Renault's hottest hatch yet

Renault certainly has reason to celebrate, having toppled the Ferrari juggernaut for the past two seasons in both the FIA drivers' and constructors' championships. To mark the occasion, the company has released a limited edition hot Megane model.

Not to be confused with Renault's other, less F1-flavoured hatch offerings the RenaultSport Megane R26 228 is offered in stand-out 'Victory Yellow' and boasts a slight increase in power, uprated suspension settings and standard-fit limited-slip differential.

Based on our favourite Mégane Renaultsport 225 (more here), the new R26 was designed by engineers at the RenaultSport factory in Dieppe, France. RenaultSport develops Renault's motorsport interests and performance road cars.

The RS R26 uses the Megane 225's terrific 2.0-litre turbocharged engine but gets a 3kW power upgrade (to 168kW). Like the 225, the R26 boasts flexible engine response. Peak power is at 5500rpm and 90 per cent of its 310Nm of torque is available from 2000 to 6000rpm.

The 225 Cup's commendable chassis has been further enhanced for the R26 using specific dampers with increased travel, stiffer springs and a new front anti-roll bar and rear suspension layout for less body-roll and better cornering.

And for fans of slick getaways, putting all that go to the ground is a standard-fit LSD. RS Technologies opted for a mechanical LSD, where torque (rather than speed) activates operation to maintain power to the wheel with most traction.

The RS R26 also gets a new sports exhaust system and uprated brakes, utilising Brembo four-pot front callipers and big (312mm) vented front discs.

RS Technologies says the inclusion of the new LSD means that the 225's Dunlop SportMaxx tyres were exchanged in favour of stickier, Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber for the R26's 18-inch alloys.

The R26 -- each one numbered -- sports Renault F1 Team decals on the bumpers, doors and roof, and red-painted brake callipers. Standard-fit equipment includes "de-connectable ESP", xenon headlamps, automatic headlamps and wipers, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, and electric windows with driver's one touch controls.

The Megane R26 228 is also available in 'Deep Black' duco and is scheduled for sale in Australia by mid-year. No pricing yet but expect a figure in the mid-$40K zone. Be sure to nominate your interest at dealers, as local deliveries will total only 80!

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