Tag: RS 250

Renault is trading off its F1 involvement once again with this new Megane RS250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition. Good to see they’ve not lost the knack of coming up with catchy model titles.

Living up to its ‘Limited Edition’ name just 50 new RS250 MonacoGP models will find their way to Australia; all individually numbered. The price of admission into the MonacoGP club is $48,990 plus on roads ($7000 more than a standard RS250).

Apart from its lengthy title other factors separating the MonacoGP from regular RS250s are white pearlescent paint and piano black trim on the wing mirrors, fog light surrounds and rear diffuser. There is also special ‘MonacoGP’ badging, of course.

Inside, a more tangible benefit is given in the form of an integrated Sat Nav system; the first time we’ve seen that in a Megane down under. As well, the MonacoGP comes standard with 19″ alloys, bi-xenon headlights and four-pot Brembo brakes.

Aside from that it’s pretty much usual Megane RS250 fare, including the same 184kW/340Nm engine from the regular range. A few more ponies would have been nice, don’t you think. Having said that, Renault’s well-tuned chassis still comes standard.

It’s been a while since we first saw the Renault Megane RS 250, but the wait for Australian buyers is finally over. Those wanting entry into to French quarter of the über hot hatch club will need to part with $41,990 for the RS 250 Cup, or cough up an extra $5,000 if they want the Cup Trophée model.

The extra cash for the Cup Trophée gets you 19″ alloys, flash Recaro sports seats and a few other bits and pieces like electric folding wing mirrors, plus they have even thrown in some floor mats. Bless. In addition, the Trophée is differentiated from the regular Cup by way of grey bumper inserts (pictured above), as opposed to black, and satin chrome door handles, as opposed to body colour.

Both models come standard with a 184kW (250bhp) 2.0 litre four cylinder, including twin scroll turbo. Peak torque of 340Nm is available from 3000rpm, while 80% of that figure is on tap from just 1900rpm. Fitted with a 6-speed manual box, Renault say you can reach 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.

Back in the day it was thought 200bhp was the theoretical maximum one could put through a front-driver. There are many examples of cars breaking that theory now, of course, but almost all employ some form of trickery to at least give the driver some chance of avoiding a call to the operator of a flat bed truck. The new RS 250 is no different with a standard limited slip diff and independent steering axis front suspension offering what Renault describe as “a more reassuring drive”.

After seeing the RS 250 in static mode at AIMS last month, we were quite impressed with the interior, which has taken huge steps from previous Megane offerings. So long as none of the driving pleasures of the former models have been lost, this new effort should be a crowd favourite.

More pics and Renault Australia’s very detailed press release are all yours after the break.