Megane Cup hits Oz roads

Renault has released its hottest hatch Down Under yet -- the new Megane Renault Sport Cup.

An ungraded version of the Megane Renault Sport (RS) and avilable in dealers from next month, the Cup features the same 165kW (225hp) turbocharged 2.0lt four-cylinder powerplant but recieves significant chassis and standard equipment upgrades including larger wheels and brakes, stiffer suspension settings and reprogrammed ESP and steering software.

The Cup follows on the success of the Renault Sport Clio Cup. It will be sold alongside the Megane RS, as the Clio Cup currently sells alongside the Clio RS. Renault expects to sell between 10-15 Megane Cups each month.

At $42,990, the car demands a $3000 premium over the standard Megane RS.

The Megane Cup sports lightweight 12-spoke 18-inch wheels and larger drilled front discs gripped by Brembo calipers. Dunlop Sportmax tyres (235/40) are standard equipment and have been specially developed for the car, says Renault. Spring and damper rates have been stiffened substantially -- front springs by 25 per cent and the rear almost 80 per cent.

In addition to reprogramming the electronic power steering, Renault Sport has reconfigured the steering column hardware for better feedback and feel. ESP stability/traction control has been tailored to raise its threshold (and is switchable) and Emergency Brake Assist has been deleted for better brake feel.

Though initially available only in five-door form, it's likely Megane Cup buyers will be able to order a three-door version of the car in facelifted form by mid 2006. The 'halo' three-door model will meanwhile feature in the company's local advertising for the Cup car.

CarPoint will publish its launch coverage of the Megane Renault Sport Cup next week.