THE Renault Megane R.S. Cup chassis will come with an Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission for the first time ever, following the streamlining of the R.S. range in Australia.
With a starting price of $51,990 for the new addition, the range will now be made up of the Megane R.S Turbo Sport (Manual and EDC) and the Megane R.S. Turbo Cup (Manual and EDC).
In addition, a Bose audio system and Alcantara Leather are now standard on the Sport EDC, Cup Manual and Cup EDC models, with the full range now scoring a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
The Renault Megane R.S. Sport chassis is suggested for those drivers who like a sporty, but still refined, drive. Alternatively, the Renault Megane R.S. Cup chassis receives revised springs, dampers and bump stops, and is 10 per cent stiffer than the Sport chassis.
Combining efficiency, agility, stability and comfort the French hot hatch offers a wealth of choice to customers with a whole host of Renault Sport technology, including 4CONTROL four-wheel steer, R.S. Monitor to visualise data, and R.S. Drive Race Mode.
The option of a six-speed EDC automatic transmission for the very first time alongside the widely-acclaimed six-speed manual further enhances the broad appeal of the Megane R.S. Cup Chassis.
In order to provide complete reliability, this gearbox – which is already in use in the Sport chassis – has been strengthened to withstand the torque and revs of a sports car engine.
Based on the required take-off acceleration, in-gear acceleration and maximum speed, the Renault Sport engineers defined new gear ratios and specific shift patterns, associated with the MULTI-SENSE modes so as to adapt to all driving styles.
These shift patterns include Comfort and Normal, which provide smooth gear changes for everyday driving around town, Sport, which provides quicker gear changes and an amplified engine noise, and Race, which provides the quickest and most efficient gear changes with no compromise on comfort.
The EDC transmission also receives Multi-Change Down and Launch Control. Multi-Change Down drops several gears under braking by pressing and holding the left paddle. The best gear is then selected to exit the corner as efficiently as possible.
Launch Control is available in Sport and Race modes when the clutch and turbo are pre-loaded, enabling an optimum standing start. When in Sport mode, traction control provides the driver with additional support.
Standard technology across the range also includes front, rear and side parking sensors, rear parking camera, 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control.
You also get adaptive cruise control, hands-free key-card entry with automatic locking and welcome function, easy park assist hands-free parking, heated folding electric door mirrors and hill start assist.
The Megane R.S range is also bundled with ESC, ABS, blind spot monitoring, distance warning and automatic emergency braking. Every model is powered by a 1.8-litre turbo 4-cylinder engine.
The manual Megane R.S. Turbo Sport is priced at $45,990, while its EDC twin is $50,490. The manual version of the Cup chassis is $48,990. All prices are plus on-roads.
Optional extras include Liquid Yellow or Tonic Orange signature metallic paint, and an electric panoramic sunroof (not available on the manual Sport chassis).
