Car Lust: Renault Megane R.S. 250 Monaco GP LE

As it happens, I have quite a soft spot for hot hatches. This might suprise you, as my usual purist aproach to performance would require the engine's power to be driven through the rear wheels, and this is a class of vehicles dominated by front-drivers (as well as some all-wheel-drive cars too). However, having spent a considerable amount of time enjoying driving front-wheel-drive cars, including on some quite challenging roads, the idea of simply focussing such a vehicle for better performance is quite appealing. Of the front-drive hot hatches available in Australia today the RenaultSport Magane was aleady a top pick, so this week's announcement that we will soon receive 50 examples of the Renault Megane R.S. 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition was more than welcome.

The special edition's focus is on luxury and cosmetic upgrades, including unique 19-inch wheels, satellite navigation, glass roof and unique elictric and heated leather sports seats. The car is also liberally doused with the requisite Monaco GP badges to show off its Limited Edition status. On the drivetrain front, the Megane R.S. 250 Monaco GP LE retains the same 184kW/340Nm 2.0-litre petrol four and six-speed manual found in the standard Megane R.S. 250 Cup.

If you're jumping out of your seat to get your hands on one of the fifty examples destined for our shores you'll need to get your hands on an extra $7000 over the standard model ($48,990 plus on-roads). Would I buy one? If I was shopping for a hot hatch, and wanted a little exclusivity I would definitely consider it. However, I'm not quite sure it's worth $7000 over the Megane R.S. 250 Cup. And while I can't deny this car's enchanting allure, it's probably a bit too boy-racer for me. And I'm just a boy.

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