Renault is hoping user choosers will be tempted by its latest hot Mégane thanks to its low CO2 output relative to its power.
The Mégane Renaultsport 250, on sale from November 1, and uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine to produce 250bhp and 251lb-ft - more than a Ford Focus ST and almost as much as a Mazda3 MPS.
However, Renault believes that with CO2 emissions at 195g/km the Mégane performs favourably against cars like the Focus ST and Mazda3 MPS for BIK tax.
And when compared to the 211bhp Volkswagen Golf GTI whose CO2 emissions are 170g/km, Renault believed the Mégane still comes out favourably when the Golf's specification is adjusted with options to match the Mégane's equipment list.
Prices at £21,995 on the road, the base version is the Mégane Renaultsport Cup, which has less equipment than the other model in the range, but comes with the 'Cup' suspension pack which includes a limited slip differential, stiffer springs and dampers, plus grooved brake disks with red calipers.
Other equipment includes cruise control, eight airbags, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, Bluetooth integration and rear parking senors.
The Renaultsport Mégane 250 is £1000, more than the Cup version and has what Renault calls a 'sports chassis' rather than 'Cup chassis'.
However, it has standard leather seats, with heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control in lieu of manual air conditioning, automatic headlamps and rain sensing windscreen wipers as well as a tyre pressure monitor.
The Cup suspension pack is available as an option in conjunction with Recaro front seats for £1950.
Other options include LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, Carminat TomTom navigation and Bluetooth integration (Cup).
The Renaultsport Mégane is available to order from November 1, and first deliveries will begin in January 2010.