DESPITE HAVING A LOW-KEY reputation in Australia, one of the best hot hatches has always had a dedicated (if limited) following. The final iteration of Renault Sport’s agenda-setting, segment-creating, hot-hatch has arrived in Australia – the ultra-exclusive, limited-edition Megane R.S. Ultime.
Renault Sport was founded in 1976 and, as such, the production of this R.S. Ultime is limited to 1976 units worldwide, of which just 40 are coming to Australia.
“The Megane R.S. Ultime represents the culmination of a long and storied history of Renault hot hatches,” says Glen Sealey, Renault Australia General Manager.
“Indeed, Renault set the blueprint for what a hot hatch should be and has consistently delivered on that blueprint for almost 50 years: nimble, lightweight, highly-tuned engine and a chassis set-up designed for the most challenging of B-roads. This final edition Megane R.S. Ultime is the ultimate expression of the genre and a fitting way to bow out.”
Available in both 6sp manual and 6sp EDC automatic, the R.S. Ultime is distinguished by the following highlights:
- Black 19-inch Fuji Lightweight alloy wheels
- Hi-performance Bridgestone S007 tyres
- Recaro front bucket seats
- Unique exterior decals
- Four paint colours: Liquid Yellow, Orange Tonic, Diamond Black, Pearl White
- Blacked-out Renault logos
- Unique numbered door sill plate
Powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, the Megane R.S. Ultime delivers 221kW at 6000rpm and 420Nm at 3200rpm (400Nm for the 6sp manual).
Delivering this power through the front wheels – complete with mechanical Torsen limited slip differential – will see the R.S. Ultime hit 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Driver engagement is further boosted with Renault Sport’s unique Cup chassis, 4CONTROL four-wheel steering, launch control (on the EDC), active valve exhaust system and Brembo bi-material high-performance brakes.
Inside, Recaro front sports seats, paddle shifters for the gearchanges (EDC only) and R.S. Drive mode assist the driver in connecting to the drive experience, while the signature of Renault Sport test driver Laurent Hurgon and the vehicle’s production number remind you of the car’s exclusivity.
Externally, a choice of colours, race-inspired decals, blacked-out styling and Ultime badging all sit naturally with the F1-derived styling cues, ensuring this final run of Megane R.S. Ultime model looks the goods.
The 6-speed manual Megane R.S. Ultime is priced from $67,500 (plus on road costs), while the 6-speed EDC is $70,500 (plus on road costs). Both prices include metallic or signature paint.
As with every Renault, Megane R.S. Ultime enjoys the 5-Year Easy Life Ownership program that includes a 5-Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty, 5-Year Roadside Assistance, and 5 Capped Price Renault Services costing $2645 over the term.