Range Rover Evoque being a prime example).It did prove frugal despite the bulk of its time being spent on suburban roads - 7 litres per 100km were taken from the 60-litre tank, so 1000km on the open road is achievable. Complaints are few - it could do with rear parking sensors as standard as vision aft isn't perfect; the trim piece on the door pull handle is quite hard and fails as a comfortable knee rest for the driver.VERDICTThe Megane hatch joins a tidal wave of small hatches hitting the top-end of the Australian small-car segment and it's in for a tough fight. The pricetag is in the ballpark but the segment leaders are offering more powerful packages without a big jump in real-world fuel use. The less-polarising looks will help the Megane's cause but the diesel engine falls short of the competition.Renaut Megane Dynamic automatic dCiPrice: from $27,490Warranty: 5 years,  unlimited kmResale: 50% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 10,000km or 6-monthsEconomy: 4.5 l/100km, on test 7l/100km; 117g/km CO2Safety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 81kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed auto, front-wheel driveBody: 5-door, 5 seats Dimensions: 4295mm (L); 1808mm (W); 1471mm (H); 2641mm (WB)Weight: 1366kgTyre size: 205/60 R16Spare tyre: full-size steel

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?What is it?This is the drop-top version of Renault's Megane small car complete with retractable hard top (glass) and seats for four. Decent boot too.How much?The price is $45,990 but the Summer Edition adds 18-inch alloys and charcoal leather upholstery, normally $3300 extraWhat are competitors? VW Golf convertible though it's a soft top, VW Eos at more money, perhaps the BMW 1-series convertible, Mini Cabrio, Peugeot 308CC.What's under the bonnet?It gets a 2.0-litre, petrol twin cam four pot with 103kW/195Nm output driving the front wheels via a CVT auto. The engine passes Euro 5 emissions regs and prefers to drink 98 octane fuel.How does it go?OK as long as you are prepared to exercise the right foot and ignore the slurring CVT transmission. Performance would best be described as adequate, not sporty by any stretch of the imagination.Is it economical?Renault claims around 8.1-litres/100km but we couldn't get that because it has to be driven harder than expected.Is it green?Gets a Euro 5 endorsement so top of the tree. Can't comment about other aspects of Megane's "green-ness" but undoubtedly nearly totally recyclable.Is it safe?Gets a five star Euro NCAP crash rating _ top of the tree again.Is it comfortable?In the two front seats yes, in the driver's seat more so thanks to electric adjustment and heating. The leather is a welcome addition as are the Arkamys premium audio, Bluetooth and audio streaming, electric parking brake, dual zone aircon, audio connection box, wind deflector and hands free entry/ignition systems. There's plenty of kit to keep you comfy and entertained.What's it like to drive?Not too bad actually, with a supple ride, well controlled, quiet and when booted along, pretty responsive. The turbo engine out of RS coupe would be excellent.Is it value for money?Against current competition yes, plenty of equipment, the 22 second retractable glass roof, daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys and plenty more.Would we buy one?Possibly if we wanted a tan (we don't). But if we were in the drop-top market, and didn't want a rip snorting performance model, a more relaxed drive, we's definitely have a look at the Megane CC.Price: from $45,990

Double-clutch automated manual transmissions have been around for a few years now and Renault has just introduced a six-speed unit. It calls the new transmission Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC), and it’s the main reason we took another look at the Megane diesel hatch.TECHNOLOGYDouble-clutch transmissions make super-quick gear changes – faster than humanly possible – and offer reduced fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic.However, to feel these transmissions working at their best you need to use a lot of right foot to get off the line cleanly, which immediately detracts from the fuel efficiency.In Megane hatch under review, the six-speed EDC transmission is linked to a 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and produces peak torque of 240 Nm at a low 1750 rpm, and 110 kilowatts at 4000 rpm. Power is run through the front wheels and there is no sign of torque steer even under hard acceleration. Renault claims the EDC transmission saves 17 per cent on emissions when compared to a conventional auto.DESIGNNo one could ever accuse the French of producing boring cars and the Megane hatch is living proof of a beautifully sculpted five-door hatch. It is short but rakish and looks great on the road thanks to short front and rear overhangs.At 4.3 metres long it could play the role of a family car for two adults and two kids.In the Privilege the front seats have power height and reach adjustment, while