Megane RS
Already available in parts of Europe and set to take on the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N, the RS will touch down in the UK with a price tag of £27 495 (R474 269), and is powered by a reworked version of the Alpine A110’s 1.8-litre turbocharged engine producing 206 kW and 390 Nm of torque.
Capable of dispatching the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds, the RS will offer the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed EDC incorporating not only paddle shifters but also launch control and have a top speed of 250 km/h instead of 255 km/h.
Boasting Renault’s 4Control rear-wheel steering system derived from the GT as well as five driving modes Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Perso, the RS will be offered in standard Sport or Cup variations. The latter adds a Torsen limited slip differential, different springs and dampers and red brake calipers for an additional £1 500 (R25 873).
In terms of in-car tech, the RS comes fitted as standard with the portrait-style 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen infotainment system featuring both satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and the obligatory RS Monitor, bucket seats trimmed in either Alcantara or carbon fibre weave, Adaptive Cruise Control, an optional Bose sound system, standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch rollers.
Despite deliveries only commencing in two months’ time, UK buyers ordering the RS during May will have the option of having theirs fitted with the Cup chassis without having to pay the aforementioned premium.
Clio R.S.18
First shown in November last year and named after Renault’s current Formula 1 car in celebrating the marque’s 40 year involvement with the sport, the R.S. 18 uses the flagship Clio RS 220 Trophy as base, but adds the now signature yellow and black livery, black diffuser and alloy wheels, grey badging on the front doors, R.S. diamond motif on the roof and Sirius Yellow front bumper blade.
Inside, the interior gets artificial carbon fibre finishes around the air vents with the actual vents themselves featuring red detailing, R.S. branded door sills, Renault Sport floor mats, leather and Alcantara trimmed sport steering wheel and unique model badging.
Fitted with improved brakes, launch control, new dampers and an Akrapovic exhaust system, the R.S. 18 retains the Trophy’s 162 kW/280 Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and six-speed EDC gearbox, with top speed being a claimed 235 km/h and 0-100 km/h taking 6.6 seconds.
Limited to just 15 units in the UK, the R.S. 18 will command a sticker price of £24 295 (R419 071) and is expected to arrive locally at the end of May 2018.
