It was very nearly five years ago now - September 1st, 2015 in fact - that the Renaultsport Megane received a quite extraordinary facelift. Not because it looked much different or went a great deal faster (even with extra power), but because a range refresh meant it cost an awful lot less money. With the end in sight for the third generation of Megane, a nip and a tuck and a drastic price drop were deemed the appropriate way to drum up interest in those daft souls who hadn't yet seen the light and just bought some kind of 250, 265 or 275-badged Megane.
It's unclear how much impact the rework had, though it created another Renaultsport legend in the process: the 275 Cup-S. A little OTT for a run-out special? Not a bit of it. The Cup-S encapsulated all that we'd come to know and love about 21st century Renaultsport in one car. It could either by cheap - £23,965 as base price was less than a 265 Cup in 2012 - or lavished with all manner of plush, esoteric, exciting options that had starred in the mesmerising Trophy-R; all of which had been available before, but only with a higher initial RRP. So £23,965 could become an awful lot more, through the fitment of parts like an Akrapovic exhaust, Ohlins dampers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and Recaro seats. But what a staggering car you'd be left with at the end, and for less money than before.
Little did we know then, either, that the Cup-S represented the end of the road for a very distinct (and desirable) type of Renaultsport hot hatch. A line that's been trotted out ever since the introduction of the Megane 280, no doubt, but Renaultsport three-doors owned their sectors for years, delivering raw, unbridled, unmatched dynamic excitement. The Cup-S was the very last of those cars, before a more modern and accommodating fast Renault was ushered in. To a very select (because that looks nicer than 'small') group of enthusiasts, that makes the Cup-S a pretty significant car.
To be honest, any Megane R.S of this generation will serve you pretty well as a bargain hot hatch hooligan, though this Cup-S deserves special attention for the spot-on spec choices. Flame Red came to be inextricably linked with the car, cost £625, looked great and is present here. It also has the Akrapovic exhaust (well worth having), the Ohlins dampers (a nice luxury, even if they mandate the fitment of the 19-inch wheel) and the Recaro bucket seats (near enough essential). This Cup-S even has the £295 Renaultsport Monitor and £400 sat-nav option fitted, the latter standard on the more expensive 275 Nav - the second model in the 2015 revamp. In case you hadn't guessed.
All of which adds up to one incredibly desirable Renaultsport Megane 275. There are cheaper versions available, ones that will be nearly as much fun, though it's extremely rare to find one of such low mileage (15,000) and with so many of the pricey options boxes ticked. At present howmanyleft says there are just 114 Cup-S 275s registered in the UK; given the options here would have added £7k to the price (dampers £2,000, another £1,000 for the required wheels, £2,500 exhaust, £1,300 Recaros and so on) it's unlikely there are many more like this, so exquisitely (and expensively) specified.
As such, £16,995 is near enough impossible to grumble with. To the right people, this 275 Cup-S will always remain one of the most covetable Meganes out there, and such a low mileage will give the next owner ample opportunity to discover just what all the fuss has been about. Put simply: you won't find a more engaging, absorbing, satisfying and exciting four-seat hot hatch built in the past 15 years. You've heard it all before, but it's worth repeating. Because they really were that good. Here's your chance to try the Renaultsport Megane at - what might very well be argued - its absolute, unbeatable best. Now more than ever, it's an experience worth seeking out.
SPECIFICATION | MEGANE RENAULTSPORT 275 CUP-S
Engine: 1,998cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 275@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 265@3,000-5,000rpm
MPG: 37.7mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 174g/km
Year registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 15,000
Price new: £23,935 (c. £32k with options)
Yours for: £16,995
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