The arrival of Renault’s new face-lifted and final edition Megane R.S. has been quiet as there are only limited units available and most of them have been spoken for. This 360Nm Renault Sport version is still very much the segment leader despite its age.
Just two specification levels are on offer, ‘Sport’ and ‘Cup’ both carrying similar outputs. While those prices take a slight step down over previous variants (RM220,594.72 for the Cup and RM185,689.05 for the Sport), the new Cup and Cup Premium versions have more equipment included which might sway many to walk into a Renault showroom.
Renault researched which RS 265 extras were most frequently optioned, and as a result the Cup variant now has the R-Link entertainment and navigation system with an RS monitor as standard, while the Cup gains semi-leather Recaro seats in place of the Renault Sport fabric cloth.
Both variants also now feature idle-stop fuel saving technology as standard, which cuts fuel consumption from 8.2 litres per 100km of the outgoing model, to 7.5L/100km.
Performance figures remain the same as the outgoing model with a top speed of 255km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.0 seconds from the 265bhp with 360Nm of torque.
In addition to the re-sculpted face, the Megane RS 265 is available in two previously limited edition only colours, with Liquid Yellow and Pearl White joining the five other paint varieties. The limited edition Sirius yellow colour costs an additional RM7,000 (including GST).
This latest Megane carries the company’s new brand identity, which first saw light on the nose of the recently launched Clio compact car, and the Megane is the next model in line to wear the styling signature.
The diamond bonnet-badge now nestles on gloss black grille trim, an F1 style blade spoiler feeds air in to the radiator grille and the headlights give the appearance of a human eyeball.
Cup versions return with all of the previous go-faster goodies, from the Renault Sport tuned chassis, limited-slip differential, 18-inch wheels and red Brembo brakes.
Comfort features include keyless entry and start, auto headlights and wipers, privacy-glass, rear parking sensors, cruise control and the aforementioned R-Link and RS monitor, which allows real-time performance data display and storage. The track-focused technology allows stored data to be downloaded on to a USB device and, through the use of special applications, compares performance to other drivers. A 3-year warranty is included. Visit a Renault showroom for more information.
