Starting from today, the improved 2012 Renault Megane RS is available for customer ordering in Britain with on-the-road prices set at £24,825 for the 265 Cup edition and £26,025 for 265 model. First deliveries are expected in early April.
The new model sports a more powerful version of Renault’s 2.0-liter force-fed four thanks to an increase to the turbo boost pressure by 0.2 bar to 2.5 bar along with a revised air intake system. These changes help lift output by 15hp to 265hp and peak torque by 20Nm (14.8 lb-ft) to 360Nm (266 lb-ft).
The driver can select between two power settings, with the default mode allowing for 250hp and 340Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque for a five per cent improved fuel consumption, while the Sport mode returns an unrestricted output of 265hp and 360Nm (266 lb-ft). The Sport mode is activated through the ESC button and also enhances the car’s exhaust note.
In Sport mode, the Megane RS 265 completes the 0 to 62mph (100km/h) sprint in 6.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 158mph (254km/h), an improvement of 0.1 seconds and 2mph respectively over the outgoing 250hp model.
The new model year also bring three new optional items including the £350 “Red Design Pack” that apes the styling of the limited edition 265 Trophy adding red striping on the front blade, rear diffuser and side skirts, the £300 Visio lane departure warning System and a £360 new rear-parking camera.
Buyers can also opt for the £1,350 Cup Chassis Pack that improves the Megane RS’s handling with 18-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 95Y Michelin Sport 2 tires, along with grooved brake discs from Brembo, a limited slip differential, red brake callipers and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
