Renaultsport Megane 2.0 dCi 175 (2007) CAR review

I'd pay money to watch you deploy all that torque on a wet road

Well, here's another specialty - the ability to boot it and experience no torque steer. It's courtesy of RenaultSport's double-axis front suspension, which a company insider admits is expensive, but worth it when the results are so apparent. Springs and damper rates are unique, and the rear torsion beam is as stiff as that in the petrol Cup. It's all slowed by four-pot Brembos taller than an A4 letter. Rear springs are stiffer with the dCi Cup chassis option (which arrives later in the year), the dampers are unique and, significantly, the ESP can be fully disengaged. Meaning you can fully enjoy the engineers' torque-quelling work free from the electronic safety net.

Is it another RenaultSport success?

The standard model is slightly disappointing, in that it's almost there but not quite; the gains over the dCi GT are not comprehensive enough. The Cup, however, is very impressive. Turn-in is sharp and cohesive, roll constrained and grip ample. It flows between corners confidently and has an agility as crisp as the throttle step-on. Even the ride in the Cup, while more taut, remains acceptable. Like the engine, it hasn't quite the alacrity of the petrol - but be in no doubt, it's still remarkably fun.