Renault has just launched the latest Renault Megane RS 280 Cup in Malaysia, having previewed the hot hatch back in April. Now, the RS will come in a 5-door variant, as opposed to the previous, 3-door version. Based on its price (and its features), it seems that the Megane RS will compete against the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen’s Golf R, with prices to match.
A 4-cyclinder 1.8-litre turbocharged engine has a maximum power output of 280PS, along with a peak torque of 390Nm—this is paired to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox, although enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there will be a 6-speed manual variant as well.
As per usual, the Megane RS 280 Cup will be fitted with an independent steering-axis front suspension, with the front suspension having been adapted for front-wheel-drive cars for more precision. You also get multiple driving modes to choose from with Renault’s Multi-Sense system: Comfort and Normal, Sport, and Race. According to Renault, these will affect the speed of your gear changes, along with changes to the engine noise and jerking through gear changes.
In Race and Sport modes, the Megane will allow its driver to down-shift multiple gears by simply holding the left paddle, with the optimum gear then chosen to exit a corner automatically (Multi-Change Down feature). This is in addition to a Launch Control feature that helps simulate a standing start like that of a race car.
To help drivers control all of that power, Renault is equipping the Megane RS with their 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system, which automatically adjusts the car’s rear wheels to point in the same direction as the front wheels (by 1 degree more) at higher speeds, and in the opposite direction (up to 2.7 degrees) at lower speeds.
The Renault Megane RS 280 Cup is available in four colours: Diamond Black, Pearl White (additional RM1,000) and the signature Liquid Yellow or Orange Tonic (additional RM8,000). Unfortunately, you’ll only have a 3-year warranty (or 100,000km).
Pricing for Peninsular Malaysia will start at RM279,888 for the manual variant, while the EDC variant will start at RM299,888. If you purchase the car in Langkawi, the prices will be from RM149,888 and RM159,888 respectively.
Fore more information, head over to Renault’s website or their Facebook page.
