Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy

If any brand sets the standard in the hot hatch sector, it’s Renault. Since development of its go- faster models was entrusted to the experts at its Renaultsport racing division, it has produced a string of brilliant machines, including the hot Megane.

Renault isn’t resting on its laurels – its engineers have been busy with the 265 Trophy. This limited-edition model has a 15bhp power hike, an extra 20Nm of torque and sticky Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

The results are startling – the hatch logged the fastest time around the Anglesey circuit that we’ve ever recorded in a front- wheel-drive car. Its 65.3-second lap was 1.3 seconds up on the time set by the standard model last year, and a whole second quicker than the mighty Ford Focus RS managed.

And if you want proof of the Renault’s giant-killing ability, it was faster around the track than the Bentley Continental Supersport from last year’s performance car shoot-out. So, whichever way you cut it, the £27,820 hatchback is a proper fast car bargain.

What the raw figures don’t convey is the way the Megane drives – and this is what really sets it apart from its hot hatch rivals. The limited-edition model features Cup suspension, so the ride is firm, but the trade-off is worth it. The car stubbornly resists body roll when you throw it into a corner.

Telepathic responses mean you can attack apexes with confidence, as the specially selected tyres bite hard into the tarmac. Squeezing the throttle at the corner exit unleashes a ferocious surge of acceleration.

You can sense the extra power at the top of the rev range, while the precise gearbox, strong brakes and racy cabin all impress.

As the 265 Trophy includes free access to Renaultsport’s 2012 track day programme, buyers of the 50 cars destined for the UK will all get the chance to experience its abilities to the full for themselves. We doubt they’ll be disappointed...