New Renault Megane RS Pricing for SA

Renault’s Megane RS has been a mainstay of the hot-hatch category for a number of years, and South Africans can finally look forward to seeing the latest entry zipping around on our roads.

This iteration of the RS was first announced at the Frankfurt Road Show back in 2017 with an updated 1.8-litre turbo engine that produces 205kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Its innovations aren’t just designed to squeeze more power out, though, it’s also got some improvements to reduce its carbon footprint: a chain-driven timing system will not only decrease its emissions, but also makes the RS a little more frugal on fuel, too.

They’ve also included what they call ‘RS Vision’, which is a high-performance lighting setup that Renault claims is a first for this segment of car. There are nine LEDs per block that will give better light performance across the board, particularly when cornering, using the fog lights. This is also applied to the car’s long-range high beam lights.

Here are a few other impressive pieces of kit it comes with:

• ‘Multi-Sense’: Drivers can customise their driving experience by setting the configuration of engine response, accelerator pedal, steering stiffness, and gear-shifting patterns.
• R-Link-2: Renault has implemented a central infotainment system that houses the connectivity, multimedia, telephone, radio and driving aid functions.
• RS Monitor Provides a readout of information drawn from various sensors around the car, keeping you updated about its performance and safety.
• Cluster of Driving Assist Functions: Park distance control, cruise control with speed limited, and hill-start assist.

The pricing for the RS models are identical at R549,000 – but two different versions are available; the 280 Cup Manual, or the 280 EDC Lux. The RS maintains the range-standard 5 year/150,000km mechanical warranty, as well as a 3 year/45,000km service plan, 6 year anti-corrosion warranty – but the RS service intervals are every 10,000km instead of 15,000km like other models.

It’s got unique styling and a more modernised cabin now, but can this RS beat its highly competitive rivals from the other brands? Let us know!