Share

Renault's fiery, adrenaline-pumping Megane RS is finally in SA: Here's how much the new hot hatch costs in Mzansi

Since the first-generation Mégane RS was released in 2003, greater performance and more technology has continued for more than a decade. Launched in 2009, The Mégane III RS has since become a genuine icon.

The latest generation has finally arrived in South Africa.

Packed with passion and expertise

Aiming to become – like its predecessors – a benchmark in the C-segment hot hatch market, this third-generation of RS is packed full of Renault Sport expertise and passion.

READ: New SA-bound Renault Megane RS - built for driving enthusiasts

                                                                       Image: Renault South Africa

GALLERY: 2018 Renault Megane R.S.

                                                                   Image: Renault South Africa

"The 4Control system is a dream come true for every driver looking for efficiency, since it improves both the agility and the stability of the car. It’s a shame that four-wheel steering systems are banned in Formula 1," says Nico Hülkenberg, Renault Sport Formula One Team driver and Renault Sport Cars ambassador.

Following a rich racing heritage

The Megane RS has been designed to deliver performance. The wings have been widened by 60mm at the front and 45mm at the rear (in comparison to the Mégane GT).

With the ride height lowered by 5mm compared with Mégane GT and new 18" or 19" wheels, these new proportions make the car more assertive.

This powerful design is boosted by a number of features taken from the world of motorsport, which immediately places it in the high-performance category. 

Engines and performance

It comes with a new version of the 1.8-litre direct injection turbo engine, derived from synergies with the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

This version develops a power output of 205kW at 6 000rpm and a peak torque of 390Nm available from 2400 to 4800rpm. A key factor in driving pleasure and comfort, the car boasts one of the best torque ratings in the category.

                                                                   Image: Renault South Africa

In order to achieve the required performances, Renault Sport's engine specialists designed a completely new cylinder head, with a reinforced structure and more efficient cooling that dissipates heat right next to the combustion chamber.

The design was entrusted to a task force made up of the best specialists from Renault Sport Cars, Renault Sport Racing and the Renault Technocentre1. 

Work also focused on the twin scroll turbocharger, already used on Mégane III R.S. This technology helps to improve torque at low revs.To increase the supply of cool air to the engine, the air intake was redesigned with the addition of a second air inlet and a new, larger filter element.

                                                                     Image: Renault South Africa

Still with improved performance in mind, the engine has been given surface treatments taken from the world of racing and supercars, such as DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) for the valve lifters and Mirror Bore Coating for the cylinder sleeves.

Totally revised

This modern engine, equipped with a chain-driven timing system, also boasts reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption (-11% and -8% respectively compared with Mégane III RS). The Cup chassis, 19-inch wheel rims and the bi-material brake discs will be standard on this version. Manual or EDC gearbox options are available to suit personal preferences.

                                                                   Image: Renault South Africa

A six-speed manual transmission is maintained for the new RS though an optional six-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox is also available. In order to provide complete reliability, this gearbox – which is already in use on several models in the Renault range – has been strengthened to withstand the torque and revs of a sports car engine.

Harnessing technology to boost performance

Featuring a completely revised, more user-friendly layout and offering extended functionalities, the telemetry and data acquisition system R.S. Monitor provides you with a new experience. Available as standard, RS Monitor gathers and summarises information from about sensors spread around the car.

                                                                   Image: Renault South Africa

It is therefore possible to display a wide range of vehicle settings in real time on the R-Link 2 touchscreen tablet: acceleration, braking, steering wheel angle, operation of the 4Control system, temperatures and pressures, etc.

The Megane’s high-performance lighting – RS Vision - is unique in this market segment. Introduced on the New Clio RS, the multi-reflector LED lighting system RS. Vision comes as standard on the RS These chequered flag design lights are integrated in the front bumper, either side of the F1-style blade.

RS Vision meets the need for powerful, efficient lighting, in line with the other features offered by R.S.

                                                                     Image: Renault South Africa

Equipped with nine LED’s per block, this system combines four high-performance lighting functions: side lights, cornering lights, fog lights and long-range high beam lights.

With a range of 460 metres (+17% compared with Mégane III RS), the high beam lights perfectly complement the Full-LED technology headlamps. For the first time, the C-Shape lighting signature incorporates the indicator lights.

