2. Renault Megane R26.R

Now here's a car that's so racy it needs two Rs in its name.

Hot in the footsteps of the R26, the new R26.R uses the same 227bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but it's an entirely different prospect.

It's lighter for a start, with weight cut by more than 120kg, thanks to polycarbonate windows and a carbonfibre bonnet. The rear bench has also been ripped out, leaving just a pair of bucket seats up front.

The 0-60mph time is consequently reduced from 6.5sec to 6.0sec, almost as fast as the Focus RS, and the suspension and steering are both tweaked for added bite. Despite this, it manages 33.2mpg, while emissions are 199g/km of CO2.

The base car costs 22,900, but youll have to move fast to get one - just 230 of the 450 examples being built are coming to the UK.

When's it due? October 2008
Chances of 'I Spy' success 40/1