Renault Megane 225

Limited editions are traditionally very token, cynical cosmetic fluffing to an ageing hatchback or some spurious lifestyle conceit designed to make buyers look beyond dated products to some halcyon existence behind the wheel of an 'exclusive' model.

Not so with the 'F1 Team' edition of Renault's Megane 225. OK, so the connection is still laughable. Daubing Renault's racing colours onto a family hatch because they won the championship last season is weak, but significant changes have actually been made to this car.

Those black gloss 18inch alloys are wider and 1.5kg lighter than on a standard 225, increasing grip and reducing unsprung weight.

Front and rear spring rates have been increased, the power steering weighted up and stopping power improved. Inside you get full-blown Recaro bucket seats and, of course, the vital numbered plaque.

The result is an even more focused, involving and quick version of what already is one of the best hot hatches on the market.

The Megane F1 feels superbly controllable, providing huge levels of grip, and feedback through both steering wheel and chassis.

The downside, however, is a comically uncomfortable ride, made even worse by those utterly unforgiving Recaros. It's an out-and-out track tool, and for £19,500, it's a pricey one at that.

Matt Master