                                                                 Image: Renault South Africa

Multi-Sense allows you to customise your sports car experience, by controlling engine response, the mapping of the accelerator pedal, shift patterns and the stiffness of the steering. It lets drivers customise their experience according to the circumstances. There are 5 positions are available:

Comfort: specific engine response settings and gearbox shift patterns that reduce fuel consumption;
Normal: a good balance between comfort, acoustics and safety, with an ideal ESP activation threshold for everyday use;
Sport: a sportier disposition, this mode combines more lively response with pleasingly accentuated engine noise, stiffer steering and a delayed ESP activation threshold;
Race: for racetrack driving, the ESP is completely disabled and the settings of the 4Control system deliver even more agile handling;
Perso: this mode allows each driver to customise the settings of the various technologies and driver aids on the vehicle.

The various modes may be accessed via the R-Link 2 touchscreen tablet. The R.S. Drive button provides a shortcut to the Sport (short press) and Race (press and hold) modes.

Model range and pricing

The Megane range offers versatility of choice from the Expression derivative through to the illustrious R.S. Models. The reshuffling of the core derivatives to include the option of an Expression Model now allows the Megane range to be more accessible.

The Expression model is powered by Renault’s 84kW 1.6 litre engine and mated with a five-speed manual gear box. Two Mégane Dynamique variants are now both powered by Renault’s Energy TCe130 97kW (1.2 litre) engine, there are two transmission options: seven-speed dual-clutch (EDC) auto gear box or six-speed manual gear box.

Options and functionality

R-Link 2 is modern control centre that manages the vehicle’s various connectivity functions: Multimedia, integrated navigation, telephone, radio, Multi-Sense, 4Control and driving aids for example.

The Dynamique variants come with R-Link 2 complete with a 7" multimedia touchscreen display and voice recognition for the navigation system, telephone, and radio ensuring safe and easy operation of the various functions.

Multi-Sense technology personalises the driving experience

Dynamique variants now come with Multi-Sense can be accessed from the R-Link 2. Multi-Sense affords driver and passengers the ability to immerse themselves in a uniquely personalized driving experience; technology unprecedented within the highly populated vehicle segment in which the car competes.

The Multi-Sense button provides direct access to these functions via the R-Link 2 multimedia touchscreen display as well as to four different pre-defined driving settings: Neutral, Comfort, Eco Sport and Perso all complimented.

With the assistance of Multi-Sense technology, the driver is also able to enhance his/her acoustic environment by adjusting the engine sound with a choice of three different settings: Neutral, Comfort and Sport.

Radio

Includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity as standard to support both telephony and multimedia mobile devices. Four speakers, 3-line 4.2 display, wireless telephony, push-to-talk (Smartphone voice recognition), offset terminal 2 USB + jack, audio streaming.

7" TFT Instrument Cluster

The TFT instrument cluster is at the heart of the dashboard is easy on the eye and displays stable images with good contrast both day and night. Using the ambient lighting controls facilitated by Renault Multi-Sense, the cluster’s dominant colour is changeable.

Driving Aids

For added safety and peace of mind on the road, intuitive and intelligent driving aids are easily configured using the R-Link 2 interface: 

• Parking Distance Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Cruise Control with Speed Limiter

A wide selection

With the New Renault Megane Model Range we offer a range of engines catering for all needs. The frugal and environmentally-friendly Euro 6 engines under the bonnets of the Mégane  range, seamlessly blend absolute driving pleasure, powerful performance and optimum fuel efficiency.

All fuel consumption and emission figures quoted are homologated in compliance with applicable legislation.

The three New Mégane models are:

Renault’s proven Energy TCe130 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine powers both Mégane GT-Line newcomers and delivers top output of 97kW and 205Nm of torque from 2 000rpm. 

Renault’s F1 technology transference to this engine is particularly evident in respect of turbo technology, engine dynamics, friction reduction, cooling and thermal management.

This 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit offers the same performance and efficiency as a naturally aspirated two-litre power plant. Its direct injection technology and integrated turbo manifold translate to flexibility, responsiveness and improved combustion which benefits fuel consumption.

Customers have a choice of two transmissions: seven-speed dual-clutch (EDC) auto gear box or six-speed manual gear box.The Dynamique with EDC provides the comfort and response of a dual-clutch transmission.

In response to demand from certain sectors of the local market, the accessible Expression model comes powered by Renault’s tried and trusted naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.60-litre engine has maximum power output of 84kW and 156Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. 

Fuel consumption is 6.4 litres/100km (in combined cycle) and CO2 emissions are 144g/km.

As with Renault’s entire product range, the Renault Megane models come standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000km intervals on the core range and 10 000km on R.S. models) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE