Hot hatchbacks are all the rage nowadays, and the new Megane RS is definitely up there with the best.
With its predecessors having made a name for themselves as hardcore driving machines, it’s clear that Renault didn’t go for the highest output in the class but put an emphasis on handling.
That’s not to suggest that the new Megane RS is slow – not by a long run. It’s just that there are faster hot hatches out there – not that this has stopped someone for taking it to its 255 km/h (158 mph) top speed and recording the experience. As the following video reveals, it actually took two attempts to get the RS up to that speed, which further shows that this is not what the Renault is about.
That’s despite the 280 PS (276 HP / 206 kW) and 390 Nm (288 lb-ft) of torque produced by the new turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder shared with the Alpine A110 coupe.
Also read: New Renault Megane RS Delivers 5.8-Sec 0-62 Time From €37,600
Taking a closer look at the footage that follows reveals its 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time, achieved using the Launch Control function: over six seconds. Renault’s official spec sheet claims 5.8 seconds, but that’s not the first time we’ve seen a car fall short of company numbers.
Perhaps it was the driver’s fault, but on the other hand the run was made with the Launch Control activated. Moreover, changing gears didn’t have anything to do with the person behind the wheel, as the new Renault Megane RS uses a dual-clutch six-speed transmission.
Numbers aside, what Renault is expected to chase is the Nurburgring lap record for front-wheel drive cars, currently held by the Honda Civic Type R. The Honda is faster in a straight line and can really handle at the twisties, but if the past has taught us anything is that the Megane RS Trophy (expected later this year) can be absolutely amazing when it comes to track times.