Renault lobs Megane RS pricing
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 4th Jul 2018
RENAULT has announced a $44,990 plus on-road costs pricetag for its upcoming all-new flagship Megane RS hatch that will touch down in Australia in November to take on the likes of the Peugeot 308 GTi 270 and Honda Civic Type R, among others.
The new Megane RS matches the price of the outgoing RS265 Cup, although the previous-generation version was offered with a driveaway pricetag at the end of its life cycle. The $44,990 pricetag applies to the six-speed manual version, while the six-speed dual-clutch automatic is $47,490.
With its starting price, the Megane undercuts most of its hot hatch rivals, including the Peugeot 308 GTi 270 ($45,990), Volkswagen Golf R Grid ($47,490), Honda Civic Type R ($50,990) and the Ford Focus RS ($50,990).
Of its direct rivals, only the Hyundai i30 N ($39,990) is able to beat the Megane RS on cost, while entry level offerings such as the Ford Focus ST ($38,990) and Volkswagen Golf GTI ($41,990).
Offered with a single Sport specification level, buyers who choose the manual gearbox can option the Cup pack for $1490 that adds the performance-focused Cup chassis, Brembo bi-material brakes with red brake callipers, 19-inch black interlagos alloy wheels and a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential.
Other options include metallic paint ($600, with signature hues Liquid Yellow and Tonic Orange asking $880), RS Alcantara leather upholstery ($1190), a Bose sound system ($500) and a panoramic sunroof ($1990).
As previously reported, the Megane RS will touch down packing a new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 205kW at 6000rpm and 390Nm from 2400-4800rpm.
Power is sent through the front wheels, with the automatic featuring multiple drive modes including comfort, normal, sport and race. The drive modes also apply to the engine response, accelerator mapping, steering stiffness and ambient lighting, regardless of transmission.
Four-wheel steering sharpens handling and high-speed stability, while stopping power comes from 355mm front and 290mm rear Brembos, with the front clamps increasing 15mm in size over the outgoing model.
Suspension changes include the addition of hydraulic bump stops, which effectively act as a second shock absorber at the end of the regular shock absorber’s travel and help keep the vehicle as planted to the road as possible.
RS Vision full LED lighting iss standard, while safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, distance warning, blind spot warning, ESC, ABS brakes, hands-free parking, front, rear and side parking sensors, rearview camera, hill-start assist and six airbags.
Inside, the RS gains an 8.7-inch infotainment system, projecting the RS Monitor system that gives read-outs relating to acceleration, braking, wheel angle, temperature and speed in real time.
Other interior highlights include RS badging on the chrome-plated door sills, roof lining and sports seats, perforated leather steering wheel and shift gaiter, sat-nav, dual-zone climate control and heated folding electric door mirrors.
Renault Australia managing director Andrew Moore said the new Megane RS hoped to continue the legacy of its predecessor.
“Our specialists at Renault Sport have drawn upon the brand’s vast motorsport heritage and the diverse expertise from across the Renault world to design a new vehicle that combines the spirit of previous generation whilst evolving to meet the demands of our modern customers,” he said.
“The high level of standard specification announced today – including the availability of an automatic transmission for the first time – combined with the highly competitive price means that the all-new Megane RS is poised to shake-up the competitive local hot hatch market. We are very excited to be adding another chapter to the success story of Renault Sport in Australia.”
Renault anticipates the first examples will arrive in September for test drives, with customer deliveries commencing in November.
2018 Renault Megane RS pricing
| Sport | $44,990 |
| Sport (a) | $47,490 |
*Excludes on-road costs
