2018 is the year of the hot hatch, with everything from the new
Fiesta ST
A45 'Predator'
expected over the next 12 months. And because Renault Sport is good at these things, the next fast Megane is one of the most eagerly anticipated. We've seen the specs, we've seen it at
motor shows
, we've seen the awkward pics
with Nico Hulkenberg
... Now all that's left is to drive the thing.
Oh yes, that and what it costs. Today European prices have been revealed - but with an English release too - confirming that the "agile, efficient and versatile" Megane R.S. will cost €37,600 in manual Sport form and €39,400 with the EDC dual-clutch transmission. At today's exchange rate that's £33,100 and £34,700 respectively. For a Cup pack you'll need another €1,500 on the Continent, which is currently around £1,300. The release available rather confusingly states that the EDC car will be available to order from February but won't have the Cup option until September, whereas the manual car will go on sale in "spring 2018" and have the Cup option box ready and waiting to be ticked. Bizarre. As a reminder the Cup pack brings - like so many great fast Renaults before it - a lower, stiffer chassis as well as mechanical limited-slip diff and red Brembo brake calipers. You're getting the manual Cup, right?
While we're on the subject of extras, it's probably worth detailing the other option prices currently released - still only for Europe, don't forget. The 19-inch 'Interlagos' wheel upgrade is €1,000 (£800), an 'Alcantara Pack' is €1,500 (£1,300), two R.S. Monitors are available at €250 (£220) or €450 (£400) with smartphone capability. Orange Tonic or Sirius Yellow 'Exclusive' colours are down as €1,600 (£1,400) and the sunroof is €800, or just over £700.
All Meganes will get 18-inch 'Magny-Cours' wheels, aluminium pedals, hydraulic bump stops (like the Clio), grey brake calipers and a sports exhaust. At least in the specification sheet currently available.
For those of us who can remember a £12,995 Clio 172 Cup 15 years ago, the idea of a regular Renault Sport Megane beyond £30K may seem extreme. Very, very different cars, yes, but still. As a point of reference a Civic Type R GT is £32,995, a DSG and five-door Golf R is £34,790 and a Hyundai i30 N Performance - perhaps the Megane's closest rival in terms of power and remit - is £27,995.
We'll eagerly await the full UK press release on prices and spec for the Megane, because we all know it's a car that has very high hopes behind it. What do you think it should cost to succeed in the UK? It's not going to be short of competition...
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