2019 Renault Megane RS280

Highlights 

• 276bhp turbocharged engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Full Renault service history

• Well-maintained

• Fuel pump replaced

• Larger, vertical infotainment screen

• In great condition inside and out

Overview

Renault has always been good at making spicy versions of its family runabouts. Beginning with the Renault 5 Alpine and subsequent turbo back in the '70s and '80s through to the Williams Clio and more modern Megane RS models, like this rather lovely RS280, the French firm has a knack for providing a much welcome salve to the hot hatch itch that so many of us suffer from.

Looking at the Megane then, here was a rather unassuming if not perfectly capable small family car unveiled in 1995 that was eventually given the high performance treatment in 2004 with the release of the Megane RS – a model line that would continue all the way through to the fourth generation produced from 2015 to 2022, after which the fully electric Megane E-Tech would take over and put a halt to any such shenanigans.

Perennially popular amongst track day enthusiasts and performance car fans alike the Megane RS, in any guise, is a common sight at paddocks around the world but the fourth-generation RS280, like the one we have available here, is perhaps the pick of the bunch thanks to its near perfect balance of performance and usability.

Slightly softer than the RS Trophy and therefore easier to live with day to day, being more comfortable on “normal” roads, the RS280 still produces 276bhp from its 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which translates to an impressive 0-62mph of 5.8 seconds and a top whack of a limited 155mph. Plenty fast enough then. Add in a six-speed manual gearbox along with Renault's trick “4Control” all-wheel-steering and there's a lot to like.

Clearly well-maintained, this 2019 Renault Megane RS280 comes complete with a large document file, including full Renault service history and corresponding service book stamps. Presenting in excellent condition overall and having covered 87K miles the car is reportedly driving flawlessly by the current vendor. Fast, practical and fun, it's a very respectable representation of the marque.  

History and documentation

• 2019 model year

• Two keys

• Full log book and R-Link user manual

• V5C present and correct

• Two former keepers

• First registered 25 June 2019

• In current ownership since 30 May 2023

• Full Renault main dealer service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 2019 @ 12,483 miles, 2020 @ 26,286 miles, 2022 @ 49,640 miles, 2023 @ 52,311 miles, 2024 @ 65,629 miles, 2025 @ 81,302 miles

• Various invoices for servicing, maintenance and parts, including a replacement fuel pump in 2019

• ULEZ compliant

• MOT until 18 May 2026

• 87,229 indicated miles 

Interior

• The interior of the car in general is in very good condition

• Desirable larger, vertical infotainment screen

• Bose surround sound system

• Door cards, carpets and headlining present well

• No apparent damage to the dashboard or any trim parts although there is a thin mark to the dash on the passenger side

• Seats are in great condition with only some light marks to note owing to daily use

• Steering wheel and gear knob are wearing well

• Boot space is clean and tidy

• The parcel shelf is present and correct, however, one of the strings that hold the parcel shelf up on the boot lid has come away but the vendor reports this does not affect its function

• The car comes with a full set of spare locking wheel nuts (with socket)

• Engine bay looks to be in good shape, if a little dusty

Exterior

• Cosmetically the car is in great condition overall

• There is no evidence of any major damage or corrosion

• As is to be expected of a car of this mileage and daily use there are some minor stone chips and light marks across the bodywork

• All shut lines look to be straight

• No obvious issues with any of the window glass or light lenses

• The vendor reports a small hole in the nearside front wheel arch liner

• The original 19” alloy wheels present well overall but there is some kerb rash evident to the nearside rims, most notably on the front

• Tyres are a mix of Michelin Pilot Sports on the rear and Continentals Sport Contacts on the front

• The red painted Brembo brake calipers look to be in good condition

Mechanical

• 276bhp, 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Four-wheel steering

• 0-60mph in 5.8s

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Last serviced 12 May 2025

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor reports that the car starts on the button, drives flawlessly, stops on a dime, is a pleasure to drive and always puts a smile on the face

Summary

Fast enough for most and arguably more forgiving and therefore more drive-able, generally speaking, than the more track-focussed Trophy and Cup iterations – not to mention easier on the wallet – the Megane RS280 ticks a lot of boxes. In great condition and with full Renault service history you could certainly do a lot worse than this example if you're after a thoroughly engaging yet practical hot hatch that's sure to entertain at every turn, whether clipping the apex or not.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Thatcham, Berkshire.