New Renault Megane R.S. hot hatch lands in Frankfurt with 276bhp

Khodrocar - Renault has finally shown its hand in the fearsomely contested hot hatch segment officially revealing its all-new Megane R.S. One of the star attractions at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show Renault’s latest hot hatch packs 276bhp and will attempt to reclaim its crown as the world’s quickest front-wheel drive production car at the Nurburgring.

Based on the standard hatchback, the Megane RS has a widened body that’s extended by 60mm at the front and 45mm at the rear. A Formula 1-style front blade finished in gun-metal grey and chequered flag LED fog lamps have been incorporated into the bumper design, while vents nestled behind the wheel arches are designed to aid airflow at high speed.

The aggressive styling continues around at the back where a central exhaust sits proud above a rear diffuser; 18-inch alloys are fitted as standard, while larger 19-inch wheels are available on the options list. Renault has also made a new exterior finish called Tonic Orange available.

Big mechanical changes have taken place under the redesigned body, where Renault has ditched the old 2.0-litre turbo for a downsized turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. It’s the same motor that debuted in new Alpine A110 coupe but has been tweaked to develop 276bhp at 6,000rpm and 390Nm of torque from 2,400rpm. Renault is claiming fuel economy of over 34mpg with CO2 emissions of 155g/km.