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Renault's hero car upgraded
Megane RS265 introduces fuel-saving technology, new infotainment system and updated corporate lookAn update of the much fancied Renault Megane RS265 will begin to reach Australian buyers before the end of this month.
The running changes for the champ in the local Renault range mostly comprise cosmetic tweaks, a simplified model range and added equipment. A new frontal treatment, penned by Renault's chief designer, Laurens van den Acker, leads the Megane down the same path as the pioneering Clio.
Megane's headlights have been revised and the Renault 'lozenge' logo at the front is larger, on a gloss black field. Liquid Yellow and Pearl White are now permanent colour options in the seven-colour palette.
Renault has whittled back the range to just two levels of trim – Cup ($43,990) and Cup Premium ($47,990). The importer claims that the updated Megane RS265 delivers improved value. Now standard for both grades of RS265, the R-Link infotainment system incorporates RS Monitor System 2.0, a vehicle data acquisition facility drawing information from 15 sensors to display "torque and power curves, and a CG diagram of longitudinal and lateral accelerations."
Additionally, the RS265 Cup gains keyless entry/start and 18-inch Tibor alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. The Cup Premium grade replaces both the previous RS265 Trophy and Trophy+ variants, and features leather Recaro bucket seats, a reversing camera and 19-inch Steev alloy wheels and Continental ContiSportContact tyres.
Fuel consumption for the high-performance Megane is now 7.5L/100km, and the CO2 emissions figure has dropped to 174g/km, as a result of the 'Stop & Start' feature now fitted as standard. Renault claims that in urban driving environments the feature may save as much as a litre of fuel for every 100km travelled.
"The high-performance Megane RS is a cult car and has found a strong acceptance in Australia," said Justin Hocevar, managing director of Renault Australia. "We were the second largest market in the world for the Megane RS in 2013 and we are thrilled to be introducing this new Megane RS265.
"The Megane RS265 has developed its icon status through its mechanical prowess and it continues to be the ultimate drivers' hot hatch. Renault Sport is renowned for its chassis development and the Megane RS265 delivers with the acclaimed Cup chassis and technology such as the mechanical limited slip differential and independent pivoting front axle, rarely seen on vehicles in this class.
"The inclusion of the new RS Monitor system with RS Replay is another exciting addition to the Megane RS265 range. This system allows customers a rare insight into the operations of their vehicle through displays such as power and torque curves, G-Force diagrams, lap times and throttle information. In addition customers are also able to utilise the RS Replay functionality which enables them to upload a race track and map their performance against this. Once again this technology is rarely seen in this vehicle class and provides an engaging and unique way for customers to interact with their vehicle.
"The new brand identity, as developed by Laurens van den Acker, has already proved immensely popular with customers on our award-winning Clio range and we are confident that the new design will attract more new customers to the Megane RS265. The refresh has also provided us an opportunity to renew our specification line-up in response to customer feedback and demand on the previous model.
"We are confident that we will continue to be one of the top selling countries in the world for the iconic Megane RS."
The revised RS265 range goes on sale from June 23, with volume-selling Megane models anticipated to arrive in updated form from late July.
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Written byCarsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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