the steering wheel also has height and reach adjustment. The seats are pretty comfortable though and there's good leg room for rear seat passengers. The rear seat is a bit narrow and better suited to two adults than three.The rear seat is a 60/40 split and folds forward to greatly increase cargo space. All seats in use there's 360 litres of luggage space. We used the Megane Hatch diesel for a weekend trip away to Grafton in the northern rivers area of NSW and our luggage hardly put a dent in the boot space.SAFETYRenault was the first company every to score a five-star rating on the Euro NCAP testing and continues to be a leader in the field. As well as the ability to help occupants survive a crash, Renault is also big in primary safety, boasting Electronic Stability Program and ABS brakes with emergency brake assist. EQUIPMENTThere are two specification levels, Dynamique and Privilege. Megane Privilege gets a significant package to justify the $5000 difference between the two spec levels. These include black leather upholstery, electric glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and Arkamys four-speaker/four-tweeter sound system with single CD/MP3 player with satellite controls on the steering column.We can't say we love the ergonomics. The start/start button is in a user-unfriendly spot in front of the gear shifter, while the air conditioning buttons and audio controls are far too low. This is compounded by the satellite audio controls hidden behind the right spoke of the steering wheel. These almost seem designed to distract the driver from what they should be doing – concentrating on the road.What they have got right is the cruise control which is on the face of the steering wheel and simple to use. However, the cruise control master switch is on the centre console. Go figure.DRIVINGRenault Megane hatch has refined road manners with excellent cornering and braking and makes an excellent cruising machine. The diesel engine is at its best when cruising with the car routinely having fuel consumption under 5.0 litres per 100 km. In our week we covered more than 600 km at 5.3 L/100 km, a fair bit above Renault's claim of 4.5 L/100 km, but no more removed from reality than the fuel figures claimed for most other cars. The combination of a stunning French style, the convenience of a new-design automatic transmission and a pretty low price for the prestige of a owning a European car seems sure to guarantee the latest Renault Megane strong sales Down Under.Renault Megane Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-dieselPrice: RS 250 Cup 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $41,990 (manual), RS 250 Monaco GP 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $48,990 (automatic),  Dynamique 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $22,990 (manual), $24,990 (manual), Privilege: 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $29,990 (automatic),  Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: Privilege dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: $32,490 (automatic)Warranty: Five years/ unlimited kmEngine: 1.461 litres, Four cylinders in line. Compression Ratio: 15.2:1. 81kW - 240NmSafety Equipment: ABS Brakes, ESP, Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags.Transmission: Manual Transmission: Six-speed Automatic Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutchDimensions: Length: 4295 mm, Wheelbase: 2641 mm, Width:1808 mm, Height: 1471 mm. Turning Circle: 11.1 metresWeight: 1366 kgTowing Ability: 1300 kg with braked trailerBrakes: Front Brakes: Ventilated disc Rear Brakes: DiscThirst: Diesel Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 4.5 L/100kmGreen: 8.5/10. Air Pollution Rating: 5/10

For as little as $27,490, you can get a "small" five door hatchback that returns 4.5-litres/100km. It's a much more attractive package than any hybrid on the market in terms of performance, running costs and purchase price, to say nothing of looks.Renault's Megane DCi might have a small capacity, 1.5-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet, lifted from a light commercial vehicle, but it also has a six-speed dual clutch `manumatic' transmission and oodles of grunt from a low 1750rpm - just off idle. Two models are available and we were able to drive the up spec' $32,500 Megane Privilege. It's a good looking car offering plenty of interior room and a good size boot accessed through a large rear hatch. Easily one of Renault's best lookers, the distinctive Megane hatch is quite a large "small' car tipping the scales at 1366kg. The Privilege we drove scores premium Arkamy's audio (with inadequate bass response) Bluetooth phone and streaming, satnav, climate control, leather, a multi media connection box, full size 17-inch spare, alloys, smart key start and plenty more kit.It is a genuine competitor for VW Golf at less money and also otherpremium small cars.TECHNOLOGYIt's a single cam, eight valve, 1.5-litre four banger lifted from Kangoo van with 81kW/240Nm