France once knew how to build the best hot hatches; this one’s still a bargain
DURING THE ERA when Renault and Fernando Alonso were ruling the racetracks in Formula 1, the Renaultsport team building hot hatchbacks in Dieppe was every bit as untouchable. Sure, the Golf GTI was always going to be a better all-rounder than a Megane, but the extra dynamic sparkle positioned the French hatches at the top of the pack for all-out thrills and engagement. Sadly, Renaultsport no longer builds any cars, but enthusiasts have really started to covet most things with an RS badge. Twenty years on from its launch, the first-generation RS Megane is a particularly appealing drivers’ car, and one that is (potentially) a shrewd purchase at the moment.
Strangely, the early reviews of the Megane 225 were a little lacklustre. After the brilliance of the Renaultsport Clio, it was lacking some of that car’s genius, but at its heart it had the makings of a hot hatch. Powered by a 222bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the front-wheel-drive Megane was particularly punchy in the mid-range thanks to its 221lb ft of torque, while the six-speed manual gearbox helped it get to 60mph in 6.3sec and on to a top speed of 147mph. Like most Renaults of this era, the interior was found a bit wanting in the build-quality department. The chassis was good, however, it just lacked a little finesse…
For 2005, Renault had a plan to address the minor criticism with the introduction of the Trophy, limited to 150 examples in the UK, featuring a significantly revised suspension and steering set-up and larger 18-inch wheels. This also preceded the introduction of the similarly improved 225 Cup – in effect lower-spec but not a limited-production version. To muddy the waters even more, Renault also introduced a Cup Chassis Pack, which was available on all 225s. Regardless of which one you picked, the RS magic was back!
Making the most of the Alonso connection, the 225 F1 Team Edition (pictured) was launched in 2006 in conjunction with the mildly facelifted Megane. Recaro seats, black wheels and further refined suspension settings made this the best hot Megane yet, with just 149 offered to UK buyers.
As was the fashion at the time, Renault also introduced a diesel hot hatch DCi 175 version in 2006. Although it looked almost identical, the 170bhp power unit failed to inspire, and the extra weight over the front end did little to help.
In December of that same year, though, things got even better with the Megane 230 F1 R26
