CHAMPAGNE corks may be popping in the Renault Formula 1 stable but you don't have to be Fernando Alonso to enjoy motor sport thrills from the French manufacturer.
Tweaked versions of Renault's popular hatchbacks have long found favour among enthusiasts and now the horizons have been broadened.
Not only is there a selection of RenaultSport Clios available for drivers who want fun without breaking the bank but now the Megane has been given the hot hatch treatment.
Using turbo boost to pump up the output of a two-litre engine to a massive 225bhp, the Megane RenaultSport Cup is a delight.
It is the best Megane so far and whether or not you are a fan of the car's radical styling, the RenaultSport credentials cannot fail to impress.
This is the quickest Megane money can buy. It will sprint from standstill to 62mph in 6.3 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 147mph.
With the Cup chassis developed by Renault's motor sport engineers the Megane is as nimble as it is responsive. The ride is firm but by no means in the same boneshaker league as some of the earlier RenaultSport Clios.
Neither is the boost from the turbo so harsh it catches you out with torque-steer as happened with other boosted Renaults.
If anything, the Megane Cup is a very grown up hot hatch - more for the mature and discerning motorist than boy racer.
That is reflected by fuel consumption of around 32 miles per gallon which makes fun motoring RenaultSport fashion very affordable.
As with all Meganes, the Cup features a U-shaped handbrake. The unusual grip takes some getting used to but it is the only foible.
The RenaultSport version is distinguished from the rest of the Megane range by twin exhausts mounted in the centre of the rear bumper, a subtle spoiler and the front is enhanced with an airdam enclosing the fog lamps.
Its greatest styling point is its 18-inch anthracite alloy wheels shod with low profile tyres which emphasise the true sporting qualities of the car.
The Cup is available only as a three door and that in itself can catch you out. The doors are very long which means you need to give yourself plenty of side room when parking.
Drilled metal foot pedals, leather and fabric sports seats complete with RenaultSport logo add to the image in the front while the back remains conventional.
It is as roomy as any other Megane making it ideal for everyday use with the bonus of real performance for special moments.
Air conditioning is standard, so is cruise control coupled to a speed limiter and the car also comes with automatic headlamps and wipers - features Renault had been keen to delete from earlier Cup models.
Love or hate the lines of the Megane - and there is no compromise with Renault's abrupt rear end styling - there can be little doubt that this is one of the finest sports hatchbacks on the market.
Its refinement coupled to splendid performance make the Megane a worthy alternative to the likes of the hot versions of the VW Golf and Ford Focus - and it is keenly priced.
The Megane Cup is the most sophisticated of any RenaultSport cars so far and with those exclusive alloy wheels it really can cut a dash in any league.
FAST FACTS
RenaultSport Megane 225 Cup 3dr
Price: £18,600
Mechanical: 225bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 147mph
0-62mph: 6.3 secs
Combined mpg: 32.1
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 209g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust