Renault Sport Megane 280: £27,495

Megane RS comes in much cheaper than expected, and you can have a free Cup pack too...

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 1 May 2018 / Loading comments

There can't be many cars carrying a weight of expectation equivalent to the new Renault Sport Megane; not only must the latest model prove to those prospective Golf GTI buyers that there is a valid European alternative, it must also appease those who adored the previous car. You know, those buyers who feel the Clio has jumped the shark somewhat...

A tough ask then, yet the Megane has been already been on the receiving end of more than a few kind words. Today its case is bolstered by confirmation of UK pricing; which, against expectation - and what was suggested by European RRPs - reveals that the 280hp Megane will start at £27,495 over here.

While that assuredly means that it cannot be called 'cheap', it does make the car look very competitively priced compared to its nearest rivals. For reference a Hyundai i30 N Performance Pack is £27,995; a manual, five-door Golf GTI with 50hp less is £29,115.

Renault Sport will no doubt have its aim set on the more powerful hot hatch contenders as well, especially given the previous model surpassed (for driving fun at least) alternatives that boasted more than 300hp. The Honda Civic Type R remains the benchmark in this class, and costs from £30,995, while the 310hp Golf R starts at £32,850 with three doors and the standard manual gearbox.

The Megane's case is strengthened, moreover, by a special offer: order a new one during the month of May and you can have the Cup chassis option for free if you want. And you do want to, right? It brings a limited-slip diff, plus stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, for a more focused drive. There are red calipers as well, to show off the fact you care about such things to like-minded drivers.

Additional options confirmed today include a Brembo 'bi-material' brake upgrade (saving 1.8kg per corner) for £900, a £250 Alcantara covered steering wheel, two levels of Renault Sport Monitor (£300 and £400) plus a 19-inch wheel upgrade for £950. There's an assortment of blind spot warnings, hands free parking whatsits and emergency braking tech also available, but that's your important stuff. After May, the Cup chassis will cost £1,500.

So the signs are good thus far for the Megane, and hopefully we're not too far from establishing just where it sits in the hot hatch hierarchy. Until then there is yet more news from Renault Sport, that being the new Clio R.S.18. Sadly it's not a remake of the R.S.16, instead a very limited edition - just 15 are coming to the UK - inspired by the look of this year's F1 car and as such is offered only in Deep Black with Liquid Yellow accents.

The R.S.18 is mechanically identical to a 220 Trophy, albeit with a standard Akrapovic exhaust. It costs £24,295 and, like the Megane, is available to order right now. Form an orderly queue...