Launch drive: Renault Megane RS

Renault has just launched it’s Golf competitor, the Megane RS Lux. A slightly less hardcore version of the RS much like VW’s warmest hatch.  Later this year the ”Clubsport” version will arrive and cost exactly the same price. We take drive the Megane RS Lux around Aldo Scribante and on the roads of PE to find out if the Megane RS lux is a worthy Golf Gti Alternative.

On Track

The Megane RS belongs on track. And even in this trim, the RS lux has the electronic LSD and the slightly softer suspension, it still feels right at home on the circuit.  Positive turn in followed by a neutral attitude means Megane RS can easily be hustled around the newly tarred Aldo Scribante circuit.  The nose does push wide on corner exit at speeds but on tighter, slower corners the LSD works well to keep things tidy. Commit to the faster bends and the 19″ optional tyres grip exceptionally well. Renaults updated telemetry system allows the driver to do detailed feedback resereved for much more hardcore equipment. How many people will use this system? I don’t know but it’s certainly a nice topic of conversation at the trackday.

If hot topics at the pub is what you’re after, R.S doesn’t disappoint and has some new hi-tech technology under the skin.  4 wheel steering allows for tighter, taughter turn in and works differently at high and low speeds.  At lower speeds the wheels turn in the opposite direction of the steering wheel and at speed turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels up to a maximum of 2.7 degrees. At higher speeds, it turns in the same direction as the steering wheels up to a maximum of 1 degree.  Think of it as dynamic toe, something many race engineers would love to add to there arsenal. Other suspension tricks includes “a shock absorber within a shock absorber” system where when the end of shock travel is approached, a secondary piston dampens the movement of the wheel before the bump stop.   Renault have moved the game on slightly for a car in this segment and now it’s up to the rest of the pack to follow suit when the Golf 8 and new Focus arrive down the line.

On the Road

Renaults Megane still suffers from torque steer over uneven surfaces thanks to that 205kW going through the front wheels, something even the fancy new suspension geometry can’t get rid of.  The price one will have to pay when you have over 30 more kW than the equivalent GTi. This drops down to barely noticeable levels when the road smoothens out and is the only real bugbear I could find when driving the Megane briefly out on some twisty roads. Easy to park, and comfortable enough to drive around on most of South Africa’s roads. It’s certainly not as hardcore as I’m sure the more stiffly sprung cup version will be when it arrives.

Interior

For most this will be the swing vote when it comes to choosing this or one of the alternatives. Renault doesn’t feel as premium as its competitors but it certainly is a massive step up from previous generation Renaults.  The new infotainment system is easy to use after some practice and although a few plastic bits fall to hand overall the feel is good.  The door panels are carbon fibre look but are actually soft to the touch.

Verdict

Predictably Renault has spent most of the budget on chassis and engine but dialled it back on the Lux version so that the car is still comfortable to live with day to day. The interior is, as mentioned, really good and although not as nice a place to be as the Golf, one still has the bragging rights in every other department. It’s a true alternative to the usual suspects because you get much more car for your money.  It definitely is worth a test drive if you’re in the market for a hatch at around R550 000