Open for customer ordering from today, Renault’s new performance flagships, Mégane Renaultsport 265 Cup and 265 are priced £24,825 and £26,025 on-the-road. The key improvement on the second phase of the French brand’s halo model is a 15hp hike on its predecessor, plus an extra 20Nm torque, both released through the car’s Renaultsport Dynamic Management programme.

Compared to the previous model, the Renaultsport 265 boasts improved performance statistics, dispatching 0-62mph in six seconds exactly (instead of 6.1), with a top speed of 158 mph, up by an extra 2 mph. In everyday driving, its 360Nm is usefully available across a broad rev band between 3,000 and 5,000rpm.

The brand new Mégane Renaultsport 265 range features a host of technological features, most notably the set-up for the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to switch between two power settings. The default is 250hp/340Nm of torque for five per cent improved fuel consumption, while turning on the Sport mode boosts the Mégane up to 265hp/360Nm of torque. The Sport mode is activated via the ESC button and also enhances the car’s exhaust note.

Rounding off the equipment improvements, three new items appear on the options list. The first, Renaultsport ‘Red Design Pack’, apes much of the style of the limited edition 265 Trophy, with red striping on the front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings for £350.

The second introduction is the Visio System by Renault which recently debuted on Scénic 2012, priced at £300. Assuming the driver has unintentionally lost concentration, possibly through fatigue, the system features a lane departure warning giving an audible and visual warning if he or she unintentionally crosses white lines in the road without indicating.

The final addition in the trio is the option of a £360 new rear parking camera, combined with front parking sensors.