Renault Australia today launched the highly-anticipated Mégane R.S. 265 – the ultimate hot hatch and driver’s car.
Inspired by a tender to the Gendarmerie Nationale (the French Police) for their rapid intervention vehicles, the Mégane R.S. 265 delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque over the Mégane R.S. 250. By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from peak power of 265hp/195kW and torque of 360Nm for an even crisper acceleration response.
All Mégane R.S. 265 come standard with Renault Sport’s legendary Cup chassis combined with a limited slip differential and deliver outstanding traction. The Mégane R.S. 265 retains the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission (PK4).
To deliver the ultimate exhaust note at all revs the Mégane R.S. 265 benefits from a more open exhaust design and enhanced engine acoustics.
Through a series of subtle exterior changes, the Mégane R.S. 265 delivers a stronger personality and more exclusive feel. The front end has been designed to be more expressive with the F1-style front blade, characteristic of Renault Sport models, now featuring two rows of six LEDs and chrome highlights. In addition, the front headlight masks are now sporty black.
New 18-inch matt black wheels rims are available along with an optional R.S. Red Design Pack, which comprises red pin-striping for the F1 blade, side protective mouldings and rear diffuser.
New interior trims showcase the quality and comfort of the cabin. Depending on the specification level, visible red or yellow stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel and gear lever knob compliments a striking dashboard trim strip and the flamboyant seatbelts, a hallmark of Renault Sport design. A new, distinctive, two-tone light grey and charcoal leather upholstery can be specified as an option on the range-topping Trophy+. Other sporty appointments include a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a carbon-effect finish for the door panel inserts.
For the first time, when the optional satellite navigation is specified, the Mégane R.S. 265 comes with a rear-view camera with park-assist system. To further enhance driver comfort, indicators with highway mode are now standard across the range along with an Air Quality Senor, which monitors the quality of the outside air entering the cabin and automatically activates the air recycling mode when necessary.
The new Mégane R.S. 265 is the first vehicle to feature a new user-friendly radio interface, designed in response to customer feedback.
In response to customer demand, the Mégane R.S. 265 will now be available in three generous specification levels from launch; the entry-level Cup, the sport orientated Trophy and for the first time, the range-topping, luxury Trophy+. The Mégane R.S. 265 remains highly competitively priced with a host of standard features across the range and a manufacturer’s list price starting at just $42,640, excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges.
Mégane R.S. 265 Trophy 8:08
In June 2011, the Mégane R.S. established a new record of 8mins 8secs for a lap of the Nürburgring, making it the fastest front-wheel drive car ever round the ‘Nordschleife’. To celebrate this momentous achievement, the Mégane R.S. 265 will be launching with a limited edition specification – the Trophy 8:08. The Trophy 8:08 features leather trimmed RECARO seats, black Steev alloy design wheels with red-piping fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, bi-xenon directional headlights and limited edition Trophy decals. The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres were used to set the lap record. In addition the Trophy 8:08 will be available in two limited edition colours – Renault Sport’s signature liquid yellow and pearl white. Only 100 examples of the Trophy 8:08 will be coming to Australia.
Commenting on the launch of the Mégane R.S. 265, Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia, said; “I am so excited to be launching the Mégane R.S. 265 in Australia. We have been blown away by the overwhelming customer response to the Mégane R.S. 250 and are actually, currently the third largest market globally for this car.
“The Mégane R.S. 265 represents the best of Renault and Renault Sport. Through subtle changes to the exterior and interior, we have achieved a striking result and a noticeable difference from the Mégane R.S. 250.
“We have already seen a strong demand for the new Mégane R.S. 265 and anticipate we will sell out of our 2012 allocation quickly. I would encourage customers to place their orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment,” said Hocevar.
The Mégane R.S. 265 will go on sale nationally on August 28th, 2012. Like all Australian market Renault Sport models, the new Mégane R.S. 265 is covered by a comprehensive 3 year/unlimited kilometre warranty.