Hot hatch fans should be cheered by the latest addition to Renault’s Megane range, writes Peter Carroll.

Announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show – and having to fight for attention alongside supercar reveals and wacky electric concepts – was the new Megane Renaultsport 250.

See more pics of the RenaultSport in our photo gallery below.

The current Megane R26.R has been among the finest sporting hatches of its generation, so it will interesting to see how the new breed of hot Meganes fare when they arrive in the UK in two months’ time.

First impressions look promising: the Spanish-built Renaultsport 250 adds some solid muscle to the attractively sculpted lines of the three-door Megane.

The front bumper incorporates a ‘blade’ reminiscent of the low-slung noses of today’s F1 cars.

The wheel arches are pushed out and the side sill, rear diffuser, extended tailgate spoiler and centrally-positioned exhaust tailpipe add to the newcomer’s character, while enhancing aerodynamic performance.

LED daytime running lights will be a key part of the car’s look.

The 250 gets a revised, more powerful version of the 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that can be found in the R26.

As its name implies, power output is around 250hp with plenty of torque available lower down the rev range for maximum benefit either on road or track.

Thanks to its twin-scroll turbo, the Renaultsport engine is exceptionally responsive and particularly flexible at low revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from just 1,900rpm.

Owners can choose from two chassis settings:

• The regular sport chassis, which delivers the optimal blend of performance and comfort in everyday use
• The firmer Cup chassis for more exhilarating performance, particularly on the track. A limited slip differential is included in this package.

Inside, the 250 offers sporting features such as optional Recaro seats, aluminium pedals, and analogue instrument interface.

Comfort features from the regular Megane are also available, including automatic dual-zone climate control, a hands-free card with automatic door locking, a high-end sound system from Arkamys and choice of two navigation systems: Carminat Bluetooth DVD or TomTom.

There are further electronic features aimed at heightening driver enjoyment. The Renaultsport Monitor takes its inspiration from the world of motor sport, with a central dashboard display that provides:

• Demands made of the main engine functions,
• Real-time engine performance,
• Gearchange warning,
• Calibration and display of the throttle pedal mapping,
• Lateral acceleration,
• 0-60 acceleration,
• Lap times

In addition, there are three modes for the Electronic Skid Control function: on is the default mode, Sport is a less intrusive ESC, while off total disengages the system.

The car also feature ‘PerfoHub’, the same innovative independent steering axis front suspension arrangement that was first seen on Megane Renaultsport 225 in 2004.

This layout totally separates the suspension and steering functions to ensure an exceptionally high standards of handling and traction.

Last but not least, the acoustics of the Renaultsport engine have been tailored to produce a distinctive exhaust note, inside and out.

By Peter Carroll