Renault has revealed some extra details on its new 2017 Renaultsport Megane hot hatch on the same day the car completed its first public drive at the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. New images have also been revealed of the hot hatch in a disguised livery, which has been driven by Renault’s Formula 1 team driver Nico Hulkenberg during the Monaco GP weekend.
Hulkenberg has revealed that he had already tested the Renaultsport Megane during its development phase and prior to his drive in the car at Monaco.
New #MeganeRS on #MonacoGP track! pic.twitter.com/ohFl4RJViw
— Groupe Renault (@Groupe_Renault) May 26, 2017
The big news besides being driven in public for the first time is that Renault has now confirmed that its new Renaultsport Megane will be available with two gearbox choices. Customers will be able to pick between either a six-speed manual ‘box or a EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic ‘box.
It’s also confirmed that the new Renaultsport Megane is scheduled to begin sales in spring 2018. The hot hatch will make its first undisguised public appearance on 12 September this year at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Engine and performance figures remain unconfirmed, but reports indicated the new Renaultsport Megane will offer approximately 300bhp from a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. It’s believed that the engine is a souped-up version of the one that will be used in the upcoming Alpine A110 sports car.
Expected to remain a front-wheel drive hot hatch, the Renaultsport Megane will rival the likes of the SEAT Leon Cupra, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf R and the new Honda Civic Type R.
