03 March 2009 - 13:00
Geneva show: Renault Megane RS
Want one. The covers have just come off the RenaultSport Megane (or Renault Megane RS - the names seem to be used interchangeably) in Geneva, and we're already wheedling Renault for a drive in one.
Looks great, doesn't it? There's plenty of the Megane Trophy racer that we saw back in Paris last autumn about the front end, with its dipping chin, plastic front clip, big arches - which, in a very neat touch, morph into brake vents at the back - and most excellent two-tone alloys. The centre exit exhaust mounted within the diffuser is deeply cool, too.
In fact, the only styling detail we're not so keen on are the strangely bulging side sills, but we'll let those fly for the moment. Overall, it's a fantastic looking thing.
But you want to know about the power and the fastness, don't you? Here goes: 247bhp courtesy of a heavily revised version of Renault's two-litre twin scroll turbo petrol engine. That's 20bhp more than the current RenaultSport Megane R26.R, and - though Renault hasn't released performance figures yet - should be good for a 0-60mph time of around six seconds. That's plenty enough to worry the Focus RS, despite the Ford packing an extra 60bhp.
RenaultSport often waits a while before releasing the stiffer ‘Cup' versions of its hot hatches, but the sharper chassis will be available immediately in the Megane, along with a limited slip diff. The steering has also been heavily revised, while Renault asserts that the traction control can be switched off. Fully off.
The new Megane RS goes on sale later this year in three-door guise: Renault doesn't seem to have any plans to release a five-door RS, which is just fine by us. Though we're yet to find out prices, expect them to remain similar to the outgoing model. A lot cheaper than the Focus RS, in other words.
So, assuming it drives as well as the outgoing RenaultSport Megane, is this the new king of the hot hatch pile? Let the fight begin...
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superfat hothatch......need it
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the french have no chance of winning the hot hatch battle against the monster of hot hatches the Ford Focus RS Also why did they call the megane a RS just makes it sound like a bad copy of a ford focus RS
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rs renault sport. simple. much better than the focus.
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Sounds interesting. On a straight like, the Focus will be definetely faster, but it doesn't mean it'll go faster around corners. Also, don't forget the VW. The new Golf GTI will only have 207 bhp but who needs more power? It spoils the handling. And then there's 280 bhp AWD GTI-R coming later this year. Can't wait.
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Not quite a Focus RS, but a strong contender. Not sure about the blingy alloys though. They don't fit the overall look.
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I don't like it one bit!!
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i like it but.... its till a renault and i'm not the biggest fan. still take an ST ( possibly) or rather a focus RS over this anyday.
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That's a damn good looking car, it even looks good in shouty shades of Yellow, well done Renault. And if its as interesting as its specs suggest I think there on to a winner here.
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I hate French cars, but I like this one for its design. The first EVER French car that looks good to me, from outside at least ;)
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I feel sorry for these guys thinking there ford focus is a better looking car then the megane RS.if you drive a megane RS like myself you will never want to drive any anther car I cant't wait for the new megane RS To al the guys comparing there there 2.5L to the megane 20L I feel sorry for you comparing your 2.5Lto us GGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! MEGANE HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Seat Ibiza
FR offers ignificant performance shortfall versus insignificant savings. Buy the Cupra. Or better yet the Clio Cup.
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gibo909 commented on this article
03 March 2009
Focus st watch out! The French are coming!
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