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Renaultsport Megane

Preview shot of the Renault Megane R26 hot hatch replacement is revealed

One of the stars of the Geneva motor show - for us, at least - will be the all-new Renaultsport Megane. Sadly the main picture is all we have to go on at the moment for what will be seen on the Swiss show floor.

Nevertheless, styling cues from the mad Megane Trophy can be seen in the grille and shapely bonnet line, the new Renaultsport hot hatch looking butcher and more aggressive than the three-door Megane Coupe it's based on.

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The engine from the current Megane R26 (and eCoty hero Megane R26.R) is set to stay, although a power hike of around ten per cent is on the cards. The outgoing hot hatch boasts 227bhp, which is beginning to appear a bit limp against the impending Ford Focus RS (300bhp) and Alfa Romeo GTA (240bhp+). A rise to around 250bhp, should help remedy that. The hot Megane mk3 will still be front-wheel drive with power transferred to the floor via a six-speed manual and a limited-slip diff.

Little else is known right now, with more definite details on March 3 when the car gets its Geneva unveil. Read the latest on the Geneva motor show and its highlights in the meantime...

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