The upcoming Renault Megane RS continues its development cycle and this time we located a test mule in Sweden accompanied by a VW Golf R.
Renault is benchmarking their next hot hatch against its German rival in cold weather conditions, and our spies had the chance to capture the two during a refueling stop at a local gas station.
Renault’s test mule is currently wearing the bodywork of a Megane GT, with the rear bumper having its middle section trimmed for the trademark central exhaust pipes. The finished item is expected to feature wider fenders and a more aggressive bodykit and it will sport the rear-wheel steering system that debuted in the Megane GT.
Unlike its predecessor, the new Megane RS will be offered only as a five-door, as the company has ditched the three-door bodystyle altogether. Power will be provided by a 300 HP turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a dual-clutch automatic.
The presence of the VW Golf R during its test is also raising some questions about whether the new Megane RS is going to be offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Both options have been hinted by Renault officials so far, and with cars in the segment like the Ford Focus RS, the Golf R and the Honda Civic Type R, Renault has to try a lot harder if they want their hot hatch crown back.
The new Renault Megane RS is expected to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with deliveries to begin towards the end of 2017.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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