I therefore headed down to Port Elizabeth and the nearby Aldo Scribante racetrack to find out for myself during the recent local media launch.
Initial impressions
In recent years, the hot hatch segment has become a frenzy of activity of big-hit players such as the Ford Focus ST/RS, the Audi S3/RS3, more recently the Honda Civic Type R and of course, the always present Volkswagen Golf GTI with the more potent R not too far behind. With this in mind, I arrived at the track and was immediately drawn to the RS’ eye-catching looks for good reason.
That styling
From the front, the new RS features a masculine front bumper with a blade-like design on the lower section.It is however the now signature C-shaped LED headlights and RS logo designed LED foglights that adds to the appeal of the front-end.
From the side, the car looks really good thanks to clever design element and larger, more prominent wheel arches. Whereas as previous generation Megane RS’ came with a rather voluptuous rear end, this new model is significantly flatter and gets a triangular shaped exhaust mounted in the middle of the rear diffuser.
Overall, the Megane RS certainly makes a statement that it looks race ready, especially with the optional 19-inch alloy wheels fitted.
The interior
Inside, I quickly grew fond of the bucket seats with the RS logo on the headrests. In addition, there are also RS badges on the steering wheel, but the rest is standard Megane fare with varying degrees of plastic quality lending a cheap feel, especially lower down the dashboard.
Other than that, the cabin is spacious and despite the sporty seats, comfortable. I also like the digital instrument cluster which can be customised to suit the driver’s preference.
What’s it like to drive?
Renault is releasing two different RS models; the Lux, which is what the media sampled at launch, and the more focused Cup that will be added at later stage. As its name stipulates, the Lux is more “everyday” focused and comes, with a RS first, six-speed EDC gearbox whereas the Cup boasts a stiffer chassis, Torsen limited slip differential and a six-speed manual ‘box.
Both however get the same engine, a brand-new 1.8-litre turbo that produces 205kW/390Nm, which translates to a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.8 seconds. It is however the way in which the car handles that had me smiling.
On track, I found the RS to be eager, planted and easy to place where you want it to be. Big Brembo brakes helps to slow you down and thanks the brand’s 4Control rear-wheel steering system, the way it changes direction, especially when the five-mode Multi-Sense drive selector is in Race mode, is simply staggering.
Away from the track, the comfort orientated suspension, when in Normal mode, returned a compliant ride despite the RS being a performance car at heart.
Verdict
After spending the day thrashing the new Renault Megane RS around the track and experiencing it on the road, I must admit to being more impressed than expected. Even in Lux guise, it makes an impact although the Cup will undoubtedly deliver the final punch when driven in anger.
The elephant in the room though is the price, which at R549 900 for both the Lux and Cup, makes it somewhat of a bargain compared to the GTI and Type R, both from a performance and comfort standpoint.
