Renault previews 2018 Megane RS at Monaco Grand Prix
Renault gave the first public outing to its next-generation Megane RS during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg taking the camouflaged prototype for a lap.
Renault used the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2017 to give its forthcoming 2018 Megane RS hot hatch a public preview, sending a camouflaged prototype around the circuit with Renault F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg at the wheel. The outing marked part of Renault’s 40th anniversary celebrations in Formula One and gave the public its first glimpse of the new RS ahead of its official debut.
The new Megane RS will be the first in the model’s history to be offered exclusively as a five-door hatch, dropping the previous three-door configuration. Renault has also confirmed that buyers will have a choice between a traditional manual gearbox and the brand’s EDC dual-clutch automatic, broadening its appeal among hot hatch enthusiasts. This is a notable shift from the outgoing model, which was manual-only.
Technical details remain under wraps ahead of the official launch, but Renault Sport’s managing director Patrice Ratti said the new Megane RS aims to set a new benchmark for compact sports cars. The car’s appearance at Monaco, in full camouflage, hints at a focus on both performance and daily usability, with the five-door layout making it more practical than its predecessor.
Manual and dual-clutch options confirmed
Renault’s decision to offer both manual and dual-clutch transmissions reflects a growing trend in the hot hatch segment, where rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI are also available with different gearbox options. The move is likely to widen the Megane RS’s customer base, appealing to both driving purists and those seeking convenience in traffic.
The new Megane RS is expected to compete directly with established rivals, including the Honda Civic Type R, which currently holds the Nürburgring lap record for front-wheel-drive production cars. Renault has not confirmed any performance targets, but the brand’s focus on motorsport and its Formula One heritage are likely to shape the new model’s development.
Launch timing and market positioning
The full unveiling of the 2018 Megane RS is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017. First deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2018. The move to a five-door body and the addition of a dual-clutch gearbox position the Megane RS as a more versatile contender in the hot hatch market, aiming to attract both loyal Renault Sport fans and new customers looking for a practical performance car.
