Renault launches even hotter RS265 hatch

Renault’s hottest ever Megane has arrived in Australia ahead of the upgraded RS265’s official release on August 28, priced just $650 higher than the RS250 it replaces - from $42,640 plus on-road costs.

Of course, the RS265’s headline act is an even more powerful 195kW (265hp) turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offering an extra 11kW and — at 360Nm in Sport mode — 20Nm more torque than the RS250, making it one of the most powerful front-wheel drive cars ever produced.

However, in response to demand in Australia – the world’s third largest market for the outgoing RS250 – the new RS265 will be available in not one but three specification variants, plus a unique Trophy 8:08 special-edition limited to just 100 examples here. Beyond the entry-level RS265 at $42,640, the range comprises a Trophy edition ($47,140) and Trophy+ ($51,640). The limited edition Trophy 8:08 model splits the difference at $49,990.

Based on the pricing and the comprehensive specification, Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar said he expected the company’s initial supply of RS265s to sell quickly, after which sales are expected to settle down at a steady 500 units a year.

“We have been blown away by the overwhelming customer response to the Mégane RS250,” he said.

“The Mégane RS265 represents the best of Renault and Renault Sport.  Through subtle changes to the exterior and interior, we have achieved a striking result and a noticeable difference from the Mégane RS250.

“We have already seen a strong demand for the new Mégane RS265 and anticipate we will sell out of our 2012 allocation quickly.  I would encourage customers to place their orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

The Trophy 8:08 is designed to celebrate the RS-fettled Megane’s record lap of eight minutes and eight seconds at Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife road circuit in June 2011, making it the fastest front-drive car to lap the infamous ‘Green Hell’.

It features leather-trimmed Recaro sports front seats, bi-xenon directional headlights, limited-edition Trophy decals and black Steev alloy wheels with red piping and the same Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres that were used to set the lap record.  The  Trophy 8:08 will be available in just two paint colours – Renault Sport’s signature liquid yellow, and pearl white.

Inspired by the RS250 pursuit cars supplied to the Gendarmerie Nationale (the French Police), the RS265 will also be available in entry-level Cup, sport-oriented Trophy and, for the first time, range-topping Trophy+ guises. 

Like all Renault Sport models in Australia, all RS265 models are covered by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

All RS265s also come standard with Renault Sport’s firmer Cup chassis, limited-slip differential and six-speed PK4 manual transmission.

The upgraded turbo-petrol four should not only allow the RS265 to better the RS250’s circa-6.0-second 0-100km/h acceleration, but a freer-flowing exhaust and enhanced engine acoustics are aimed at delivering “the ultimate exhaust note at all revs”.

Boasting a twin-scroll turbo setup, the RS265 will top 255km/h, but can achieve a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km.

The enhanced performance is heralded by a range of subtle exterior changes, including a “more expressive” F1-style front blade featuring two rows of six LEDs and chrome highlights, black headlight masks and new 18-inch matt-black alloy wheels.

The cosmetic updates continue inside, where new interior trims aim to lift cabin quality. There is a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air-vent surrounds, plus a carbon-effect finish for the door panel inserts.

Other upgrades include the fitment of one-touch indicators and an air quality sensor that monitors the quality of air entering the cabin and automatically activates the air recycling mode when necessary. The RS265 is the first Renault model to feature a new user-friendly radio interface designed in response to customer feedback.

Depending on the specification level, visible red or yellow stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel and gear lever knob compliments a dashboard trim strip and the flamboyant red seatbelts, while new two-tone light grey and charcoal leather trim can be specified on the Trophy+ flagship for no extra cost.

An $890 option across the range is the RS Red Design Pack, which comprises red pin-striping for the F1 blade, side protective mouldings and a rear diffuser.

Metallic paint also costs $800 extra on all RS265 models, but the only other option available for the top-shelf Trophy+ is leather-clad Recaro front seats from the Trophy 8:08, priced at $1490.

A rear-view camera with park-assist system is also available for the first time when satellite-navigation is optioned in Cup and Trophy models. On its own, navigation costs $1490, increasing to $2490 with the reversing camera.

Other Cup and Trophy options include front parking sensors ($390) and directional bi-Xenon headlights ($1490).

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