Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016) Review
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Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016) At A Glance
Handling ability is a huge asset and it remains the benchmark for its class. Affordable with reasonable running costs for a hot hatch.
The infotainment screen and navigation are dated. Refinement is not as good as in some rivals which is a trade-off for the Megane’s raw nature.
If you like your hot hatches raw in the middle, the Megane Renaultsport is the ideal way to cater for your performance tastes. Unlike many of its rivals, the Megane RS eschews an excess of electronic aids to make it quick. Instead it prefers the tried and trusted method of plenty of power and letting the driver decide how to use it best.
Starting out life in 2010 based on the third generation of Megane Coupe, the Renaultsport initially had 250PS. This was supplemented with the Trophy model that boasted 265PS. In time, that more powerful engine became standard across the range, but Renaultsport fans still wanted more.
So, in 2014, the 275 Trophy pitched up with a 275PS version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Driving through a six-speed manual gearbox, which all Megane RS models do, it’s capable of 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds flat.
However, Renaultsport went even further, as its usual way, with the 275 Trophy-R. Although there’s no more power, the R has a lighter exhaust, bigger brakes, stickier tyres and uprated suspension that results in an even more agile and quicker all-round car.
While fans of the Megane Renaultsport tend to revel in its extreme nature as the car needs to be driven hard to get the best from it, it is still a Megane Coupe. This means it’s easy to fit in normal parking spaces and will carry the kids and shopping when not hurtling around a race track.
The Megane RS is also one of the most affordable extreme hot hatches thanks to Renault keeping the cost under that of most competitors. It means the hardest charging hot hatch is one of the least aggressive on your wallet.
Reviews for Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TCe to Renaulsport 275
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–34 mpg
Every Renault Megane Renaultsport now comes with the 275PS version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that was first used in the Trophy-R model. The Trophy-R is no longer and has been replaced by the Cup-S, which treads the line between road car and track day missile.
For the Megane Renaultsport Cup-S, Renault’s performance division has come up with unique tyres from Michelin for its 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be replaced with 19-inch ones at extra cost. However, the Cup-S does without the lightweight exhaust from Akropovic and Ohlins adjustable shock absorbers that were standard for the Trophy-R. Instead, these two items are now options for the Cup-S, but not the 275 Nav model.
As you can guess from its name, the 275 Nav comes with satellite navigation as standard and is the choice for those looking to use their Megane RS on the road rather than enjoying track driving. As such, it’s a little more refined than the previous Trophy-R to make it more usable on long trips. Every Megane Renaultsport suffers from some engine noise and tyre hubbub as a result of its nature, but it’s not debilitating on longer stints and no worse than a Vauxhall Astra VXR.
You might also expect a hot hatch with a reputation for being one of the most hardcore in its class to be a spine-wrenching experience on the UK’s rougher roads. However, the Megane RS is surprising adept at dealing with broken up roads, which lets the tyres stay in contact with the tarmac for maximum grip in corners and when braking or accelerating. Press the throttle hard coming out of a corner and you will feel the steering wheel fidget in your hands, but it’s not alarming or anything like as noticeable as in a Ford Focus ST.
This is an important point as the Megane Renaultsport has built its reputation on being supreme in corners. It’s also pretty handy in a straight line and can dash off 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds, but it’s through the twistier sections of road where the Megane comes into its own.
There is a deftness to the Renault’s reactions that puts it a cut above its rivals, even those launched much more recently than the Megane. It feels like it’s always working with the driver to get the best from every drive rather than the driver having to force the car into and through a corner. It makes for a hugely pleasing and enjoyable drive when you’re in the mood for some fun.
The downside here is the Megane RS can feel a little coarse and peaky when all you want to do is potter home or you’re stuck in a queue of traffic. Its 2.0-litre engine will bimble along, but it thrives on lots of revs and the driver using the gearbox to extract the best from it. If you want a car with easily accessed power, the Megane RS is not for you. However, if you want a car that rewards accurate driving with an equally sharp response, the Renault will be right up your street.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TCe | 53 mpg | 10.9 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi | 79 mpg | 12.1 s | 93 g/km |
| 1.6 dCi | 71 mpg | 9.8 s | 104 g/km |
| 2.0T 220 | 38 mpg | 7.6 s | 167 g/km |
| Renaulsport 275 | 38 mpg | 6.0 s | 174 g/km |
| Renaultsport 250 | 34 mpg | 6.1 s | 190 g/km |
| Renaultsport 265 | 38 mpg | 6.0 s | 174 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
79%
Real MPG
22–34 mpg
MPGs submitted
44
Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 306–991 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4299–4312 mm |
| Width | 1848–2037 mm |
| Height | 1423–1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2636–2640 mm |
While the Megane Renaultsport’s cabin may look a little dated compared to those of newer rivals, it retains a strongly functional feel that is in keeping with this Renault’s focused performance. The item that dates the cabin the most is the infotainment screen, which is mounted high in the centre of the dash to give a clear view.
