Say hello to the latest hot hatch in town, the new Renault Megane RS. Renault Sport’s latest Megane enters the senior sports hatchback arena that has the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R – both are also officially sold in Malaysia. Of course, the Megane RS is no stranger to our market, but plenty has changed in the transition to this latest generation.
Based on the fourth-generation C-segment Megane hatchback, which does not have a three-door version, the latest Megane RS is five-door hatch. That means two more doors than the previous RS, which bodystyle Renault did attempt to brand as a coupe. It’s less distinct as a result, but that’s not really a problem since its rivals have the same format (ten units of the three-door Golf R were sold here, though).
Also different is the engine, which is now a smaller 1.8 litre turbo-four. It makes 280 PS and 390 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,500 rpm, which is a few horses and 30 Nm more than the previous-gen 2.0L turbo’s max output (275 hp/360 Nm in the Trophy-R).
The motor is paired to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission, but the good news is that there’s a six-speed manual option as well. This is unlike the Clio RS, which is EDC-only. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 5.8 seconds, while top speed is 255 km/h (250 km/h for the auto).
The Megane RS has always been a front-wheel drive hot hatch, and this new one maintains tradition, like the Civic Type R. Keeping the extra dose of performance in check is the 4Control four-wheel steering system that made its debut on the warm 205 PS/280 Nm 1.6L Megane GT, which was launched here in February 2018.
As is the norm for a Renault Sport product, the new Megane RS comes with either the standard Sport suspension or a more track-focused Cup chassis, both receiving rally-style four hydraulic compression bump stops for better handling or comfort depending on the chosen setup. Malaysia gets the Cup, which was also the chassis of choice when the previous-gen Megane RS was launched here in 2010.
The front suspension has been completely redesigned with an independent steering axis for improved precision, while the Cup you see here gains a Torsen limited-slip differential. Renault’s Multi-Sense system provides a choice of five driving modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and the customisable Perso. The car rolls on 19-inch “Interlagos” alloys with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S001 rubber.
Today’s event is billed as a preview, and order books are now open. The first customer units will be arriving around mid-2019. The manual version has a confirmed price of RM279,888 on-the-road without insurance (RM178,800 in tax-free Langkawi) while the EDC auto has an estimated price of RM299,888 (RM186,800 in Langkawi).
Note that there will be an additional RM1,000 charge for Pearl White; and RM8,000 for the bright Orange Tonic (model signature, as seen here) and Liquid Yellow (RS signature) colours. The car you see here is what you’re going to get, save for the Recaro bucket seats – customer cars will have RS sports seats, although the Recaros can be ordered, at a fee of course. The factory warranty is for three years or 100,000 km.
The first 10 customers to book the new Megane RS before May 31 will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to France, which will include an experience at Renault Sport’s base in Dieppe. Test drives (of the manual version) will be available at Renault’s Petaling Jaya showroom from August onwards, by appointment. A public preview will happen at Mid Valley from April 24-28.
GALLERY: Previous generations of the Renault Megane RS
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2010: New Megane RS RM230k OTR!!
2019: New Megane RS Rm280K OTR!!
wow…this is no longer a price creep..but a full blown price rocket. i guess they managed to stuff in a whole myvi inside the car to justify the price.
But i totally get the price, RM exchange rate is getting worst day by day. so no choice other than manufacturer to pass the extra cost to the buyer. So suck it guys.
Ini semua salah PM 2019…
0-100km/h 5.8s for the auto or manual version?
If u factor in the inflation and added tech, the one myvi difference is not bad especially with the weaker MYR!
Wish I could put down a deposit for one without worrying about my kid’s education…
Better topup abit for CTR, Nurburgring conqueror.
Top up 50k, a bit?
*two more doors than the previous RS
Type R fighter.
Golf R > Megane RS 280 Cup
Any day of the week.
Golf R :
Price win
Performance win
Design win
Interior win
Exhaust note win
There is 0 point getting an Auto gearbox in this Renault
But then, if getting the Manual gearbox, why don’t just pick the best of the best, the all mighty Civic Type- R ?
CK Goj
I think you’r fan of Golf R.
Design Megan RS win
Exhaust also win
Don’t use you ideal of sport car to think.
Because all your brain is Golf R doesn’t mean Renault Megan RS in not good or not nice.
Well, there are reason someone wears a boxer, some wears normal underwear, some wear mini brief, some wear g-string, some even opt to go-commando.
easy, not everyone like a Japanese car. I Agree with you, Golf R is more value, but from my experience, just cause something is the same on paper, doesnt mean the translated feeling is the same.
You are fan of Golf R, doesn’t mean others agree with your list.
Golf R come alive minimum stage 2.
Nissan cars reliability is getting worse, is it bcoz of Renault?
Now only u realise?
Go to part shop and ask for Almera throttle body then see what they bring to you.
Normally they would bring the whole engine coz no point to change just the TB.
Hahahah….TQ for making me smile.
better than civic
manual or nothing
yohooòooooo banyak cantik 280k murah je mehhhhh
tapi pelik la dkt uk baru 30k apa cerita ni
Ini Malaysia boleh price ma. Have to show whole world we are rich dude.
30k pound… dah RM 160,000… lepas itu tax, 30% tax for import duty.. and plus 85% for excise duty…tax alone amounts too more then 200k… so….harga itu… 280k.. :) dah tak termasuk..shipping cost, clearance, yard.
Good import fast car tax mahal mahal.
Good potential fast car Satria no continue develop.
No cheap car to rempit all rempit motor and bicycle loh.
Overpriced. Better get Peugeot 308 GTi if Peugeot Malaysia still selling it.
Better be consistent…..,quote either in PS or BHP.