Renault Megane gets new RS range topper

RENAULT’S limited-edition Megane RS 275 Trophy three-door hot hatch has been re-cast as a permanent member of the Australian line-up, this time called Megane RS 275 Cup Premium.

The announcement comes less than two weeks out from the global launch of the new-generation Megane, in its basic form at least, at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.

The latest offering from Renault Sport also supersedes the 195kW RS 265 Cup Premium, which is now in run-out at a list price of $47,990.

Priced at the same $52,990 plus on-road costs as the outgoing RS 275 Trophy, the new Cup Premium carries over the Trophy’s revvy 201kW/360Nm engine and a similar features list, but gains a wider range of colours and loses the look-at-me Trophy stripes.

It will join the $43,265 195kW RS 265 Cup in a two-variant Megane RS line-up, presumably until the new-generation RS bitumen burners arrive at a date to be confirmed.

While Australia is already the second-biggest market for Renault Sport vehicles behind France, Renault Australia is spicing things up with zero per cent comparison rate financing on all Renault Sport variants until the end of September.

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the Megane RS 265 and 275 were already automotive icons of the Australian street.

“Australia has been comfortably inside the top three destinations for the Megane RS since its arrival here,” he said.

“From a personal perspective, there has been a Megane RS in my driveway ever since I joined the company, such is the magnetic appeal of this car to driving enthusiasts.”The RS 275 Cup Premium gets the Trophy’s Akrapovic exhaust system, Recaro sports seats in Alcantara and leather, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and handbrake grip, Zamac alloy gear knob, a grey front splitter and 19-inch Black Speedline Turini alloy wheels.

Carry over items from the 265 Cup Premium include red-painted Brembo front brake callipers, mechanical limited-slip differential, LED daytime running lights, a reversing camera, RS Monitor, R-Link enhanced sat-nav with 7.0-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control.

While the Trophy was available in only two colours – Pearl White and Liquid Yellow – the Cup Premium will come in five – Glacier White, Diamond Black, Titanium Grey, Pearl White and Liquid Yellow. However, Pearl white and Liquid Yellow are only available in a package with cars fitted with a sunroof, so will cost extra.

The current Megane was launched in Australia in 2010, getting a facelift that launched in 2014. In the seven months to the end of July, Renault sold 872 Meganes, down 10.7 per cent.

The next generation will be built on the Renault Nissan Alliance’s Common Model Family (CMF) platform already shared with the Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail and European-market Pulsar hatch.