Renault has removed the wraps from not one but two hot hatches – a Clio and a Megane.
First up is the new Renault Megane RS. Available to order now, the 276bhp beast costs from £27,495.
That undercuts the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R by £1,625 and more than £4,000 respectively, but is almost £2,500 more expensive than the Hyundai i30 N.
A more powerful Trophy model, featuring a 296bhp power output, will be available later in the year, although further details of that version have yet to be released.
The Megane RS is based on the standard five-door hatchback, although the body has been extended by 60mm at the front and 45mm at the rear. A full body kit and gigantic exhaust further ensure no one will think you’re driving a standard hatchback.
The 2.0 litre engine from the old Megane RS has been ditched in favour of a turbocharged 1.8 that produces 276bhp in the standard RS and 296 in the Trophy version. Renault is billing it as the most powerful 1.8 litre engine on the UK market.
To improve road holding the Megane RS now has four-wheel steering – a first for the hot hatch segment.
Inside, the bucket seats can be finished in Alcantara or a carbon fibre weave pattern and come fitted as standard. A digital instrument panel, decorative red stitching, aluminium pedals and an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen
Optional extras include Alcantara interior trim (£1,200), Alcantara steering wheel (£250), Brembo brakes (£900), a BOSE sound system (£800) and the Cup chassis pack (£1,500) which adds a limited slip differential, stiffened suspension and red brake callipers. For those who order the Megane RS in May Renault is offering the Cup chassis upgrade free of charge.
Buyers can choose from two transmission options, a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch automatic.
The car is capable of 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 158mph.
Meanwhile, Renault has announced a limited edition of its smaller Clio RS. They really mean limited edition – just 15 right-hand drive examples of the Clio RS 18 will be produced for the UK market.
The hot hatch gets a black and yellow paint finish that mimics the livery of Renault’s F1 car.
Based on the 220 Trophy, the RS 18 uses the same turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing 217bhp and 207lb ft of torque. Drive is sent through the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, although Renault says the special edition responds 50% faster.
Performance remains the same, although with a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds few buyers will feel the car is underpowered.
Pricing for the RS 18 starts at £24,295, which is £1300 more than the 220 Trophy.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk