| First UK Drive | Herts, England | Renault Mégane Renaultsport dCi 175 |

It looks like a Renaultsport Mégane and goes like a Renaultsport Mégane, so what's different? The observant might notice the lack of a roof-mounted rear spoiler, but otherwise it's just like any other hot Mégane. Take a peek under the bonnet though and instead of a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit there's a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. It had to happen; indeed, there's nothing really new about diesel hot hatches, it's just that in comparison to their petrol relatives they've always been toned down to be a bit more, well, sensible.

But Renault isn't exactly being quiet about this Renaultsport Mégane dCi 175's potential. You get the same chunky alloy wheels with Brembo callipers hiding behind them and deeper front and rear bumpers - pierced by foglamps up front and central chrome tailpipes at the rear - of its petrol 225 relative. It's all very obvious, which makes you wonder why Renault bothered taking that roof spoiler off. It's certainly not done it for stealth. Not that the dCi 175 should be about toned-down looks, as, although the 175 can't offer the 225 (or 230 depending on what week it is and what special Renault is launching) horses of its petrol sibling, it's certainly not short of pace.

As is typical with turbodiesels, the 175's response isn't initially as instantaneous or as dramatic as it is with the petrol car. But once the revs rise and the turbo is puffing away the manner the 175 dCi gathers pace is extraordinary. Not fizzy and demanding like the 225's delivery, the diesel's surge is far more civilised, but no less intoxicating. It's the diesel's torque that makes the difference; the dCi produces 266lb.ft at just 2,000rpm, shading the 225's 221lb.ft at 3,000rpm. It's arguably more useful more of the time, too. Power also peaks earlier, the dCi's 170bhp arriving at 3,750rpm. The result is you'll be skipping gears more in the diesel car, the depth of the engine's performance effectively negating two of the six-speeder's ratios.

It's a quiet unit too - particularly when compared to VW's noisy turbodiesels. Only a slight grumble when pressing the starter button gives its fuel-type away. Back road ability is tremendous, the handling as enjoyable and adjustable as the 225. There's a little more understeer, but not so you'd notice anywhere but on a track. The steering remains one of the weaker points in the Renaultsport's repertoire, though. In the dCi it's both over-light and lacks the sort of precise feel such a sporting hatch should enjoy.

Bare figures highlight that there's a chasm of nearly two seconds when the petrol and diesel car line up head-to-head for a 0-62mph sprint (6.5 seconds plays 8.3 seconds). However, most drivers will be able to live with the embarrassment of the odd lost drag race for the extra ease of the diesel's cross-country pace.

Actually, when the roads are twisty and busy there'd be little to choose between the two Renaultsport Méganes. The 175 dCi's mid-range grunt makes it a hugely effective overtaking machine, the lack of the need to drop a cog or two ensuring it would easily keep up with its petrol alternative. You'll never manage the 43.3mpg official combined cycle figure if you're driving it so, but even pushing you'll go a long way further between stops in the dCi than you might in the petrol car.

That additional range makes it a leggy and capable cruiser, too. It's helped here by the suspension settings, the Mégane riding impeccably unless faced with canyon-like potholes. Impressively, given its comfortable ride, it still delivers good body control, pitch and roll well controlled even when you're enjoying its grip and pace.

Inside, the cabin's the same as the petrol car (except of course for the rev-counter running out at 5,000rpm), which means seats set far too high, a stretch for the gearstick wherever you're positioned and a smartly laid out cabin. Whether it'll all look and feel so smart after a couple of years use remains the issue though, the Mégane lacking the solid feel and image of German and Japanese rivals.

Live with that though and you've got an entertaining hot hatch, which just happens to be a diesel. Instead of being the defining characteristic, it's incidental, and to many it'll prove a more enjoyable driving experience than the petrol alternative. Some will never switch allegiance however good it is, but it's refreshing to know that those who do won't be getting a compromised choice. Unless, that is, they're after a roof-mounted spoiler.