European hot-hatch fans rejoice: Renault just unveiled the latest iteration of the Mégane RS. Based on the roughly two-year-old current-gen Mégane hatchback, the RS model returns to represent the automaker in the fiercely contested European sport-compact segment. That means facing off against such storied players as the Volkswagen GTI and the Ford Focus ST, as well as intriguing hot-hatch variants of the Vauxhall Astra, SEAT Léon, Peugeot 308, and other Eurocentric offerings that aren?t available stateside.
The Mégane R.S. is wider (with a wider track to match) than its more civilian counterpart and stylistically is distinguished by its front-end graphics, R.S.-specific 18- and 19-inch wheels, rear diffuser, and trapezoidal center exhaust. A newly available Tonic Orange exterior finish grants its owner extrovert status. The interior features front sport seats with integrated headrests, red stitching, and a choice of fabric or microsuede.
The Megane R.S. will be available for the first time in two versions: Cup and Sport. Both are propelled by a 276-hp turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. A full 288 lb-ft of grunt is on hand, delivered to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Renault?s Multi-Sense system provides five driving modes?Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race, and Personal?to fine-tune steering, throttle, and transmission responses. Of particular note is the i...