FRENCH BENCHMARK (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 104

Renault retained its place amongst the hot hatchback elite with this third generation Megane R.S. model, introduced in 2018. The headlines here included the addition of a 4Control 4-wheel steering system, plus a more powerful 1.8-litre engine putting out at least 280bhp. There was a five-door body style for this MK3 model and initially, buyers chose between manual or paddleshift auto transmission. Plus there was a stiffer 'Cup Chassis' set-up for those wanting it, along with a track-tamed 'Trophy' version at the top of the range. It all gave this car wider appeal when new. How does it stack up as a used buy?

Modelsword count: 4

5-door hatchback 1.8 [petrol]

Historyword count: 286

Some GTi models are merely fast versions of the existing hatches they're based upon. Renault though, pioneered the concept of bespoke development of a car of this kind - and it's paid dividends. Most powerfully with the two Renaultsport Megane models introduced respectively in 2003 and 2009. This MK3 contender, launched in 2018, was based on the fourth generation Megane design and was tasked with continuing the brand's distinguished hot hatch heritage. The headline news here was the introduction of 4-wheel steering for the first time on a car of this kind, but there was also much else to catch the eye. Special shock absorbers incorporate secondary damping for optimum tyre-to-tarmac contact. And there was the option of a stiffly-sprung 'Cup chassis' that'll suit those likely to regularly take this car on track. The previous 2.0-litre engine made way for a lighter but more powerful 280hp 1.8-litre turbo unit featuring F1-style fettling - also available in uprated 300hp form in the top 'Trophy' variant. And, unlike with the smaller Clio R.S. model, from launch at least, there was manual transmission as an alternative to the EDC paddleshift auto transmission that most customers chose. The previous car's brilliant 'PerfoHub' independent steering-axis front suspension system was carried forward so that all that power through the front wheels didn't corrupt the steering. There was also an uprated set of Brembo brakes, Launch Control on the auto model, a piercing R.S. Vision' lighting system and the option of in-car 'R.S. Monitor' telemetry so that customers could analyse real-time performance as they drove. The car got a light facelift in 2020, at which time the auto gearbox has made mandatory. And the RS Megane disappeared from the price lists in mid-2022.

What You Getword count: 408

Some previous Renaultsport products have looked rather 'Max Power', a boy racer image that customers with more to spend would generally rather avoid. Hence, with this third attempt at R.S. Megane design, a car that was classier than anything the French brand had yet provided to the hot hatch market. There's certainly a pretty menacing front end, one dominated by a wide front bumper intake incorporating the Gun Metal Grey-painted F1-style front blade that's supposed to reference the brand's involvement in Grand Prix racing. As does the R.S. Vision LED lighting system's 'chequered flag-style' lower lamp design that this styling element flows out into. At the wheel, the driving position's brilliant, the supportive sports seat placing you perfectly in front of a grippy leather-trimmed three-spoke R.S. wheel. Through it, you view a 7-inch instrument cluster screen that usually prominently displays a rev counter and a digital speedo. Pressing the 'R.S. Drive' button at the base of the centre stack delivers a red theme, both to this display and that of the central portrait-style touch screen. As well as the usual media, navigation and informational functions, this centre-stack 'R-Link 2' display allows you to access what was a key option for this car, the 'R.S. Monitor', a telemetry tool with the kind of read-out menu that presumably Renault's engineering team must peruse in the F1 pit lane. Here, there's digital and graphical feedback on almost every dynamic element, as well as track tips and a lap timer. An additional unique 'R.S. Monitor Expert' feature will even let you film your driving sessions, then overlay the footage with telemetry data and share it over social media. If that's your thing. And in the back? Well here of course is where you'll most appreciate this generation model's switch from coupe to five-door body style. We had quite high expectations here, given the standard Megane donor model's relatively lengthy wheelbase and the fact that it's one of the widest cars in its class. In the event, accommodation in the rear is quite tight, despite Renault's insistence that there's more shoulder room than most rivals can offer. At least you can accommodate three adults across the back if need be - something that annoyingly isn't possible in a rival Honda Civic Type R. As you'd expect, cargo room is much more generous than was the case with the previous coupe model, capacity having risen from 344 in the previous generation model to 434-litres.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227