Renault Megane RS

Overview

Despite being not an old name in the performance-oriented hatchback segment as its direct rivals, the Renault Megane RS has built quite a reputation for itself. This French offering has got all the firepower and practicality in one single package, therefore increasing its desirability. The Renault Megane RS in Malaysia is offered in a single-engine option, which is available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. Color options on offer are Orange Tonic, Liquid Yellow, Pearl White, and Diamond Black.

Interior & Features

Matching the sporty exterior appeal of the Renault Megane RS is its focused and sporty all-black interior cabin, which arouses the sense of raciness as soon as one sits inside.

The flat bottom multi-functional steering wheel with piano black and red inserts, as well as a wide and fully digital instrument console, along with aluminium pedals, make for a great driver’s cockpit. The centre console too looks quite contemporary, with a large vertically places touchscreen infotainment system and vertical AC vents towards its upper corners, much like what we have already seen on the Volvo cars. The contrasting red stitching on gear lever as well as seats and doors is a nice touch as well.

Despite a great focus on the front cabin, the Renault Megane RS is fantastic when it comes to rear-seat space as well. The rear bench is spacious enough to seat three abreast with ease, and the ample boot space ensures that it doesn’t lose on practicality as well.

Exterior

For a premium performance-oriented hatchback of today’s world, the Renault Megane RS definitely looks the part. The Megane RS shares a lot of design cues with other global Renault models, but the added dash of sportiness gives it a striking visual identity of its own.

The front of the Renault Megane RS displays traditional U-shaped blackened front grille and new C-shaped full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, which have become a part of all the new generation models from Renault. The chequered type tri-square fog lamps too are something which we have never seen before.

The side profile of the Renault Megane RS looks quite juicy, thanks to the presence of 19-inch alloy wheels, muscular wheel arches, and the uprising kink on the rear window.

At the rear too, Renault has tried to keep things attractive by giving the Megane RS longitudinally stretched LED tail lamps, roof spoiler, and aggressive looking rear bumper with centrally mounted big trapezoidal exhaust pipe.

Ride & Handling

For a performance-oriented hatchback, the car should have equal finesse in its ride and handling balance as its powertrain. The Renault Megane, in this sense, feels quite athletic and sure-footed, with the stiffly sprung suspension and steering setup, ensuring that it stays focused on its intentions. However, the stiff suspension does make the ride quality slightly harsh over broken patches of roads.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Renault Megane RS has a powerful 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine under its hood. The engine is capable enough of producing a maximum power of 280 PS and a peak torque output of 390 Nm, which makes it one of the most powerful cars in its class. The engine is available with the choices of both 6-speed manual and 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Braking & Safety

Armed with all the modern safety amenities, the Renault Megane RS has front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, reverse parking sensors and camera, cruise control with speed limiter, hill start assist, and electronic parking brake.

Verdict

The Renault Megane RS has got all the right ingredients to make up for the recipe of a true hot hatch. It has the looks to die for – both in and out, and it feels premium, it has a wonderful performance on tap and is a fun to drive car with a fine chassis under the skin. It offers all these attributes without compromising on the practical aspects of space and low-speed comfort, which makes it a great urban tool for daily rides as well.