Used Renault Megane RS 2010-2016 review

The idea of turning a fairly humble hatchback into a fire-breathing performance car of pseudo-racing intent is not a new one, but few have started off with a base as attractive as the Renault Megane.

The first version to receive the tarting-up treatment was actually the second-generation car, a model famous, like some of the Kardashians, for its large derriere. This car is the third generation car, launched in 2010 and available as a handsome five-door hatch or an even prettier three-door coupe-cum-hatch, upon which the RS (for “Renault Sport”) version is based.

From launch, you could have had the Renault Megane RS 250, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 247bhp. It was partnered by a cheaper and more focused Cup version, which was lower, lighter, stiffer and had the advantage of a limited-slip differential, to aid the handling. If you wanted just the chassis of this car on the standard version, perhaps confusingly called the Sport version, you could have it. The competition in this hot hatch class being what it was, it wasn’t long before a more powerful model appeared, and in 2011 you could buy a 265 Trophy version, with 261bhp under its bonnet. This model was so hot it broke the lap record for front-wheel-drive cars on the mighty Nurburgring circuit.

In 2012 it was time for a facelift, and the RS got a more rounded, svelte look and new daytime LED strip lights too. From this point on all engine options were upped to the 265 version. However, in 2014, that power was increased yet again, and the 265 became the 275, the better to see off the Cupra Leon, the VW Golf GTI and the Honda Civic Type R in what had become a mighty power race among the hot hatches. With 271bhp now available, and the Cup chassis as a standard fit, it looked utterly convincing, although those who weren’t completely convinced could opt for a limited-edition 275 Trophy R version that was even lighter still and had a bespoke suspension with much use of racing componentry tweaked even further.

On the road, there was no doubting the prowess of any of these cars. Even the original 250 version is a hoot to drive, with a 0 to 62mph time of a mere 6.1 seconds. Power is best accessed by revving the engine to within an inch of its life, as the turbo unit can be peaky and is not for the faint-footed. Do it though and you’ll be rewarded with speed and aural pleasure, for this is a hugely pleasing and enjoyable car that will also reward a keen driver and put a huge smile on their face even on minor roads and at much lower speeds. Grip is plentiful, and the steering is meaty but well-weighted enough to not only show its sporting intent but also offer reasonable communication. It only feels its age in not being as quick to answer the helm as younger and more modern hot hatches are, but the handling is generally as good as you could want, as it’s both rapid and enlightening. The ride is firm, and on some of the sportier versions almost uncomfortably so, but as the flipside of such thrilling driving responses it seems a small price to pay.

Inside, there are figure-hugging sports seats up front, as you might expect, and a driving position that puts you firmly where the action is. There is just enough sporting trim inside to make you aware of the RS’s purpose, with red stitching and subtle badging and a chunky steering wheel adding to the expectation. The overall quality might not be anything to write home about, but the feel is definitely one of solidity. There’s even room in the back for a couple of fairly lanky passengers, though they might not want to be back there for long. The boot’s a good size, but rather like the standard Renault Megane coupe’s it’s beaten for overall size and usefulness by its rivals from Honda (with the Civic Type R) and Skoda (with the Skoda Octavia vRS).

Prices for a Megane RS in good condition start at about £7000, this for a 250 or 250 Cup model from 2010 with an average mileage for the year and, most important, a full service history. Up the folding stuff to between £8000 and £10,000 to secure a 2011 or 2012 car that satisfies the same criteria, or spend £11,000 to £13,000 on a choice of good 2012 to 2014 variants. Above £15,000 should net you a 2015 car, this now a 275 version, but expect to spend double that for a late-model Trophy R.

On paper the RS 265, the mid-way model between the earlier 250 and later 275, was good for an official average 34.4mpg, this corresponding to a CO2 emissions figure of 190g/km.

The annual car tax (VED) will be based on these CO2 figures, and will cost you more than the average, as will insurance. Expect servicing to cost more than a standard Megane, especially if you have it done at the main dealer, which we would recommend for the newer cars. There are a number of good independent specialist firms that will service your RS at a cheaper cost, though, so they’re worth seeking out.

This very much depends how much money you’ve got to spend, as the later, more powerful cars are worthwhile improvements on the earlier ones, but the earlier ones were still great cars in their own right. Condition is king, but if we could find a suitably priced 265 Cup for around £10,000 we’d opt for that.

Our favourite Renault Megane RS: 265 Cup

The Honda Civic Type R has a similar no-holds-barred attitude to the RS, and in all its guises it’s tremendous fun to drive. We’d choose the present generation car if we could, but you’d need around £25,000 for that. The previous gen is a screamer, too, and as long as you can put up with an overly firm ride you’d get a great drive.

The VW Golf GTI is a perennial favourite. It’s not quite as uncompromising as the RS and the Type R but for many that’ll work in its favour. Spend as little as £5k on a Mk5 version and up to £25k on the latest Mk7.5 one, but buy any of them and you won’t be disappointed.

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