output. There's a particle filter in the exhaust helping achieve a Euro 5 emissions rating. On paper it's not impressive but in reality, the engine is a good'un offering plenty of response, super fuel economy, strong roll-on acceleration and clatter only at and for a short period after start-up from cold.What makes it is the six speed DSG gearbox, unusual because it is a dry clutch as opposed to a wet clutch (filled with oil). The dry clutch is better in terms of low speed operation and a reduction in friction loses.DESIGNNot as classy as a VW but neat and functional. Megane's interior is easy on the eye and comfortable for long drives. There's plenty of rear seat leg and headroom and the standard equipment in the Privilege is generous and appreciated but unnecessary except for the satnav. Some of the controls are not intuitive.DRIVINGRenault has a bit of a reputation for good handling, well, good overall dynamics and such is the case here. Megane diesel offers a high level of ride comfort from its strut and torsion beam suspension and yet corners flat with tenacity.It has strong brakes and good steering feel. Pity there's no paddle shift on the wheel. No complaints about engine performance whatsoever - it could be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel gauged on underfoot feel. An annoying creaking noise in the rear suspension blotted the scorecard.SAFETYFive star car with all that entails - six air bags, stability control, safety cell chassis, pedestrian safety.VERDICTDefinitely worth a look if you are shopping Golf, diesel Focus, Pug 308, even 1-Series and C30 diesels. Surprisingly good, better value in Dynamique grade.

Honda Civic and Renault Megane go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Value and economy are pretty good hooks to hang a car on. When that car is a Renault Megane diesel and it's taking on everything from the Ford Focus to the Hyundai i30, it needs more than that to make a mark. The Renault has plenty of cache and the Megane is priced and positioned to carve out a bigger niche than the 60-odd cars it is now selling month.VALUERenault Australia boss Justin Hocevar has fought the good fight to get the base model Megane in at $27,490 and right into the small-car fight. It comes with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel matched to a competent dual-clutch automated manual transmission. That gives it an edge against the six-speed manual in the Mazda3 diesel for $27,360, $28,990 for the Golf Bluemotion and $30,500 for the Ford Focus Trend, both in manual guise. Hyundai's i30cw SX undercuts them all at $23,090 for the five-speed manual . but the auto is a four-speeder and costs $2000.DESIGNThe Megane is different enough to stand out in the carpark for all the right reasons. As yet Renault is still not a common sight and the hatch has been cut from a more stylish French cloth than the utilitarian shape of the VW Golf or the i30. Exterior style isn't matched with interior space, though. The glovebox won't  stow anything bigger than a clutch purse and the centre bin will struggle to do that. The hand-held TomTom satnav controller chews up one of the front drink holders and the door poc kets are slim. On the positive side the materials and plastics feel better than most in this class and there's a decent boot.TECHNOLOGYThe dual-clutch automated manual transmission is the news. It's a dry clutch unit which cuts down on weight and frictional losses and operates as well as VW's DSG unit off the line. It isn't far off when underway but can occasionally be caught hunting for a gear under light acceleration or braking. Teamed with the 1.5-litre turbodiesel the transmission helps the Megane to an official fuel use of 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 117g/km.SAFETYThe Megane hasn't yet been rated but the previous model was a five-star NCAP car and it's hard to see the French brand going backwards. This is a mainstream vehicle in Europe from a mainstream company and the structural integrity, six airbags and stability control have all been designed to give it a top rating.DRIVINGThe Megane's performance is admirable - a decent spread of torque makes it feel bigger than a 1.5-litre oilburner - without being close to class-leading. In terms of ride and passenger comfort, though, only the Focus and Golf will match it. A succession of unavoidable ruts and potholes tested the suspension and while the bumps were felt, they didn't unsettle the car. The same can't be said for the silica-loaded rubber on the base Dynamique. They understeered well before the suspension was under pressure and, surprisingly, weren't as compliant as the rubber on the 17-inch r immed Privilege.VERDICTAll Renault Australia's Justin Hocevar wants is for the Megane to earn a spot on shopping lists. A solid car at a competitive price with a five-year warranty and free servicing for the first three years should give him that. It's a refined entry in a cut-throat segment with the looks and handling to convert test drives to buyers.

