Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Mégane RS (2017-2022) review – performance and 0-60

Acceleration time is on-par for the class at 5.7sec, but the engine’s character stands out against others

Evo rating
RRP
from £27,495
  • Willing and enthusiastic engine; EDC transmission not the weak link it could have been
  • Still lacks that last ounce of cohesion and engagement; feels like Renault’s moved on symbolically

Both RS models will reach 62mph from rest in 5.7sec, and top out at 161mph. The engine feels far stronger in the Mégane than it does in the Alpine, even more so than the 1.8-litre figure might lead you to believe. Not only is it powerful, it feels sophisticated too, with more character than a latest-gen EA888 from the VW stable and more enthusiasm than the Hyundai’s Theta unit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With an initial pump of torque at low rpm, the Renault’s engine will quickly build steam and just keep on revving to its red line without any distinct reduction in momentum. As with all modern turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the red line is relatively low at 6250rpm.

Pop the Mégane into Race mode and the inoffensive engine noise is masked by a thrummy, synthetic din emitted by the speakers. Not only does this not sound very appealing, it’s barely like an engine noise at all. The Perso mode, where you can choose your own set-up, allows you to select the Race settings for everything but the engine noise, if you wish. Excellent.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

BMW M4 v Porsche 911 – six-cylinder sports coupe titans do battle
BMW M4 v Porsche 911
Group tests

BMW M4 v Porsche 911 – six-cylinder sports coupe titans do battle

Lighter and more focused, can the new Porsche 911 beat the more powerful, less expensive BMW M4?
6 Apr 2025
Used Porsche Cayman GT4 (981, 2015 – 2016): review, price and specs of a sports car great
Porsche Cayman GT4
In-depth reviews

Used Porsche Cayman GT4 (981, 2015 – 2016): review, price and specs of a sports car great

The Porsche Cayman GT4 answered ten years of cries for a proper Porsche Motorsport-prepared version of the marque’s junior sports car in spectacular s…
4 Apr 2025
This Audi RS3 has more power than a £120,000 Porsche 911
Audi RS3 R
News

This Audi RS3 has more power than a £120,000 Porsche 911

German tuning specialist Abt has given Audi’s RS3 a 911 Carrera GTS-rivalling power figure
4 Apr 2025