While not many corporate drivers are allowed enough of a free choice to select performance versions of more regular hatchbacks, Renault fleet boss Darren Payne recently told BusinessCar that the RenaultSport models are doing a useful job as both a halo product, and among drivers given more freedom with their car choices, especially given the emissions for such a powerful car are so reasonable.

Not too long ago, a sub-200g/km 250hp hatchback would have been a ridiculous suggestion, but that’s now reality with Renault’s Megane Coupe. It’s a really impressive machine from a driver’s point of view, easily up there with the very best performance hatchbacks, and a fuel economy figure of 33.6mpg is acceptable. The ride, on the Cup chassis fitted to our car, is pretty hard, although the standard version should be more accommodating of more mundane journeys.

Running costs are hit by a residual value of just 30.1%, but 65.9p per mile isn’t an unreasonable result for well-priced access to such potent performance.

Renault Megane Coupe RenaultSport 250 Cup
P11D price £22,680
Model price range £14,855-£26,060
Fuel consumption 33.6mpg
CO2 (tax) 195g/km (28%)
BIK 20/40% per month £106/£212
Service interval 18,000mls
Insurance (1-50) group 34
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max) 344/1305 litres
Engine size/power 1998cc/250hp
Top speed/0-62mph 156mph/6.1secs
On sale Late 2009
Score 7/10
Verdict Impressive, desirable
hot hatch with reasonable
CO2 and mpg