Megane RS gets a Power Upgrade

It wasn’t too long ago that the original Renault Megane RS 250 was launched, and it received numerous accolades naming it as one of the hottest hatchbacks around, and one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars around.

And in fitting fashion, given its F1 inspired styling, the updated Megane RS, now with 265bhp and a whopping 360Nm of torque, was launched on 20 September, amidst the excitement of the Singapore Grand Prix.

With the additional 15bhp and 20Nm of tuned from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Megane RS 265 is now even faster than before, taking just six seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h with a top speed of 254km/h. The car also holds the record for being the fastest front-wheel drive car ever round the ‘Nordschleife’ with a lap time of eight minutes and eight seconds.

While the car remains technically similar to the previous RS 250, the RS 265 has been given a more open exhaust design and reinforced sound pipe to give it a more satisfying pitch at all revs. Driven in normal mode, the car’s power remains unchanged at 250bhp. But switch it to sport mode and the chassis tightens up while the engine produces an additional 15bhp to put out 265bhp with a rousing exhaust pitch. Fuel efficiency is published at 12.1km/L while CO2 emissions stand at 190g/km.

Aesthetically, the front-end of the car has been tweaked to give it a more expressive appearance. The F1-style front blade also features LED lights and the headlights sport black surrounds. Interior trim has also been updated to look sportier. 18 inch alloy rims come as standard.

Given the fact that Renault is also the engine provider for no less than four Formula One teams in this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, guests were treated to a guest appearance by Team Lotus driver, Romain Grosjean at the launch.

At time of publication, the Renault Megane RS 265 is priced at $194,000 with COE.

Credits: Text: Jonathan Tan, Photos: Jonathan Tan and Manufacturer