After many previews and teasers, Renault has finally revealed the all-new Megane R.S. at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. The third generation of the hot hatch gets a new engine, four-wheel steering (first in the segment) and two transmission options. The all-new R.S. comes in two variants – Sports and Cup.
The Megane R.S. is powered by a new turbocharged 1.8-litre engine with direct fuel injection. The four-cylinder unit breathes out 280bhp at 6,000rpm with a peak torque of 390Nm.
For the first time, the Megane R.S. can be had with a choice of two transmissions – a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed EDC dual clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift gear changes.
The 4CONTROL all-wheel-steering also makes its debut with this car. Renault says it gives the ‘Sport’ and ‘Cup’ versions of the Megane outstanding agility through tight turns and a high-speed cornering stability.
The hot hatch comes laden with four hydraulic compression bump stops, cued from rally sports. These provide a balance of handling and comfort in the Sports variant. Meanwhile, the Cup variant gets an additional Torsen limited slip differential.
The driver can use the new R.S. Monitor on-board telemetry as well. In the ‘Expert’ mode, it allows the driver to film their drive and analyse the driving data. The MULTI-SENSE system provides five driving modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Perso.
The new-gen R.S. features a wider track. It sits on 18-inch (19-inch optional) wheels. The air-intake is improved for better cooling while the rear lip-spoilers now generate additional downforce.
Renault’s motorsport inspiration is evident in the rear diffusor, a F1-style front blade and a 3D honeycomb-pattern grille mesh. The French hatch also comes with a suite of driver aids (ADAS).
Renault Sport’s exclusive patented R.S. Vision lighting technology is also present. The new Megane R.S. becomes the first production car to feature the new Renault Sport badging, which is common for both Renault Sport Racing and Renault Sport Cars.
Additionally, there is a special tonic orange body colour. The front seats come with integrated head rests, a charcoal grey trim, red top-stitching, fabric or Alcantara upholstery, and R.S. badging all around the cabin.
The all-new Megane R.S. will go on sale in December this year. Renault will be introducing a 300-horsepower ‘Trophy’ version of the Megane R.S. at the end of 2018.
