The next Renault Megane RS will be offered as a five-door hatchback only. The move is a result of the firm dropping the three-door Megane coupe from the range.
The slow-selling Renault Megane CC convertible will also be axed, however a new Renault Megane estate will be offered, with its public debut likely late next year.
• All the details on new Renault Megane from Frankfurt
A Renault insider said the move was as a result of the coupe and CC models comprising a very small percentage of total Megane sales. The market-leading Ford Focus is now offered only as a five-door hatchback and estate.
Renault is remaining tight-lipped on the specifications of the new Megane RenaultSport as the current car will be in production for the next 12 months. It’s likely the new car will receive a power boost over today’s 271bhp if it is to remain competitive with the 306bhp Honda Civic Type-R and the 345bhp Ford Focus RS.
It could inherit a number of features from the lesser Renault Megane GT model, including a dual clutch automatic gearbox, launch control and a Multi Change Down feature, allowing multiple downshifts through a single, longer pull on the gearshift paddle. That feature premiered on the Renault Clio RS, and was the first ‘sub-supercar’ to be so equipped.
It could also feature the Megane GT’s four-wheel steering system designed to aid high-speed stability, with the rear wheels gently turning in the direction of the front wheels. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to reduce the car’s turning circle. Such a system was fitted to the Renault Laguna GT, launched in 2008.
Renault is also poised to raise the profile of the Megane GT within the range: the new Megane GT will carry RenaultSport badges inside and out.
Two engines will be offered in the Megane GT; a 202bhp petrol engine mated to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, alongside a 163bhp diesel.
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