Swansong Renault Megane RS Ultime priced

The Renault Megane RS is making its last stand Down Under before retirement, with Renault Australia today pricing the new limited-run Ultime variant from $67,500 plus on-road costs.

Just 40 examples of the 1976-unit global production run have been allocated to Australia and the $4500 price premium over the standard Trophy nets buyers black 19-inch Fuji Lightweight alloy wheels, high-performance Bridgestone S007 tyres, Recaro bucket front seats, unique exterior decals, blacked-out logos and unique numbered build plates.

That elevated starting price is for the six-speed manual version, with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic carrying the usual $3000 premium ($70,500).

No changes have been made to the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, meaning the familiar 221kW/400Nm (manual) and 221kW/420Nm (auto) power outputs are maintained.

Despite the sticker rubber and reduced weight of the wheels and seats, the Ultime shares the regular RS Trophy’s claimed 0-100km/h time and comes with an identical ‘Cup’ chassis set-up, including the segment-exclusive four-wheel steering system.

Stopping duties and grip levels are still handled by a set of Brembo brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential respectively, while a variable exhaust maintains the standard Trophy’s sense of aural attitude.

The Ultime also proudly wears the signature of Renault Sport’s test driver, Laurent Hurgon, on a built plate tucked under the base of the dashboard for that extra sense of exclusivity.

Four paint colours – Liquid Yellow, Orange Tonic, Diamond Black, Pearl White – are available for the special-edition, all contrasted against by the dark grey decals and vibrant red brake callipers.

The 1976-unit production run is a deliberate move designed to honour the year of Renault Sport’s founding, with Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey describing the Ultime as “the culmination of a long and storied history of Renault hot hatches”.

“Indeed, Renault set the blueprint for what a hot hatch should be and has consistently delivered on that blueprint for almost 50 years: nimble, lightweight, highly-tuned engine and a chassis set-up designed for the most challenging of B-roads,” he said.

“This final edition Megane RS Ultime is the ultimate expression of the genre and a fitting way to bow out.”

Renault Australia says first deliveries of the final Megane RS will begin by March, with all vehicles expected to be in customer hands by June.

How much does the 2023 Renault Megane RS cost?
Trophy – $63,000
Trophy (a) – $66,000
Ultime – $67,500
Ultime (a) – $70,500
* Prices exclude on-road costs

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au