We have been waiting for the arrival of the new Renault Megane R.S. hot hatch for some time now and it appears the wait is over as it will be launching in South Africa this week along with a new Megane range. Local sales of the new Megane and R.S. 280 CUP versions will commence in mid-September while the Megane R.S. LUX will arrive in November 2018.
The new Megane R.S. will look to shake up the hot-hatch segment locally.
The new third-generation R.S. model brings with it enhanced design and performance and hot hatch enthusiasts have much to look forward to with this latest model now featuring 4-wheel steering and a new 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with 205 kW and 390 Nm. Two model versions will be offered including the Megane R.S. Cup 6-speed Manual and the Megane R.S. LUX 6-speed EDC.
The EDC version will be equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddles and gear timing will be determined by the preferred driving mode selected which includes Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Perso (customisable mode). Sport and Race will further offer a Multi-Change Down function and Launch Control to maximise performance.
The Megane range, however, starts with the Megane Expression derivative which is powered by an 84 kW/156 Nm, 1.6-litre petrol engine and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this derivative is claimed at 6.4 L/100km.
The higher-spec Megane Dynamique will be powered by a 97 kW/205 Nm 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine and will be offered with either a 6-speed manual (5.3 L/100km) or 7-speed dual clutch transmission (5.4 L/100km).
A sporty interior with a comprehensive infotainment system will feature inside the new Megane R.S.
Sitting wider and lower to the road, the new Megane R.S. rides on 18- or 19-inch wheels and will be offered in the striking Tonic Orange as well as Sirius Yellow.
The interior benefits from Alcantara sports seats with built-in headrests, red top-stitching on charcoal grey trim, aluminium sports pedals and a specially-designed gear lever. The Megane R.S. is equipped with an 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen tablet display which provides a host of information to the driver including acceleration, braking, steering wheel angle, operation of the 4Control system, temperatures, pressures and so forth. Navigation, telephone and radio functions are also taken care of through the touchscreen. A Bose sound system with 9 speakers and a subwoofer is also fitted.
Megane Dynamique derivatives will feature R-Link 2 with a smaller 7-inch multimedia touchscreen. A 7-inch TFT instrument cluster is fitted.
Megane Expression 84kW – R274 900
Megane Dynamique Manual 97kW – R314 900
Megane Dynamique EDC 97kW – R344 900
Megane R.S. 280 CUP 205kW Manual – R549 900
Megane R.S. 280 LUX 205kW EDC – R549 900
Optional Extras
Metallic paint – R2 522
Leather seats – R10 088
Special Metallic Paint (R.S. Models) – R10 088
19'' Alloy wheels (R.S. 280 EDC LUX) – R8 070
The Renault Megane will be sold as standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a 5-year/150 000 km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000 km intervals on the core range and 10 000 km on R.S. models) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
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