However, the screen’s functions are operated by toggle switch mounted to the rear of the gear lever and various settings are selected using the buttons arrayed around the toggle switch. This is all fine when the car is parked up, but it means the driver either takes a lucky dip with his fingers to find the right button or has to divert his attention from the road ahead. When most other systems have moved to a touchscreen set-up, this shows the Megane is lagging behind.
Further marring this experience in the Megane Renaultsport 275 Nav is the number of beeps, bongs and warning noises the infotainment system makes, which are frankly just annoying.
The rest of the dash, though, is clear and simple to read and work your way through thanks to clearly defined sections for the stereo and ventilation controls.
A two-way adjustable steering column helps any driver fine tune the seating position and there’s plenty of movement in the driver’s seat, even for taller drivers. The front seats are fabric trimmed in both the Cup-S and Nav models, or buyers can upgrade to Recaro sports seats with leather trim. With this option, the Nav model also gains electric adjustment and seat heating.
More options for the Megane Renaultsport are covered by a panoramic glass roof and Alcantara trim for the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and handbrake cover. A rear parking camera and parking sensors come as standard with the Nav model and are an option for the Cup-S.
Access to the rear seats of the Megane Renaultsport is no worse than in the standard Megane Coupe, so adults might find it a yogic exercise to gain entry or exit. Once installed, there’s enough room for two adults to be comfortable, though headroom is not generous and the high window line can make it feel very closed in.
Behind the seats is a 377-litre boot, which is enough for a couple of cases and some soft bags. The rear seats split and fold to extend luggage space to 991 litres, so it is possible to fit a mountain bike into a Megane Renaultsport without having to completely dismantle the bike.
Renault Megane Renaultsport (2009 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4299–4312 mm |
| Width | 1848–2037 mm |
| Height | 1423–1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2636–2640 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1205–1394 kg |
| Boot Space | 306–991 L |
| Warranty | 4 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £19,885–£36,430 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–40 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–J |
| Official MPG | 34.4–78.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2017
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TCE 115 Dynamique Nav 3dr | £19,885 | 53.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.2 TCE 115 GT Line Nav 3dr | £21,385 | 53.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.2 TCE 115 Limited Nav 3dr | £20,385 | 53.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique Nav 3dr | £21,485 | 78.5 mpg | 12.1 s |
| 1.5 dCi 110 GT Line Nav 3dr | £22,985 | 78.5 mpg | 12.1 s |
| 1.6 dCi 130 Dynamique Nav 3dr | £21,985 | 70.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.6 dCi 130 GT Line Nav 3dr | £23,485 | 70.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.6 dCi 130 Limited Nav 3dr | £22,485 | 70.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 2.0 T 220 GT Nav 3dr | £24,780 | 37.7 mpg | 7.6 s |
| 2.0 T 275 Renaultsport Nav 3dr | £26,480 | 37.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
| 2.0 T Renaultsport Cup/Chassis 3dr | £24,480 | 37.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
On sale until October 2015
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Renaultsport 265 Stop and Start 3dr | £25,935 | 37.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
On sale until April 2015
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Renaultsport 275 Stop and Start Trophy 3dr | £28,930 | 37.7 mpg | - |
| Renaultsport 275 Stop and Start Trophy-R 3dr | £36,430 | 37.7 mpg | - |
On sale until February 2012
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 250 3dr | £25,145 | 34.4 mpg | 6.1 s |
| 250 Cup 3dr | £24,145 | 34.4 mpg | 6.1 s |
| 250 with Cup Chassis and Recaro Pack 3dr | £27,345 | 34.4 mpg | 6.1 s |
Model History
- March 2009: Megane Renaultsport launched
- October 2009: UK prices announced
- June 2011: Megane RenaultSport 265 Trophy launched
- February 2012: New Megane Renaultsport 265 available to order
- April 2012: Improvements from April 2012
- July 2013
- September 2013
- December 2013: Facelifted RenaultSport Megane 265 available to order
- May 2014: Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy launched
- September 2015
March 2009
Megane Renaultsport launched
The new Megane Renaultsport 250 is powered by an extensively revised 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which now boasts a power output of 250hp and a particularly broad rev range, whilst 340Nm of torque is available from as low down as 3,000rpm to deliver a level of performance that can be enjoyed both on road and on track.
