Renault Malaysia previews Megane RS 280 Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Renault has previewed the new Megane RS for Malaysia ahead of its debut. A few days earlier, the car has been teased on the carmaker’s official website. New Renault Megane RS is a five-door hot hatchback, which is based on fourth-generation C-segment Megane hatchback.

The new Megane RS has either a track-focused Cup chassis or a standard Sport suspension. The rally-style four hydraulic compression bump stops are provided to make the comfort better in the former and delivers improved handling in the later. However, for the Malaysian market, the carmaker will offer the Cup chassis variant.

Moreover, the front suspension gets a huge modification. It is being redesigned and has an independent steering axis to make the precision improved and the Malaysian-spec Cup comes with Torsen limited-slip differential. The hatch also equips the brand’s own Multi-Sense system, which features five driving modes that include Normal, Comfort, Sport, customisable Perso and Race.

The hot hatch gets a 1.8-litre turbo-four engine, which is capable of making a maximum power of 280 PS, while the peak torque is at 390 Nm. Despite having the smaller displacement, the new engine provides more power in comparison to the outgoing generation’s power output (275 hp/360 Nm).

The engine comes mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission. The car is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.8 seconds and can attain the top speed of 255 kmph. Following its predecessor’s footsteps, the new Megane RS also has a front-wheel-drive layout.

The base (manual) version is priced at RM 279,888, whereas the EDC auto comes with an estimated price tag of RM 299,888, both the prices do not include insurance costs. Moreover, if one chooses the Pearl White colour, then he/she will have to pay RM 1,000 extra. While if one chooses the model signature Orange Tonic or the RS signature Liquid Yellow colour option, then an additional RM 8,000 will be charged.

Meanwhile, Renault Malaysia has announced that first ten customers, who book new hot hatch before May 31, will get a free trip to France. These customers will also get an experience of the brand’s base in Dieppe. From April 24 to 28, a public preview will be organised at the Mid Valley.