We're in a new age as far as hot hatches are concerned. We say this simply because a certain German marque has birthed one packing supercar-like power levels – over 400bhp – and even equipping it with ‘Drift Mode’. Yes, that sounds sensational. But, if history has taught us anything, overwhelming power corrupts, and it corrupts fully. 

So, where does that leave those yearning for something that stays truer to the hot hatch script – one that’s built to reward ‘real’ drivers, especially those who pride themselves on mastering three-pedals and a stick? Ask us that question last year and our go to response would have been a certain Japanese power hatch called the Honda Civic Type-R.

This year though, we might have to change our answer as France’s response to the Type-R has finally landed on Malaysian soil. It’s none other than the Renault Mégane RS 280 Cup and, when you look past its rather over-the-top tangerine-hued skin, it’s one prizefighter that’s both dapper and itching for a brawl.

However, don’t count on anyone seated in the back to be won over by the Még’s… shall we say purposefully stiff ride? Put simply, it’s no magic carpet ride, as verified by our shutterbug John Tan. A proud owner of a Suzuki Swift Sport, Tan was happier in the hot seat, smiling from ear-to-ear after we let him have a go at the feisty Renault for the better part of 10 minutes. 

Truth be told, we wouldn’t want to trade said prime hot seat in the Mégane with one at the back either. That’s because the real fun happens up front, which is an area where the Még’s welcoming and very focused cockpit lies, as well as where drive comes from and gets directed to too.

On paper, Renault’s new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine does seem to be at a disadvantage initially, especially when compared to some if its peers and their peppier 2.0-litre turbo mills. However, as we spanked the mill and rowed all six cogs through the gates whilst dancing through all three pedals in sync, all doubts were silenced.

Like before, power was never the Mégane’s sole ace card in hand. In fact, it has a few more to match, much of which lay in its superbly honed chassis and agility. With this new iteration, said chassis’s agility gets enhanced further with the addition of a rear-wheel-steering suite, or what Renault calls ‘4Control’.

At speeds below 60kph, the rear wheels turn as much as 2.7 degrees in the opposite direction of the steering, or up to one degree in the same direction between 60-100kph when Race Mode is engaged. The result is a front-wheel-drive hatch that’s made for snap directional changes or what we like to call ‘instant oversteer’.

Like its predecessors, the Mégane shines in twisty routes, but it favours more technical corners than before now with 4Control in play. No matter how tightly wound the corner line became during our hill climb, the Még didn’t seem fazed, effortlessly turning in and holding the line through the apex and exit.

What aided this snap agility greatly were the sticky Bridgestone Potenza S001 sports tyres our tester had shod on each of its pretty 19-inch alloys. Lets also not forget the Cup Chassis package’s addition of beefy Brembo calipers up front, which are tastily finished in red too.

Those unfamiliar with this sort of snap direction change will be taken by surprise initially. This is also where we caution anyone to only use Race mode in a circuit as it deactivates both traction and stability control interventions. Take our word on this: you’ll need them both to familiarise with the Mégane’s newfound agility.

In short, the Még’s cornering abilities are astounding to say the least. In the right hands, we reckon this hot hatch will simply blow its rivals out of the water should it be challenged on a twisty and highly technical course. No doubt, this is expected with any car that proudly bears the Renault Sport badge.

But unlike its predecessor, this new RS’s heightened performance is now matched with enhanced daily drivability, and the extra doors aren’t the only things fuelling the latter. In its last iteration, you could say things were rather ‘Spartan’ as far as creature comforts went, with only the basics covered. 

This new one however sees that problem remedied thanks to a richer list of on board kit. Included now are things like dual-zone automatic climate controls, keyless entry, not forgetting smartphone connectivity through a new touchscreen infotainment and much more.

The biggest surprise though perhaps comes from knowing there’s now an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) option available for the Mégane RS. If you asked us, this isn’t bad news entirely as it finally opens up the race-spec Még towards more enthusiasts who don’t necessarily possess manual driving know-how, or simply couldn’t be bothered rowing their own gears.