2004 Renault Megane RS 225 review from UK and Ireland

Lever for adjusting the height/reach of the steering wheel came off the first time I tried to use it, 15 minutes after I took delivery.

The steering rack has been making a crunching sound on full lock ever since I took delivery.

Power steering failed after 600 miles.

This is a frighteningly quick car at times. Turbo lag is noticeable when accelerating from low speeds, but once you get going there is ample power throughout the rev range. The car will cruise very comfortably at high speeds and suffers from little of the unpolished road manners that characterize most 'hot hatches'. What this also means, however, is that handling has been compromised somewhat, and it certainly can't hold a candle to the 205 GTi I once owned in terms of cornering ability.

In addition to a slightly wallowy ride, the makers' other concession to comfortable motoring is masses of sound-proofing. At low speeds, you would barely know that the engine was running, which suits me fine, but will disappoint boy racers looking for a really sporty exhaust note. As well as being quiet, the cabin is extremely comfortable, even on long journeys.

The immensely powerful brakes give the car a very secure feel, while the suspension set-up and those wide wheels make it feel far safer in the rain than other cars that I have driven. That said, torque steer is still a problem, and is not helped by over-light (when it's working!) power-steering.

Reliability is the most serious issue, and my car has been back to the shop 3 times in 840 miles.