Renault has made an interesting addition to its hot hatchback range by announcing a diesel version of its Renaultsport Megane. The Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 will go on sale in April, priced from £18,930. Powered by a more fiercely blown version of the company's new 2.0-litre diesel engine, it's endowed with 175bhp at 3750rpm and a substantial 266 lb ft of torque at just 2000rpm.That, says Renault, makes it capable of dispatching the 0-62mph sprint in 8.5sec and of 137mph flat out, but more importantly, makes it a titanic performer at low engine speeds. In 6th gear, between 50- and 75mph, the Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 will outpull a Megane 225, Renault says.Being a diesel, the Renaultsport dCi will also be a lot cheaper to run than its petrol-powered sibling. The French firm quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 43.5mpg for the car, and carbon dioxide emissions of just 172g/km. That means it goes more than ten miles further per gallon of fuel than a Megane 225, and would be more than £230 a year cheaper for the 22 per cent company car tax payer. Standard equipment on the Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 includes air conditioning, 17in aluminium wheels, cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and the same chassis settings as the 165bhp Megane 2.0T Sport. The Megane Cup chassis, as featured on the Megane R26, is available as an option.
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