RENAULT MEGANE RENAULT SPORT: A Test Drive Impression
RENAULT MEGANE RENAULT SPORT |
Renault Mégane Renault Sport
A Testament to Renault's Pursuit of Fun-to-Drive (1)
The new Mégane Renault Sport boasts performance that rivals dedicated sports cars. We bring you our driving impressions of this model, launched at a strategic price under 4 million yen.
Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Hirotaka Shimizu
Rivals Include Golf R and Cayman
The new Mégane Renault Sport (3.85 million yen), released by Renault Japon on February 10, 2010, offers driving performance that outshines many dedicated sports cars. Don't dismiss it as just another French sports car; its exhilarating fun is something even German car enthusiasts should experience.
To describe the new Mégane Renault Sport (hereafter Mégane RS) in a single word: everything is special. From the chassis and engine to the interior, it's composed of dedicated parts. Yet, despite its intricate details, it comes in under 4 million yen. It's an absolute bargain.
“For rivals in a similar body style,Volkswagen Golf R(256ps, 5.05 million yen), and in the 2-door segment, the Porsche Cayman (265ps, 6.74 million yen) are also considered,” says Renault Japon. This bold statement isn't unfounded, as it matches these two rivals in terms of sheer driving enjoyment.
The Mégane RS features a 6-speed manual transmission and left-hand drive. While the Golf R can be driven with an automatic transmission license and has right-hand drive, the Mégane RS might face disadvantages in the Japanese market. However, its engine, with an exceptionally light flywheel that revs effortlessly to the redline, and its direct-feeling gearbox with a reinforced clutch that engages crisply, are powerful, unique strengths of this car.
Engine and Dedicated Tuning Deliver Powerful Performance
The engine is a 2-liter unit equipped with a high-efficiency twin-scroll turbocharger, producing a maximum output of 250ps. Notably, the turbocharger boost pressure has been significantly increased from 2.1 bar in the previous generation to 2.5 bar. Meanwhile, low-end response has also been improved, with 80 percent of the maximum torque of 340Nm available at 1,900rpm.
This engine is superb. Before you can even think about turbo lag, it's already nearing the redline. Power is abundant in every range, and the revs are smooth. It possesses every quality one could desire in an engine.
The chassis features thick anti-roll bars and stiffened dampers, combined with a specially designed front suspension called double-axle strut, and a sports LSD (Limited Slip Differential) tuned for performance. Engineers focused on optimizing the front suspension geometry to enhance cornering ability and straight-line stability.
R.S. Dynamic Management for More Authentic Sports Driving
The Mégane RS is equipped with the "R.S. Dynamic Management" system for sports driving. It offers three modes: Normal mode, where ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and traction control operate normally; Sport mode, which delays the activation of both systems and sharpens the engine's response to throttle input; and the most sporty ESP Off mode, intended for track use. Throttle response can be further adjusted across five levels.
The least sensitive is Snow mode, while the most sensitive is Extreme mode, defined by Renault as “suitable for authentic sports driving.” This allows the driver to alter the car's character.
Even in Normal mode, the throttle response is quite sharp, but by using the R.S. Dynamic Management system, you can fully benefit from the chassis's quick reaction to steering inputs and the suspension system's effective body control. Engine intake and exhaust sounds are also managed to further excite the driver. Despite the high torque, there is no noticeable torque steer when accelerating hard.
RENAULT MEGANE RENAULT SPORT |
Renault Mégane Renault Sport
A Testament to Renault's Pursuit of Fun-to-Drive (2)
Interior Reflects the Car's Character
“In Europe, the 3-door hatchback and coupe sports model segment is traditionally highly competitive, with many manufacturers participating. Power outputs have increased year by year, reaching the mid-200s to 300ps. The Mégane Renault Sport is the best-selling model in this fiercely contested category, holding a 44 percent share in France.”
Renault explains.
Another appeal of the Mégane RS is its interior. The cabin, accented with a vibrant yellow called Sport Yellow, is stylish. The Recaro full bucket seats are particularly noteworthy. Their design perfectly matches the car's character, and they offer excellent support during spirited driving. The seat cushioning is also surprisingly comfortable, making the firm ride feel pleasant.
Exterior with Flowing Lines
Standard equipment includes 18-inch Michelin tires, with the sports LSD optimized to work with them. For those who prefer a sportier look, 19-inch Continental tires are available as an option. Even with these, the ride comfort is surprisingly good, likely due to the Recaro seats.
The exterior is also appealing, featuring freeform headlights that echo the Lutecia Renault Sport. Flowing lines extend from the striking front grille to the rear. Despite being a hatchback, the steeply raked rear window and the 2-door configuration give it a strong personal character.
The rear fender area, in particular, is beautifully sculpted with its voluptuous curves and the elegant shape of the rear combination lamps. It's a captivating sight.
As Renault Japon explained, the most direct rival that comes to mind isVolkswagen Golf R. Their body sizes are nearly identical. The Golf R has a wheelbase of 2,575mm, while the Mégane RS is 2,640mm. The Golf R is 4,210mm long, and the Mégane RS is 4,320mm. Both use a 2-liter turbo engine, with the Golf R producing 256ps and the Mégane RS 250ps, very close figures.
The key differences lie in the body style: the Golf R is a practical 4-door with a nearly vertical tailgate, whereas the Mégane RS is a 2-door coupe-like model with a sloped hatch. Furthermore, the Golf R features a dual-clutch transmission and full-time 4WD, while the Mégane RS is equipped with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
The Mégane RS features a 6-speed manual transmission and left-hand drive. While the Golf R can be driven with an automatic transmission license and has right-hand drive, the Mégane RS might face disadvantages in the Japanese market. However, its engine, with an exceptionally light flywheel that revs effortlessly to the redline, and its direct-feeling gearbox with a reinforced clutch that engages crisply, are powerful, unique strengths of this car.
Driving them feels comparable. Both offer a thrilling, unique sensation as driving machines. The precision of the handling, the enjoyment of the high-powered engine, and the pleasure derived from the distinctive interior and exterior – Volkswagen and Renault, though known for mass-market cars, both demonstrate a rich technical background and a commitment to the fundamental joy of driving.
The significant difference between the Mégane RS and the Golf R is the price: 3.85 million yen for the former, compared to 5.05 million yen for the latter. For those who prefer a manual transmission, the Mégane RS is the clear choice. Renault's limited dealer network is a drawback. If this could be overcome, more people would have the opportunity to experience this compelling model, which is a slightly frustrating thought.
RENAULT MEGANE RENAULT SPORT |
Body | L 4,320 x W 1,850 x H 1,435mm
Engine | 2.0L Inline-4 + Intercooled Turbocharger
Max Output | 184kW (250ps) / 5,500rpm
Max Torque | 340Nm / 3,000rpm
Drivetrain | FWD
Transmission | 6-speed MT
Fuel Economy | 8.2L/100km
CO2 Emissions | 190g/km
Price | 3.85 million yen
Renault Call
0120-676-365