LOOK out Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS, and Peugeot 308 GTi. France is set to spawn another hot-hatch sensation, in the sexy guise of the next-generation Renault Megane RS.

Slated for a global reveal at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next March, the Renault Sport-designed and developed flagship differs from the current B95-series RS 265 and RS 275 versions by eschewing a three-door coupe-like body for the significantly larger and roomier five-door hatch configuration worn by its more mundane (and imminent) BFB-series siblings.

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Check out the extra low-slung and wide-wheeled stance that suggests significantly broader front and rear tracks, while the rear diffuser has an ad-hoc pair of central exhaust pipes punching through. We’re confident that the crew from Renault Sport will flesh out the styling inside and out to match lofty expectations.

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The latter, as a seven-speeder, is the only gearbox available in the 151kW/280Nm 1.6-litre GT (priced from $38,490), just as the smaller Clio RS 200 from $29,990 has to make do with a six-speed DCT.

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Pricing will be interesting, as the current, three-door only Megane RS from $44,000 to $53,000 has long commanded a circa-10 percent premium over its Golf GTI nemesis.

We’re waiting impatiently to see whether the Megane RS’ switch to a five-door bodystyle will bring the two arch enemies closer together, so please watch this space.