RS hot hatch double-act for Sydney

The hot hatch segment is about to get a whole lot hotter as two new arrivals prepare to take centre stage at next month's Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney.

First up, Ford's World Rally Championship (WRC) inspired Focus RS brings even more clout to the Focus range, topping the current five-door favourite, the Focus XR5 Turbo.

Powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, the Ford Focus RS is tuned to deliver 224kW of power and a neck-stretching 440Nm of torque. Available in extremely limited numbers, the front-wheel drive RS also features a limited slip differential, massive 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance brakes.

"Ford will be showcasing a number of special models at this year's Australian International Motor Show and the stunning Focus RS is one of them," said Ford Australia president and CEO Marin Burela.
 
"This will be the car's public debut in Australia, a rare and special chance for hot hatch fans to get up close to one.

"I strongly recommend they do – with only 315 of them heading to Australia they're expected to sell very quickly."

Pricing is expected to be announced at the show.

Joining its Blue Oval sparring partner, Renault's impressive Mégane Renault Sport (RS) 250 will also steal some of the Sydeny show's high-performance spotlight.

The latest in the brand's long line of hot hatch masters, the soon-to-arrive Mégane RS 250 will be available in both Cup and Cup Trophee versions.

Both come powered by a revised 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 186kW of power and 340Nm of torque, the RS package also including a performance-focused Cup Chassis that includes a limited slip differential and sporty Brembo brakes.

One unique feature of the RS 250 is the Renault Sport Monitor that collects data through a series of sensors, providing the driver with data relating to engine functions and performance, G-force readings, a lap timer and performance data, similar to that first seen in Nissan's giant-killing GT-R.

"The Mégane Renault Sport 250 range will be launched at the Australian International Motor Show in October," said Renault Australia managing director Rudi Koenig.

"This is a vehicle that has already won much international acclaim, including winning the Hot Hatch category in Which Car (UK) Car of the Year for 2010, as well as being a major player when Top Gear UK awarded Renault Sport as their Manufacturer of the Year in 2009.

"Renault recognises that its Renault Sport customers make up some of its most devoted and loyal fan base. This product has been developed to exceed their expectations.

"We at Renault Australia are very much looking forward to launching our exciting new product range later this year with the all-new Mégane hatch, Fluence sedan, Mégane coupe/cabriolet and Clio Renault Sport 200 Gordini."

The Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 15-24 October.

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