It was here, then it left. Now the Renault Megane Renaultsport 265 is back, this time with a new face and an increase in spec. What is the same is the mental amounts of fun the little fast Frenchie is on the road. We headed out to Hampton Downs race track just to make sure…
What is it?
“A hell of a lot of fun” is the easy answer.
To get a bit more involved though, the Renaultsport 265 is a seriously hot Hot Hatch. With 195kW of power and 360Nm of torque pumping through the front wheels (and, thankfully, a trick LSD), the RS 265 is only available in three-door form and it only comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
As mentioned earlier, this new version boasts a few upgrades, as well as an all-new face that makes it the first of the Megane range to get the new Renault family look. And, by God, does it work well on the angry little RS 265. Along with the new face are new headlights with LED daytime running lights, while on the inside it gains carbon fibre-look trim with red highlights and red stitching, as well as red seat belts.
The RS 265 comes standard with six airbags, automatic headlights, a backing camera, the new Renault “R-Link” system that integrates the infotainment system and Bluetooth phone connectivity into a large 7-inch touchscreen on the dash and some exclusive sporty speedometer and rev counter.
A set of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, as well as a seriously excellent set of Brembo brakes. Which is just as well, because the RS 265 can knock the 0 to 100km/h sprint off in 6 seconds flat.
Leather sports seats are optional ($2,500), as are fabric ($2,500) or leather ($4,500) Recaro seats, and the only other options are 19-inch alloy wheels ($2,500) and a sunroof ($1,000).
However, if you are really serious about spending more money on your angry little Megane, then a considered approach may be needed, as sometime in 2015 a limited run of just 10 RS 275s, packing 201kW and 360Nm, will be landing, as well as two very special examples of the blistering R version that recently set a Nurburgring time of a frankly silly 7 minutes 54 seconds. But these ones come later… 
What’s it like?
There is very little that is pleasantly evocative about the sound a Renaultsport 265 makes.
It doesn’t sing a delightful mechanical melody and seduce your mind by conjuring up images of pretty and exotic women dancing an intricate and beautiful dance in the rain to the tune of a seductively delicate symphony.
Nope. Instead it is a flat, almost ugly sound that is far, far more reminiscent of an angry special-needs dog with violent flatulence ripping up the lounge carpet.
There are aimlessly angry growls emanating from the engine, a range of tortured howls from the tyres and a thick tearing noise being emitted from the exhaust, as well as a barrage of worryingly forceful small explosions every time the driver lifts off.
Have you ever seen a dog scare itself by farting? It is hilarious. And so is driving the RS 265.
But let’s be completely honest here for a moment; anything mental enough to chuck 195kW of power and 360Nm of torque through the front wheels is going to be hilarious in one way or another. It’s just that the RS 265 does it with such violent charm and remarkable precision (thanks to its fantastic “Cup” chassis and LSD) that the eye-widening belt towards the horizon in a straight line is actually not the most enjoyable aspect of its abilities.
Nope, that title goes to its capacity to tear a corner to shreds like the afore-mentioned mentally-challenged dog, only to make it quite obvious to you that it could have gone through it twice as hard. At least. If only you weren’t such a big girl.
And it is this challengingly defiant attitude towards corners that makes the Renaultsport 265 literally addictive. It goads, prods and hounds you to press progressively harder through each successive corner, rewarding more and more each time. Until you simply have to stop, because your face is hurting from grinning so much… 
What’s good about it?
It’s spectacular ability to utterly destroy corners, while still remaining relatively civilised in the ride department. The Megane RS 265 is simply magnificent fun. That alone would be enough, but it also looks great (especially the new face), is comfortable and very well built, and is so much more special and out of the ordinary than a Golf GTi or Focus ST. 
What’s not so good?
You will really have to be dedicated to the idea of owning one, as there is very little in the way of “practical reasons” for justification. It is a three door, manual transmissioned hatch with some serious performance on offer. That will be a massive turn off for some, or a massive turn on for others. 
First impressions?
The local launch of the new Renaultsport 265 took place at the Hampton Downs race track, where it was an absolute delight to chuck around. While we didn’t get the chance to do any open road driving, previous experience with the RS 265 promises that it will be even better in the real world, with all of its tenacious abilities blended with a surprising amount of day-to-day ride comfort.
Just because it is angrily quick and sounds like a retarded pit bull tearing up the new Feltex doesn’t mean you can’t comfortably pop down to the dairy for some milk in it. It just means you are likely to decide to take the REALLY long way home again.
Although it is only a three-door, the rear seats are probably only really suitable for taking the kids to school in until they reach a size where they will start resenting you for it. But by then they will nearly be teenagers and will naturally start resenting you anyway. So forget the kids.
Be selfish and buy a Renault Megane Renaultsport 265 instead. It may not be able to care for you when you are old and senile, but it will provide you with more than enough joy until then. You might die utterly alone, but you won’t regret the decision for a second…
Models/prices
Renault Megane Renaultsport 265 – $55,900
Powertrain: 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder petrol turbo producing 195kW/360Nm; 6-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption: 8.2L/100km
CO2 emissions: 190g/km
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: Five stars
Air bags: 8
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
