Renault Megane RS 2019 – What to expect?

If you have been waiting to get your hands on a new hot hatch, wait a little bit longer. This is because the all-new 2019 Renault Megane RS is headed to our shores. It was only last year that the French automaker launched the lukewarm Megane GT. Though the GT is more than satisfactory for most people, it isn’t an RS. Globally, the new Megane RS is available in three versions, namely the RS Sport, RS Cup, and RS Trophy. So, let’s find out what you can expect from the 2019 Renault Megane RS.

Exterior

The 2019 Renault RS’s basic design is based along the same handsome lines as that of the fourth-generation Megane hatchback. Of course, Renault has gone around making a few changes all over to ensure that you don’t mistake the RS for anything but an RS. For example, you still get the same full-LED headlights with the C-shaped signature LED daytime running lights and the same clamshell bonnet design. However, the RS incorporates LED turn indicators in the same housing as the DRLs, plus the standard front grille and bumper have now been replaced with more aggressive units. Other additions include a small “RS” badge below the brand insignia, sportier mesh pattern along with the grille and bumper, a front spoiler, and chequered flag pattern foglights.

The RS sits lower to the ground and integrates sporty side skirts, fender-mounted and rear bumper vents for improved air management. It also gets flared wheel arches, Brembo brakes with red callipers, and some striking 19-inch Fuji wheels shod with sticky Bridgestone Potenza tyres. The back houses the same LED taillights as in the regular Megane, but the RS goes further with a distinctly big rear spoiler, another “RS” badge, a chiselled bumper and a comprehensive rear air-diffuser with a large centrally-mounted exhaust outlet. All these details come together to ensure that there’s no mistaking the feisty Megane RS for anything else.

Interior

The interior of the 2019 Renault Megane RS shares a few similarities with its plebeian sibling. As an example, the centre console, touch-infotainment system, and the instrument cluster are lifted straight from the regular model. With that being said, this interior has been given the special RS treatment. For a start, the cabin is primarily red and black themed to add to the sportiness. Then there are the RS sports seats, RS steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, RS drive modes, faux carbon-fibre trim on the dash and doors, aluminium pedals, plus extensive use of Alcantara on the seats, and steering wheel.

The Megane RS is decently equipped for a hot hatch, though it’s not as good as its rivals. Still, you get a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, an 8.7-inch touch-infotainment setup with Bose audio and navigation, keyless entry with push-button start, and a power sunroof. What the Megane RS is lacking are top-notch build quality and exceptional fit-and-finish. There are also way too many scratchy plastic bits of trim dotted all over the place, which not only feel cheap but also takes away some of the charm. The sporty seats are relatively comfy, though, and hold you in place well while driving, and overall space is good enough, too.

Engine

All three versions of the 2019 Renault Megane RS come with the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, though the RS Trophy benefits with more oomph. In the RS Sport and Cup cars, this direct-injection petrol mill produces 276 hp and 390 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the RS Trophy edition benefits from 292 hp and 420 Nm of twisting force. However, all three variants are offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the powered wheels in all cars remains at the front, irrespective of the engine or gearbox choice.

The 276-horsepower Megane RS is no slouch, tackling the 0-100 kmph run in a mere 5.8 seconds and going all the way up to a top whack of 255 kmph. The Megane RS utilizes unique, rally-derived hydraulic compression stop suspension setup on all four corners, plus four-wheel steering and brake torque vectoring. The RS Cup adds stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, and also features a limited-slip differential.

Safety features

Renault offers the Megane RS with six airbags, ABS with EBD and braking assist, traction and stability programmes, lane-departure and blind-spot warning, plus all-around parking sensors and a rear camera.

Though Renault Malaysia hasn’t yet announced the official launch date for the 2019 Megane RS, you can be certain that it’s just around the corner.