Geneva Show: Renaultsport Megane RS 250

Aimed squarely towards the VW Golf GTI and the Ford Focus ST, the new Megane Renaultsport 250 made its world premiere in Geneva. The hottest version of the Megane comes with a new-generation two-liter 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine producing 250hp at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 340Nm from 3,000rpm. That's an increase of 25hp and 40Nm over the outgoing Megane R26. Power is transferred to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Under the skin, the new Megane Renaultsport 250 has inherited the same suspension arrangement as the current version. Like the Renaultsport variants of the Clio and Twingo ranges, the Megane is available with a choice of two chassis, the standard sport chassis or the Cup chassis, which comes with a limited slip differential for even greater traction. Equally importantly, the hot Megane is equipped with an ESP (electronic stability control) that is fully disconnectable.

Based on the attractive three-door variant of the Megane, the RS 250 comes with an aggressive bodykit which includes a new front bumper incorporating LED daytime running lights and a splitter, extended wheel arches and sills, 18-inch alloy wheels, central exhaust tailpipe and rear diffuser

Inside, there are sport seats, an analogue rev-counter with visual and audible gearshift indicator, aluminium pedals and the Renaultsport steering wheel complete with thumb grips.