280 Cup review. 280 Cup to see if it's a genuine rival to greats like the Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R The Mégane R.S. With five doors and a more refined design, can it win the hearts of those obsessed with its mental three-door predecessor? It's tried to mature. While its rivals are deadlier than ever, the all-new Megane RS hasn’t doubled down on a reputation for uncompromising thrills. BACK IN the 1980s, buying a hot hatch was simple. More recently there was the Megane R26.R, a hatch with a roll cage and plastic windows. It's tried to mature. While its rivals are deadlier than ever, the all-new Megane RS hasn’t doubled down on a reputation for uncompromising thrills. So you can understand our curiosity surrounding its 2018 Megane RS 280. The Megane R.S. Renault Megane R.S. Trophy is the hardest-core version. To me, a hot hatch should be able to be a ‘best of both worlds’ compromise, and the Cup missed the mark in that respect. If you’re in the market for a hot hatch today, the options are overwhelming, so the latest Renault Mégane RS has its work cut out. The Megane RS 280’s four-wheel steering system contributes tellingly to all three, and to greatest effect when you use Renault Sport’s Race driving mode, which raises the threshold speed at which it switches from steering against the front wheels to steering in the same direction as them. Of course, it’s not flawless – the fake carbon fibre on the doors looks chavvy, and there are some second-rate plastics on the dash. Renault Megane RS 280 review – Hot hatch is a speed king The latest Renault Megane RS is a flying machine and we reckon getting behind the wheel will make you feel magnificent. So you can understand our curiosity surrounding its 2018 Megane RS 280. Will Dron drives the R.S. Will Dron drives the R.S. 300 Trophy review. While the Megane RS Cup is great when you push it, I struggle to forgive its shortfalls when performing day-to-day duties. There was the VW Golf GTI or the Peugeot 205 GTi. But mostly, the Megane RS 280 is a magnificent machine that should be on your car shopping list if … More recently there was the Megane R26.R, a hatch with a roll cage and plastic windows. We pick up the RS280 in central Melbourne and while the ride is on the firm side, it’s never what you’d call harsh. On track, the Cup-spec Megane is seriously impressive. 280 Cup to see if it's a genuine rival to greats like the Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R So you can understand our curiosity surrounding its 2018 Megane RS 280. And Renault isn't done exploring this segment. It's tried to mature. 280 Cup isn't as exciting as a Civic Type R, but it is significantly cheaper in Europe. Here we have the new Renault Megane RS 280. And Renault isn't done exploring this segment. New Renault Megane RS 2018 review We get to grips with the new 276bhp Renault Megane RS in the UK to see if it's a serious hot hatch contender The Mégane R.S. Read next: 2018 Renault Megane RS 280 pricing and features Keen to see how the RS280 feels upon first acquaintance, here’s the initial three-discipline report card. Renault Sport’s track record in recent years hasn’t been great – witness the disappointing Clio RS 200 – but it seems determined to restore order with this new Megane RS. Renault Megane R.S. If you’re in the market for a hot hatch today, the options are overwhelming, so the latest Renault Mégane RS has its work cut out.