Parlez-vous ee-con-o-mee? French car maker Renault now does with the launch of a super economical version of the Megane hatch. Powered by a small 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine it’s good for an impressive 4.5 litres/100km and 117g/km of C02 which is right up there with the best of them.The launch of the Megane diesel also marks the debut of Renault’s first twin clutch robotised transmission in this country which it has labelled EDC for Efficient Dual Clutch.Renault claims it offers a 17 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and engine emissions compared with conventional automatics. Apart from this, no other modifications have been made to achieve the outstanding result.VALUEPriced from $27,490 the entry Dynamique model represents excellent value. It’s roomy, has a large boot and comes with a full size spare. Rear legroom is also generous.Standard kit includes alloys, twin zone climate, auto lights and wipers, cruise control (plus speed limiter), AUX and USB audio inputs, fingertip audio controls and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.For $5000 more, top of the range Privilege adds leather, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, larger 17 inch alloys, satellite navigation and a more powerful audio system. Apart from the additional equipment, the more expensive model is worth consideration if only for the way it drives.DESIGNThe previous Megane was noted for its outrageous styling, with a rounded, bulbous rear end dubbed by many as a bustle. The look this time around is more mainstream and likely to appeal to more people which has got to be good for sales.The inside is a bit drab, especially in the entry model with the use of some very plain black plastic in some areas - though we like the large digital speedo. For some reason the cruise control/speed limiter selector is hidden between the front seats.TECHNOLOGYIt’s 4.3 metre long, weighs 1366kg and has a 2640mm wheelbase. The 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel is the same engine that can be found in Renault’s small Kangoo delivery van that we tested recently. It produces 81kW of power at 4000 revs and 240Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs.The Getrag EDC six-speed, dry twin clutch transmission that works basically the same as other twin clutch setups, boasting fast changes with no loss of power between gears, delivering the efficiency of a manual and convenience of an auto.Front suspension is Mac strut while the rear is a torsion beam setup. Being a diesel the car is inherently economical, but being smaller than the norm lends it a slight edge.SAFETYSafety has always been one of Renault’s strong suites and the Megane is no exception. Scores a full five stars for safety in crash tests, with six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist as standard.DRIVINGGoes a lot better than the engine’s small capacity might suggest. Good low to mid-range torque delivers a strong throttle response, but the transmission tends to move into high gear quickly to achieve better economy.Flicking the gear selector across to manual mode really brings the car alive, allowing the driver to access full torque at all times for a much livelier driving experience - although pressed hard the transmission will eventually change up manual mode or no manual mode.We were getting 6.7 litres/100km from the 60-litre tank after some hard driving but this dropped to 5.2 litres/100km after an easy run home.The seats offer little support in the entry model and the car exhibits tyre squirm under load, while the Privilege with its taller wheels and lower profile tyres felt more planted, stable and comfortable to drive. Drive both before making a decision, or at least option the larger wheels.VERDICTA good choice for those in the market for comfortable, safe long distance commuter, but on the lookout for something with a bit more cache. The styling is a bit ordinary and the interior finish not as good as a Japanese car, but it ticks all the boxes. A five-year warranty, 2.9 per cent finance and, for the month of October, free three-year servicing - make this particular Renault a very safe bet. Competitors include Peugot’s 308, the VW Golf and the Mazda3 diesel.

