After no fewer than eight years on the market, the third-generation Megane was finally replaced in 2016. The redesign brought a significantly more modern vehicle in showrooms, as well as proof that Renault can deliver pretty cars. Of course, the company's most recent design language looks appealing on just about any nameplate that uses it, but the Megane is particularly attractive due to its balance, hatchback body style. For more than a decade now, a new Megane was always followed by a redesigned Megane R.S., so it's far from surprising that Renault brought a new rendition of its performance hatchback at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
With the hot-hatch heavily based on the standard Megane and most R.S. features borrowed from the existing Clio R.S., the new Megane R.S. is far from surprising if you ask me. I mean, it's just like I imagined it and all the recently launched R.S. features are there. This isn't a bad thing though. On the contrary, the new Megane R.S. is stunning to look at, and I think it trumps everything else in this segment styling-wise, including the Volkswagen Golf R and the Ford Focus RS. Okay, so maybe the Focus RS is hard to beat, but the Megane R.S. is still cool enough to get us frustrated over the fact that Renaults aren't available in the United States.
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Race-Inspired Styling
A lot of people say that French cars are dull to look at and boring to drive. And I can't argue with that. I drive one on a regular basis, and I've driven some of the newer Renault and PSA vehicles too. But R.S. cars are something completely different. They may be French, but Renault Sport has a tremendous motorsport experience, and this is visible in just about any car they design. Including the new Megane R.S., which may look like a regular Megane at first glance, but there are a ton of new features to talk about.
First up, the car is significantly wider, mostly because the front and rear fenders are now 2.36 and 1.77 inches wider, respectively. You can also see the R.S.-specific bumper lights shaped like a checkered flag, as well as a unique front grille with a diamond grid pattern. The front bumper is as aggressive as they get, while the front fenders have big extractor vents. Around back, there's a Formula One-inspired diffuser and a massive, center-mounted exhaust pipe.
Inside, the Megane R.S. comes with front sports seats with integrated headrests, bespoke aluminum pedals, and an upgraded R.S. monitor with an onboard telemetry system. It's basically all you need for a fast-paced weekend at the race track. But that's not all. The Charcoal Grey interior features red top-stitching for a sporty look, while the upholstery can be had in either Alcantara, which pretty much mimics the layout of a full-blown race car or the fancy "carbon fiber weave."
But What About Power?
Output was never an issue with R.S. cars, and the new Megane R.S. delivers plenty. Powered by a beefed-up version of the already familiar 1.8-liter four-cylinder, this R.S.-badged hatchback hits the pavement with 280 PS and 390 Nm of torque (276 horsepower and 288 pound-feet). Renault didn't say how quick it is to 62 mph, but it's safe to assume that this benchmark can be achieved in under five seconds. For the first time, Renault offers a choice of two transmissions, including a standard six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Another premiere is the new 4Control four-wheel steering, which makes the Megane R.S. more nimble through tight turns and more stable when cornering at higher speeds.
Renault also announced that 2018 will bring a new Trophy version of Megane R.S., powered by an engine rated at a whopping 300 PS and 400 Nm of twist (296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet). This version will also feature the race-spec Cup chassis and 19-inch wheels as standard equipment.
You must be pretty upset about Renault not wanting to open shop in North America...
References
Renault Megane R.S.
Read our full review on the Renault Megane R.S.
Renault Megane
Read our full review on the Renault Megane.