SPIED: Renault Megane RS – AWD, four-wheel steer

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For petrolheads, the “Megane” name conjures images of a performance-enhanced family hatchback-coupe thanks to the RS treatment by the RenaultSport crew. The upcoming RS version of the fourth-generation Renault Megane will be based on the five-door hatchback like the Clio, as there is no two-door coupe Megane in the fourth-generation line-up.

The upcoming Megane RS is expected to attain an output of at least 300 hp from its 2.0 litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions will be available for the car, according to Renault Sport boss Patrice Ratti. It was also mentioned that the upcoming RS will feature all-wheel-drive and four-wheel steering, ingredients that should help the RS sub-grand stay on par with the recent Ford Focus RS.

Up front, the test mule’s regular GT body should make way for larger air intakes when the RS approaches its launch date. Around the back, the rear bumper also receives modifications to accommodate RS-specific equipment, namely the centrally-mounted exhaust exits rather than the standard car’s exhaust, which is offset to the side.

Visible through the wheels are a set of larger, Brembo performance brakes as expected for an RS model, while the wheels themselves reside in what appears to be wheel arches that have been cut to make space for the larger wheel and tyre combination.

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The performance-oriented Megane variant can be expected to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year in March, with deliveries potentially at the end of 2017 or from 2018.

The RS-fettled Megane has been a significant car for the French manufacturer, with a cult following in Malaysia too; 10 units out of a 250-unit global production run of the range-topping Trophy-R variant were allocated for Malaysia, and all were promptly sold out.

GALLERY: The 3rd-generation Renault Megane RS Trophy-R

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Henry on Jul 18, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    French cars – if only the reliability can match its looks.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • I own a megane RS for 4 + years now. No issues other than wear and tear. And the Renault warranty is nothing less than superb.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Must have never owned one recently. The Megane RS is one of the most reliable hatchbacks.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Now u can buy 2nd hand RS Megane juz RM 122K

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Gaviny on Jul 18, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    Focus rs please

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Jul 19, 2016 at 12:12 am

    It’s going to be a sight to behold when that menacing DRLs come up right behind u on the highway.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • If this is priced the same as the current Megane RS (between rm200-250k), it will be the bargain of the century.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Megane on Aug 15, 2016 at 11:34 pm

      Unlikely as usually 1bhp equals to RM 1k in Bolehland . Cheapest it can go probabyly 275k .

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • applegreen on Oct 04, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    Looks like it got big HUD screen

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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