Renault Megane RenaultSport (RS)

The Renault Megane RenaultSport has officially landed at Geneva, and is pretty much what we brought you a few weeks ago when Renault played ‘Tease’ with a moody silhouette of the Megane RenaultSport. But it’s an excuse for a good gallery of photos, and confirmation of what’s on offer.

The Renault Megane RenaultSport (RS) becomes official at Geneva 2009

With MINI offering the lates version of the MINI John Cooper Works, and Alfa Romeo setting pulses going with the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, Renault knew they had to come up with the goods on the Megane RenaultSport.

Ever since Renault unveiled the Megane Trophy Race Car last year, there has been expectation that the new Megane RS would follow its lead. And it does!

The Megane RS has a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine, producing 250bhp (which is 20bhp more than the hottest R26), with 250ft/lbs of torque, which is available pretty much throughout the range. This setup gives the Megane RS a 0-60mph time of around 6 seconds. All this is driven by a six-speed gearbox, and a similar suspension setup to the old Megane R26.

As in the last model, you get a choice of suspension setups, either standard or cup, with the Cup version coming with a limited slip diff. To make things potentially more fun (or hairy!) the standard ESP can be completely turned off.

This will keep the hot hatch world battling away. Great car, and it’s a hard choice, but I think the MiTo GTA will take the crown. But I’ll reserve judgement until we’ve driven them.