Renault Megane RS debuts at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show with 280hp and four-wheel steering
Renault revealed the new Megane RS at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, introducing a 1.8-litre turbo engine, four-wheel steering and a choice of manual or dual-clutch gearboxes.
Renault took the covers off the new Megane RS at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, delivering a headline 280hp from a new 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and introducing four-wheel steering to the hot hatch segment. The car arrives with a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox, both driving the front wheels.
The new Megane RS replaces the previous 2.0-litre unit with a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine, shared with the Alpine A110 but tuned for 280hp and 390Nm. Renault offers both a traditional six-speed manual and a six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters and launch control. The move to a 1.8-litre engine follows a trend for downsizing, but the power output matches the outgoing car’s Trophy variant.
Renault’s 4Control four-wheel steering system is now standard on the Megane RS, a unique feature in the segment. The system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speeds and in the same direction at higher speeds, improving agility and stability. Front and rear hydraulic compression stops are included, a technology drawn from rallying to improve ride and handling on rough surfaces.
Chassis and braking options
Buyers can choose between Sport and Cup chassis setups. The Cup chassis adds a mechanical limited slip differential for greater traction and sharper handling, aimed at track use. Renault also offers optional bi-material front brake discs, combining cast iron and aluminium for reduced unsprung weight and improved heat dissipation.
Unlike previous generations, the new Megane RS is only available as a five-door hatchback. Renault’s Multi-Sense system provides five driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and a customisable Perso mode. The car is equipped with a suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, reversing camera and park assist.
Performance and future variants
Official acceleration and top speed figures were not released at Frankfurt. Renault confirmed that a more extreme Megane RS Trophy with 300hp would follow in 2018, targeting enthusiasts and likely to compete for front-wheel drive lap records. The Trophy will use the same 1.8-litre engine in a higher state of tune.
- 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (280hp, 390Nm)
- Six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 4Control four-wheel steering
- Sport and Cup chassis, with optional limited slip differential
- Five-door body only
The Megane RS faces rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI, but Renault’s focus on chassis technology and a new engine aims to keep it at the sharp end of the hot hatch market. For a look at the previous generation’s debut, seeRenault Megane Unveiled With New Look at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
