The 1,998cc turbocharged F4Rt engine used in the Renaultsport Megane offers 225hp in standard form and was used in the standard model throughout its life unchanged.
F1 Team Edition first with small boost to 230hp
It has a 16-valve cylinder head, 82.7 x 93.0mm bore and stroke and peak power is delivered at 5,500rpm. Maximum torque of 221lb ft arrives at 3,000rpm. It was also the engine for the Trophy and Cup models, while the F1 Team Special Edition, R26 and R26.R all had a F4R774 version of this motor with minor tweaks to the ECU to deliver 230hp. More importantly than the minimal boost in power for these models is the standard mechanical limited-slip differential that helps deliver power through the front wheels without torque steer or being affected by the road's surface in the way the Ford Focus RS Mk1 was.
A six-speed manual gearbox was standard on all models of Renaultsport Megane 2, with the R26.R using a short-shift kit from the factory to address the slightly ponderous change of other models. Together with this, the added power, LSD and less weight, the R26.R covered 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds and established a new lap record for front-wheel drive production cars around the Nurburgring of 8min 17sec. A titanium exhaust was an optional extra for the R26.R, which gives a more sporting note.
The standard exhaust system on all RS Meganes is a hard-wearing item that should need replacing every 40,000 miles or five years. Many owners opt to fit a lighter sports exhaust for more noise and to help with engine breathing. Together with a remapped ECU and free flow air filter, 260hp is easily achievable from this engine. However, beware anything more potent than this as it will compromise reliability.
Diesel option is surprisingly sprightly too
The engine can feel gruff when started from cold, but this is normal so long as it clears when the engine is warmed through. If the lumpiness persists, new injectors could be on the cards. Listen out for signs of this as a misfire and check the engine warning light on the dash goes out when the engine is started.
The engine is sensitive to the oil that is used, so look for evidence the proper 5W-30 semi-synthetic oil has been used in most models or fully synthetic 10W-40 for cars used on track regularly. Also, all RS Meganes run more sweetly on 98 RON unleaded, which also helps avoid pre-detonation (pinking).
While poking through the car's history, look for a receipt for the cambelt being changed at 72,000 miles. This is an expensive job in an RS Megane, so don't be surprised at a bill around the £1,000 mark, but it is essential because if the belt snaps it will destroy the engine. Clutches last well and you should see 60,000 miles from one before it needs replacing.
PHer's view:
"Very effective, torquey in-line four - dullest sound ever though, makes the VAG 1.8T sound exciting. Requires refurbished/new injectors about 80K or so - improved mpg by about 10-15 per cent, and idles better. Responds well to remap (260hp/260lb ft) apparently. Good traction, even with no LSD. Gearbox - dreadful gearchange with a long throw, but generally reliable."
Rob123