Renault Megane Privilege and Subaru Impreza 2.0 RS go head-to-head in this comparative review.

IF you lost some of that weight around your rear end, you would probably handle better. Well, the same goes for the new-generation Renault Megane. It has lost the flabby rear end, smartened up its appearance and gained better handling and improved ride.Megane now comes in several different formats from family hatch to hairdresser-friendly hard-top convertible and a couple of hot hatches for the backwards-baseball-cap wearers, so there's something for almost everybody.VALUEAs well as the rear end, prices for the hatch have been trimmed. They now start at $22,990 for the Dynamique manual two-litre Hatch with a drive-away price of $25,990. That's the same price as the 2003 entry model 1.6-litre model before on-road costs.That pitches it right into the ballpark of other two-litre five-door hatches such as the top-selling Mazda3 (from $21,330), the new Ford Focus (from $21,990) and Hyundai i30 (from $20,590). Not bad considering you get some French flair thrown in plus standard equipment not on the original model such as six airbags, cruise control, ESP, hands-free keycard and Bluetooth.But it's a quantum leap to the Coupe-Cabriolet at $45,990 whose class competitors are the two-litre turbo-diesel-powered Volkswagen Eos ($46,990-$48,990) and 1.6-litre petrol Peugeot 207CC (from $33,490-$56,490).The hot hatches are priced at $41,990 for the RS250 Cup and $46,990 for the RS250 Cup Trophee, which is a far cry from the very worthy Focus XR5 ($36,490) and Mazda SP25 ($29,255-$31,575), but more closely aligned with the Honda Civic Type R ($39,990) and long-time class-leading VW Golf GTI ($40,490).TECHNOLOGYThe 1.6-litre engine has been replaced by a two-litre four-cylinder engine in Megane Hatch and Coupe-Cabriolet. It has output of 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, which is capable but no match for the new Focus with 125kW/202Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual or one of the best six-step continuously variable transmissions we have come across. The Coupe-Cabriolet comes with CVT only.Turbocharging lifts the power in the RS250 to 184kW/340Nm with a six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes. The technologically clever cabriolet roof goes up and comes down in 25 seconds, but cannot be operated while moving.DESIGNThe trimmer rear end of the hatch is a far less polarising design than the previous model. It's quite an attractive car inside and out with plenty of French flair. In three-door hot hatch format, it is scintillating with its swoopy roof and dazzling body lines. However, the Coupe-Cabriolet is almost laughable having no sense of proportion with the cabin pushed way forward and too much rear end.The glass roof is the only stylish redeeming factor, but in all practicality it is a liability in our hot climate. The thin "flyscreen" will not help keep out the heat.SAFETYMegane has always been a top safety car with a class-leading four-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the first model in the late '90s thanks to its safety cell. All new models have a long list of safety features such as six airbags, automatic headlight and wipers, ESP, ABS, emergency braking assist, and on the CC there is rollover protection. There are also energy-absorbing bumpers to protect pedestrians. Forward visibility is good in all, but rear visibility is limited.DRIVINGOnce you get past the quirky controls, including the maddening stubby audio stalk behind the steering wheel, the hatch is quite a comfortable and pleasant place to conduct the business of driving.The seats are not the usual lounge-chair French seats but are comfortable and supportive and the steering wheel is sporty and the cockpit inviting. There is good room for four adults and a convenient cargo area. It's a quiet and refined ride with plenty of steering feedback and excellent road manners.The two-litre engine is lively without being startling and the economy is a healthy 8.2 litres per 100km and an even better 7.9L/100km for the CVT model. If you want more power, the hot hatches have plenty, but they are sprung way too hard for the output. I expect such spleen-blendering suspension in a Subaru STI which has almost 20 per cent more power, not the Megane.Meanwhile, the Cabrio weighs a whopping 200kg more and really feels the lard. It's like driving with two front-row rugby forwards sitting in the back seat; not that they'd fit as there is no leg or head room for a fully grown adult. That hard-top roof also creaks and clicks where it joins the windscreen which is annoying over potholed roads The most surprising combination was the hatch with CVT.When pushed hard it screams as expected, but if punted around town doing the daily battles with traffic, it is a clever transmission that does what its told. plus it has better economy than the manual.VERDICTStyling and pricing are much better for the new Megane hatch and it should persuade some buyers from Japanese or Korean brands. But those same two factors let down the Coupe-Cabriolet and the hot hatches.