The extended wheel arches, side sill, rear diffuser, extended tailgate spoiler and centrally-positioned exhaust tailpipe all add to the newcomer's character, while at the same time enhancing aerodynamic performance. LED daytime running lights are a key part of the car's styling signature.
Inside, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 combines exclusive sporting style with comfort thanks to features such as: height-adjustable front seats with additional lateral support or optional Recaro seats, height- and reach-adjustable Renaultsport steering wheel incorporating thumb rests, aluminium pedal covers, new fascia design incorporating analogue instruments
Last but not least, the acoustics of the Renaultsport engine have been tailored to produce a distinctive exhaust note inside and outside of the car.
October 2009
UK prices announced
Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup at £21,995 on the road and the Mégane Renaultsport 250 at £22,995. The former includes the specific Cup chassis whilst the latter adds more equipment and the standard sport chassis setting.
Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup spec includes cruise control, speed limiter, eight airbags, RAID automatic door locking, Brembo brakes, Renaultsport Dynamic Management ESP system, Renault keycard, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, 60W RDS MP3-compatible CD player with fingertip control, Bluetooth and RCA connection, ISOFIX child seat mountings, rear parking sensors and, of course, the Cup suspension pack.
The Cup Suspension Pack includes a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red finish to the Brembo brake calipers, 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres and ‘AX-L’ 18” x 8.25” alloy wheels in satin black.
The Mégane Renaultsport 250 adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, automatic operation of the lights and wipers, 18” (x 8.25”) ‘Keza’ alloy wheels with 225/40 Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres, extra tinted tailgate and rear side windows, tyre pressure monitor and Multi-functional TunePoint. The Cup Suspension Pack is available as an option combined with Recaro front seats at £1,950.
Buyers can choose to personalise their car with a broad range of options including the Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlamps, Recaro seats, 19” Speedline alloy wheels with the latest generation 235/35 Continental Sport Contact 5 tyres, Carminat TomTom, Arkamys 4x30 RDS radio with 6 CD and Bluetooth and Multi-Functional TunePoint, electric folding door mirrors, front parking sensors and a fixed glass roof. As part of the Renault i.d. programme, customers can choose one of two interior colours or anthracite finish to the exterior detailing.
The Mégane Renaultsport is available in seven colours: Glacier White, Capsicum Red, Extreme Blue, Pearl Black, Mercury, Oyster and, unique to the model, Sport Yellow. As standard, the centre section of the front bumper and F1-style blade, door mirrors and rear diffuser are finished in gloss black. Customers can choose to have these elements in anthracite as part of the Renault i.d. programme.
June 2011
Megane RenaultSport 265 Trophy launched
Offers an extra 15PS, plus standard Cup chassis, 19" redlined alloys, high performance Bridgestone tyres, 'Liquid Yellow' paint and an on-board performance monitor for £27,820.
February 2012
New Megane Renaultsport 265 available to order
Comes in two versions: 265 Cup available for £24,825 on-the-road and 265 at £26,025. In UK showrooms from early April 2012.
New version boosted by an extra 15hp of power and 20Nm of torque. A new ‘Sport’ mode in the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system changes the exhaust note and also frees its full 265hp.
Among other changes are several new options: Renaultsport ‘Red Design Pack’ (red striping on front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings) £350, rear parking camera with front parking sensors for £360 and Visio System by Renault (lane departure warning and auto high/low beam) is available on the 265 priced £300
One new colour is introduced for 2012 - Arctic White. Cup Chassis Pack on top-of-the-range 265 is £1,350: 18” alloy wheels in matt black fitted 235/40 R18 95Y Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, stiffer springs/dampers/anti-roll bars
Mégane Renaultsport 2012 is eligible for the Renault 4+ customer care package with headline Renault Selections PCP offer of £419 deposit/£419 per month over four years for the 265 Cup version and £439/£439 for the 265
Mégane Renaultsport is powering on from the success of the multi award-winning 250 range with a new and improved model for 2012, packing more power and torque.
