Hot Renault Megane RS Cup automatic arrives

Prices for the Renault Megane RS hot hatch have risen by $1000 for the entry-level six-speed manual model in Australia to $45,990 as the French brand adopts a five-year warranty and new naming convention.

The Renault Megane RS '280' numeric label has been replaced by the 'Turbo Sport' and 'Turbo Cup' monikers. The latter is also no longer a $1490 option but a standalone model.

See below for the full price list.

The stiffer, more aggressive Cup chassis is now offered for the first time in Australia with the EDC six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, priced from $51,990, making it the most expensive model available.

That is at least until the more powerful 220kW/420Nm Renault Megane RS Trophy arrives later in 2019. Or the completely bonkers Trophy-R model to follow.

Currently the Renault Megane RS range is powered by a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine worth 205kW/390Nm, making it good for a 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 5.8 seconds.

Six-speed manual and six-speed EDC auto transmissions are offered and while prices have risen across the range by between $1000 and $3000, all models except the base-grade Renault Megane RS Turbo Sport manual get a Bose sound system and Alcantara and leather upholstery.

These two features were previously available as options worth around $1700.

Standard equipment on all models include an 8.7-inch portrait touch-screen infotainment display with sat-nav and reversing camera, front and side parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, heated and folding side mirrors, adaptive cruise control, AEB, hill start assist and blind spot warning.

As well as a 10 per cent stiffer chassis than the Sport, via revised springs, dampers and bump stops, the Megane RS Turbo Cup EDC also gets an automatic transmission "strengthened to withstand the torque and revs of a sports car engine", says Renault.

Gear ratios have been tweaked and specific shift patterns are now part of the Multi-Sense system, which can be switched between comfort, normal, sport and race.

The top-shelf six-speed automatic Cup model can also perform rapid multi-changedowns, dropping several gears when required. A launch control function is also part of the package, allowing rev buildup at standstill.

Unique to the segment is the hot hatch's four-wheel steering system and rivals for the Renault Megane RS Turbo include the Honda Civic Type R, Peugeot 308 GTI and Hyundai i30 N – but as of yet none of those vehicles offer an automatic transmission.