RENAULT says that its new Megane Coupe will be a match for Volkswagen's sporty Scirocco when it goes on sale in January with prices from £14,745.
The French firm says that initially there will be a choice of five power outputs, three trim levels and a wide range of optional extras.
This is in stark contrast to the single 2.0-litre 197bhp petrol-powered version of the Scirocco, which weighs in at £20,940.
The entry-level Megane Coupe has a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 163bhp but there is also a two-litre petrol version developing 178bhp priced from £19,045, which Renault says will be the Scirocco challenger.
In Expression trim the Megane will use the 1.6-litre unit plus the 1.5dCi, which offers outputs of 86bhp and 106bhp with prices for the diesels of £15,395 and £16,195.
There are Dynamique versions of the more powerful oil-burner costing £17,095, plus the 1.6-litre petrol model at £15,645 and also a two-litre petrol model offering 178bhp and a price tag of £18,145.
Top trim is Privilege with prices of £19,045 for the 2.0 TCe and £19,195 for the 1.9 dCi 130 plus a 140bhp version of the two-litre petrol model with continuously variable transmission costing £18,570.
Based on the Megane hatch, the Coupe is lower and has firmer suspension but retains the five-door model's five seats and has air conditioning, six airbags, electric heated door mirrors and front electric windows as standard throughout.
The entry-level Expression additionally offers 16-inch alloy wheels, CD radio, Brake Assist, front fog lights, height-adjustable driver's seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry and start plus a trip computer.
The mid-range Dynamique gets 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and MP3 connection, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, height-adjustable passenger seat, leather steering wheel, speed limiter and extra tinted rear side windows.
Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the 1.5 dCi 86 which is a five-speed.
Privilège versions have 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, electrically operated folding door mirrors, rear armrest with storage and rear parking sensors.
Extra-cost options include an upgraded sound system, heated seats, sunroof, metallic paint, sat nav, Xenon headlights and a body kit.
The order book is open from early November and first deliveries are due towards the end of January.