April 2012
Improvements from April 2012
Mégane Renaultsport 265’s ‘Renaultsport Dynamic Management’ became standard and delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque. By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from peak power of 265hp and up to 360Nm of torque for even crisper acceleration response. Thanks to this Renaultsport innovation, it is possible to use Mégane Renaultsport 265’s potential to the full, notably on tracks. At the same time, the sound produced by Mégane Renaultsport.’s engine has been revised to ensure a satisfying pitch at all revs thanks a more open exhaust design and a reinforced sound pipe.
In terms of looks, the front end is more expressive, while the F1-style front blade which is a characteristic of Renaultsport models features two rows of six LEDs and the headlights sport black surrounds. The centre of the new design 18-inch alloy wheels (satin finish or matt black) as well as the 19-inch wheels, feature an ‘R.S.’ logo, and a new option is the Renaultsport Red Design Pack which comprises red striping for the front blade, side sills and diffuser.
A new interior trim has been introduced, featuring visible red stitching for the steering wheel, dashboard trim, gearlever knob and surround. The new, distinctive two-tone light grey and charcoal leather upholstery can also be specified as an option, as can fabric or leather Recaro seats and a predominantly yellow ambience. Other sporty details include a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a charcoal-effect finish for the door panel inserts.
July 2013
30 Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8 specials available to the UK market, priced at £28,245 on-the-road.
Exclusive Twilight Blue finish with Platinum Grey detail. Recaro seats, R-Link Multimedia system and TomTom Live navigation system, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, plus the latest on-board Renaultsport Monitor v2.0.
Inside, the new limited edition version comes with a number of exclusive features, including Red Bull Racing branding on the numbered aluminium kickplates and carpet mats. The same logo appears on the headrests of the Recaro front seats which are trimmed in a new leather/fabric upholstery.
The Mégane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8 is shod as standard with the same Cup chassis and Bridgestone tyres that helped Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy to establish a new lap record for the Nürburgring. These high-performance tyres are fitted to exclusive 19-inch gloss black ‘Steev’ alloy wheels with platinum coloured rims.
September 2013
Renault Megane range restyled for 2014 model year sharing the current Renault 'family' look, on sale in the UK from March 2014.
The changes ensure greater unity between the front ends of Mégane Hatchback, Sport Tourer and Coupé which feature the same bumper and bonnet, although each version maintains its own distinctive identity. They are also equipped with new elliptical headlights.
The new styling identity has been carried over to the line-up’s sporting models, too. Mégane Renaultsport and GT Line both boast an even more dynamic stance and a new front-end design, as well as new headlights with gloss black backgrounds.
December 2013
Facelifted RenaultSport Megane 265 available to order
Priced at £26,925.
May 2014
Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy launched
The Cup chassis with limited slip differential comes as standard along with an extra 10PS. At the same time, maximum torque of 360Nm is available across a broad rev-band.
Renaultsport and Akrapovič, the manufacturer of benchmark exhaust systems for motorcycles and performance cars, have marked their association with the standard fitment of a titanium exhaust system. In addition to benefiting from the lighter weight of titanium, the Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy also features a specific, more raucous bark that is sure to appeal to those who appreciate sporty engine notes.
The limited edition car can be specified with optional adjustable Öhlins Road & Track dampers with steel springs. Also available as an option for Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy for those who enjoy track days are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. This ultra-high performance solution was developed jointly by Michelin and Renaultsport specifically for this new limited edition front-wheel-drive car.
The new livery includes Trophy branding on the silver F1-style silver blade, while the personalised body sides feature Trophy decals. Silver has also been selected for the chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the doors. Meanwhile, numbered door sill guards are further evidence of its exclusivity.
September 2015
Price drop for outgoing Mégane Renaultsport with introduction new 275 Cup-S on sale immediately priced at £23,935. The 275 Nav replaces 265 with a more luxurious level of specification and at £25,935.
Both new Mégane Renaultsport versions are powered by the same 2.0-litre, 275hp turbocharged petrol engine as the limited-edition 275 Trophy-R which, in June 2014, shattered the lap record for a front-wheel-drive production car around the 13-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife with a time of 7 minutes 54.36 seconds.
What to watch out for
Watch those optional 19-inch wheels on potholes.
