Renault Sport Megane Cup-S | PH Fleet

New year, new wheels. But the end is fast approaching for Ben's Cup-S

January really is the worst, isn’t it? Christmas is over, I can’t listen to my favourite Michael Buble songs for ages, it’s dark and wet all the bloody time and I’m usually broke. Not just because of getting carried away buying presents, but also because GJ65 BYO decided to celebrate our two-year anniversary together by detonating its air-conditioning pump.

This is seemingly a common occurrence these days for Meganes, so I booked my car back into AW Motorworks (the firm that rebuilt my gearbox in 2021) for a new AC pump (£600) and a fresh service (£200). Because icy cold air con is exactly what I need when it’s minus five outside. Winter might not be the best time of year for driving, but at least it’s a good time for getting work done and looking forward to the year ahead.

I bought a set of OEM 18-inch Tibor alloy wheels in April last year, which became a great ornamental backdrop for Zoom calls for the majority of 2022. I decided to pull my finger out and get them refurbished in gloss black after agonising over finish, which I managed to do for a grand total of £240 thanks to some recommendations in the Kent & Essex forum. The old Michelin Pilot Sports 4s on them were down to the wear markers, so I had them wrapped in a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5s in the process.

I was never really a fan of the 19-inch STEEV alloys that came as standard on the car, much preferring the simple design of the 18s. A lot of people will claim that Meganes ride better on the smaller wheels as well; perhaps there’s a placebo affect, but I would say the ride has softened somewhat, thanks to a slightly chunkier sidewall.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (or PS5 for short) replaced the PS4 last year, with the more performance-biased PS4S (that replaced the Super Sport) which I had on my 19s still available to buy right now. Dry real-world comparisons of the PS4, PS4S and PS5 I suspect are going to be marginal on the road, but I would say that wet traction is slightly improved in the PS5.

In the dry, the PS5 complements the Megane’s fancy Perfohub front suspension setup and has no problem putting down close to 300hp through the front wheels. Traction nibbles away progressively as you push the limits, helping you feel in control whatever the conditions. The latest evolution of Pilot Sport remains a fantastic all-rounder then, although as ever it’s the Megane’s all-round handling prowess that makes it seem like a car that will never be adequately replaced.

For me personally, however, the question of its replacement is starting to loom large. Which is a miserable thought when the car is now looking and driving better than ever before. It’ll be very hard to let go when the time comes, although there is an interim replacement on the way. Something newer and roomier and not something anyone would expect. But more on that next month!

Car: 2015 Renault Sport Megane 275 Cup-S
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: September 2020
Mileage: 44,254