The Megane Renault Sport dCi 175 (for 175 horsepower, or 127 kilowatts) is a genuine semi-race car that can be used on club events of a weekend. The engine is a 2.0-litre unit and is already familiar to us in other models in the Renault range. But for the Megane 175 it has been modified to produce a strong 360 Newton metres at only 2000 rpm.

European drivers believe that a sports model should give the driver maximum control over the engine, so the Renault Sport dCi has a six-speed manual gearbox. A slick unit that changes gear almost as though this is a rear-wheel drive car, not like the majority of front driver gearboxes that can feel rather distant from the driver’s hand.

Indeed, the complete car feels beautifully balanced and it’s only when you push it to extremes that the virtually inevitable front drive understeer comes into play. But does so in a gradual, easily controlled manner.

The Megane's suspension is to ‘Cup Chassis’ specification and has virtually the same setup as the Renault Sport 225 petrol model. That is, it comes with larger-diameter anti-roll bars than the standard Megane, as well as using firmer bushes and slightly different geometry. Any differences between the petrol and diesel models is generally there only to allow for the slightly greater weight of the diesel engine.

The Renault Sport dCi has been lowered in its suspension and sits on large alloy wheels which improves its looks as well as the handling. The changes to the body of the Renault Megane to create the Sport Megane 175 are striking. You certainly wouldn’t use the word subtle to describe the Megane hatch, even in standard format and the Sport variant is one of the more standout cars on the Australian roads today. However, the turbo-diesel dCi does miss out on the rear wing that’s used on the 225 petrol model. Pity!

Brakes are as important as the engine in any high-performance machine, so the Megane Renault Sport uses large Brembo disc calipers at the front and rear. However, the lower power output of the 175 hp diesel compared with the 225 hp petrol means that drilling for additional disc cooling wasn’t considered necessary on the turbo-diesel.

Despite the performance available from the diesel engine the Renault Sport Megane turbo-diesel can travel on easy-going country roads with consumption below five litres per hundred kilometres if you are willing to put a bit of effort into your economy driving. It can commute in normal traffic with a consumption of about seven to eight litres per hundred. Track use? Expect it to be considerably higher as that turbo will be doing a lot of work forcing in extra fuel. But it still shouldn’t reach outrageous heights.

These fuel consumption on-road numbers are ridiculously low by performance car terms. Sometimes being less than half of those of a petrol engine producing the same amount of engine torque.

This is certainly no uncomfortable stripped-down track special, the French do like their comfort no matter what the cars intentions. The Megane 175 comes into the upmarket league with leather trim, a six-disc CD player, climate-controlled air conditioning, cruise control and power windows and door mirrors.

Like all Renaults, the Megane CDI has a five-star rating under the European New Car Assessment Program (E-NCAP). This is achieved not only by the use of multiple airbags, but also by the basic design of a body that is rigid in the correct places, yet yields in others to cushion the shock of a collision.

On the road the Megane 175 provided surprisingly good ride comfort, though it was obvious at times that it had a sporting suspension that could be taken by surprise by some bumps and humps.

The engine was generally quiet, with the usual proviso in any diesel that its sound is always evident at idle, particularly when the engine’s cold. Under hard acceleration it has a business-like growl that’s quite different from that of a petrol engine. A sound that may not be immediately pleasing to the ear because of this difference. But one that we soon came to know and love.

In August at the time of the vehicles Australian debut at the Wakefield Park racing circuit we were able to push the Renault Sport hot hatch to its limits. It really impressed us with its high levels of road grip, nicely neutral feel in all but extreme conditions and in particular at its predictable behaviour.

Megane Renault Sport dCi 175 comes to Australia at $39,990, which is a pretty low price for a performance car of its size. Indeed, we suspect the price reflects Renault Australia's concern about this early entrant in a new market segment. A concern that if alleviated may seen the price of the dCi rise to a more normal level. If you agree it may be worth a trip to your Renault dealer sooner rather than later.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Renault Megane Sport dCi 1.9-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch: $39,990

FEATURES

ABS Brakes: Standard

Air Conditioning: Standard

Automatic Transmission: Not offered

CD Player: Standard

Central Locking: Standard

Cruise Control: Standard

Dual Front Airbags: Standard

Front Side Airbags: Standard

Stability Control: Standard

Traction Control: Standard

SPECIFICATIONS (Renault Megane Sport dCi 1.9-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch)

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.995 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders in line

Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio: 15.5:1

Bore/Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Maximum Power: 127 kW @ 3750 rpm

Maximum Torque: 360 Nm @ 2000 rpm

DRIVELINE:

Driven Wheels: Front

Manual Transmission: Six-speed

Automatic Transmission: Not offered

Final Drive Ratio: NA

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4209 mm

Wheelbase: 2625 mm

Width: 1777 mm

Height: 1458 mm

Turning Circle: 10.35 metres

Kerb Mass: 1380 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres

Towing Ability: 650 kg (2000 kg with braked trailer)

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:

Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, L-shaped lower arm, anti-sway bar

Rear Suspension: H-style rear axle, anti-sway bar

Front Brakes: Ventilated disc

Rear Brakes: Disc

PERFORMANCE:

0-100 km/h Acceleration: 8.5 seconds

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

Type: Diesel

Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 6.3 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:

Greenhouse Rating: 7/10

Air Pollution Rating: 5/10

STANDARD WARRANTY: