Renault reveals amped-up Megane RS 265

We recently sampled the (deep breath) Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco GP, but it’s already effectively obsolete as the French manufacturer has just revealed the updated Megane RS 265.

An increase in boost pressure from 2.3 to 2.5 bar has liberated an extra 11kW and 20Nm from the 2.0-litre turbo engine, taking peak power to 195kW and torque to a beefy 360Nm. These increases translate to a 0-100km/h of 6.0sec (0.1 sec quicker than the RS250), while top speed rises to a most un-hatchback-like 254km/h.

An Australian on-sale date is yet to be confirmed, but the good news is that the manic Megane is indeed on the agenda for our market – unlike last year’s limited-edition Megane 265 Trophy.

Although Australian spec levels are yet to be announced, the new Megane RS is offered in the UK in two variants – 265 and 265 Cup.

Befitting its moniker, the 265 Cup gains a host of performance-focused extras, including a limited-slip differential, red brake calipers and 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 R18 Michelin Sport 2 rubber. It also scores stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

It should be a formidable device, as last year’s Megane 265 Trophy blasted around the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 8:07.97, which is the fastest lap ever recorded at the daunting track by a front-wheel-drive production car.

New options that will be available on the stove-hot Megane include a ‘Red Design Pack,’ (which adds red striping to the car’s front and rear lower valances and side skirts), Renault’s Visio lane departure warning system, as well as front and rear parking sensors with parking camera.

Meanwhile, the 265 Cup’s interior gains carbon grey Renaultsport cloth trim with red stitching and red seatbelts. The 2012 Renaultsport Megane range is also available in a new Arctic White colour.

Renault Australia corporate communications manager Emily Ambrose confirmed that the RS 265 will definitely be coming here but is as yet unable to give an accurate timeframe. With the current RS 250 being a relatively new model for the company in Australia, enthusiasm - both within the company and the customer base – is still running high

An interesting fact to emerge is that Australia was actually the fourth largest global market for the sporty coupe in 2011 - an encouraging sign for the company’s local fortunes.

After some time in the doldrums, Renault’s local performance is picking up, with a total of 3,622 vehicles sold in 2011 compared with 1,907 in 2010 – an improvement of 48.9 per cent. Coincidentally, January sales this year are ahead by 48.9 per cent over January 2011.

The Renaultsport Megane has been a strong performance flagship for the diamond brand globally, with more than 10,000 examples sold around the world since 2010.

— with staff

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