The spy scandal at Renault shows it's capable of some classic Inspector Clouseau behaviour. Three former executives are now destined for huge compensation payouts after being falsely accused of flogging secrets to the Chinese. They were fired on the word of a paid informant.But Renault had been the victim of a scam. It's all going to get very messy and has tarnished the do-no-wrong reputation of chief executive Carlos Ghosn, who has sacrificed his bonus and issued a humiliating apology. Hindsight is easy, but I could have told them they were revving up the wrong engine. I offered to spill the beans on the Renault RS250 down at Emperor's Garden and didn't come away with so much as a dim sim.The RS250 is a feisty hatchback along the lines of the Volkswagen Golf GTI but a little bit pricier and French. Things get better from there. It's about the same weight but extracts more power from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With another 29kW, it's quicker to 100km/h by what is, in hatchback terms, a chasm: 0.8 seconds.At a shade over 6 seconds to the limit, the RS250 is right at the pointy end of hatchback performance. Apart from outright oomph, it has a limited slip differential to help traction and that bane of powerful front-wheel drive cars, torque steer, is largely absent.DESIGNLike the GTI, the RS250 is based on a bread-and-butter hatchback, in this case the Megane. The trick with these cars is to make them look hot and drive well without destroying the hatchback's inherently practical formula.The RS250 looks great, much better than the standard car, although there are some compromises from the two-door layout. The doors themselves are long, the rear is occasional-fit for full-size adults and the hatchback loading lip is high and narrow.The Trophee variant driven here gets 19-inch wheels and snug Recaro seats up front with a squab that lacks tilt adjustment. It took a while to find the right position. Ahead are dials, set at a difficult angle to read. I wouldn't want to rely on them to keep me legal.INTERIORMaterials are a mix of soft-textured plastic on top of the dash and hard, featureless plastics elsewhere. There are some vestiges of the left to right-hand drive conversion, including a start button and handbrake that are closer to the passenger than the driver.There's also that perennial French specialty, the multi-function wand. In its familiar place at 4 o'clock behind the wheel, it now has nine controls that allow audio and other functions to be accessed without taking your hands off the wheel. Unless you want to turn cruise control on. Then you'll spend ages looking for a switch located - absurdly - behind the gear shifter.DRIVINGAs soon as the turbo is on boost - and it doesn't need many revs - the low-down torque is there to make around-town driving less of a constant gear change. That said, it's still possible to stall it because below a certain point nothing happens and the clutch take-up is a bit high. I wasn't a huge fan of the gearshift action either, but that's being picky.The brake and throttle are nicely positioned and the steering wheel is a beauty. The car steers sweetly and with four-piston Brembos at the front, pulls up with authority. Best of all, I liked the car's overall composure, which is first rate and would not disgrace something much more expensive.It's set up with some firmness, as you would expect, and plenty of discipline so it retains contact with the tarmac over bumps. Despite this, there's enough initial cushioning to make it comfortable. This translates into tidy and accomplished dynamics, which make it quick then quicker along a windy road until you reach the - fairly distant - point where it wants to run wide.Quirks aside, the main drawback of the RS250 was a bit too much tyre noise from skinny 35 ratio tyres. On their own they can be a bit loud. Combined with the noise of the turbocharged engine, which occasionally sounds good but mostly sounds industrial, the cabin ambience alternates between a thrum and a drone.VERDICTIf I had younger ears and was after something small and feisty, the RS250 would be on a short list next to the Golf GTI.Read more about prestige motoring at The Australian.