Renault Megane RenaultSport 225 Cup 2007 Review

Road Test

Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Pricing/Packaging/Practicality: 4.5/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 5.0/5.0

Beyond just another hot hatch, the Renault Sport Megane II 225 Cup is a bona fide performance car; France's answer to Golf GTi and WRX, with distinctive Gallic panache.

Megane's five-door, front-wheel drive constitution is transformed by a Renault Sport Technologies-developed turbocharged engine good for 225bhp (165kW), sports-tuned suspension, big Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels.

The RS 225 Cup gets drilled brake discs and bigger master cylinders, increased suspension spring rate and a new power-assisted steering system designed to improve feel at the centre, or neutral, point. The RS retune also includes a recalibration of driver aids, which means to say the nannies have been gagged (a little) in the interests of entertainment, offering a less-intrusive, 'inhibitible' electronic stability program.

The Megane's body roll is also kept to a minimum but Renault Sport says it has reduced the diameter of the front anti-roll bar to improve cornering. Certainly, the Cup's handling and stability through corners is a highlight; sharp but remaining as civilized as any small sports sedan.

The RS 225's suspension tune is more subtle than rival rocket WRX, with a refined ride that's especially welcome over the long haul. The Cup is quiet and doesn't thump over shoddy city streets, and easily manages driveways and speed humps despite the low ride settings and Megane's blunt nose.

Only second-rate road conditions will rattle the Cup's nerves while cornering at speed, and even then it's quick to regain composure. This goes for the Cup's ability to handle dirt, a pleasant surprise even if you have to ignore the flashing dash light for the allegedly less-intrusive ESP. Its prowess on gravel is likely a family trait; shared by Megane's baby brother and Junior World Rally Championship star, the Clio.

The Cup's steering is nicely heavy at and off-centre, but it still feels too controlled and clinical -- perhaps in an effort to disguise front-wheel torque steer. Nonetheless, it's direct and responsive.

The 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine has a wide usable power band. At low revs it behaves almost like a well-sorted, muscular V6 and the turbo responds so quickly to any more boot that talking about turbocharger lag is merely academic.

The Cup's 300Nm torque peak is available at 3000rpm; max power is at 5500 and redline is 6500rpm. Importantly, there's plenty of boost available under 3000rpm which means, as Renault rightly boasts, most of the engine's torque is on hand across most of the rev range -- between 2000 and 6000rpm there's always oomph!

The RS 225 comes with a smooth shifting, solid-feeling six-speed manual with a highway-friendly ratio that makes use of top gear, happy at under 2500rpm for tooling around at our legal limit: 20-30km/h less than highway speeds allowed in its country of origin, by the way.

If there's any fault with the RS 225 it's that its front-wheel drive has trouble putting all that power to the ground. With so much torque available so early, it's easy to tread on its sweet spot which sees the traction control and the 'topped out' front suspension struggling to cope.

The Megane's wide, wheel-at-corner stance and flared guards were always destined for some neat wheels, and Renault Sport's own 18-inch gunmetal grey alloys are superlight and seriously sexy.

Equipped with big Brembo brakes (312mm front, 300mm rear) and shod with sticky Dunlop SportMaxx rubber, (specially made for Renault Sport), the Cup feels trustworthy under pressure and immensely surefooted.

The Cup's interior appointments are generous and well-fitted, and designers have been clever with the Megane's wide body dimensions to include sensible storage spaces such as deep bins in the armrests and doors.

The rather lavish standard equipment list includes leather trim, climate control, rain-sensing wipers and six-stack in-dash CD player with soft-touch controls. Safety fit includes airbags for front and rear passengers, and ABS with EBD and emergency brake assist. Like the lesser Meganes, the Cup is a five-star NCAP car.

Megane's cabin is classy and comfortable with good legroom for front passengers. The driver gets fully adjustable steering and seating, and space is ample for those upfront. Less-so for rear passengers. We had three stocky 70-somethings (that's in weight, not years -- and we're being kind) tucked in for a short run and all agreed it was cosy, but the 225 still handled and sprinted well with all that extra ballast.

The Cup's serious street credentials match any of the hot hatches, including the exalted VW Golf GTi, and then some. That it adds a fair dose of individual character is an extra plus. The Cup is also a relatively exclusive win -- the Renault Sport factory in Dieppe turns out 30,000 vehicles a year, including the RS Clio.

Thus if it came down to a GTI-RS showdown we'd choose the 225 Cup... By a cute French nose.