New Renaults bolster local lineup
Derryn Wong
27/02/2015
Singapore –
Renault will be offering revised version of the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy hot hatch as well as the new Clio compact hatch for Singapore. The cars will debut in the third quarter of this year.
The Megane RS 275 Trophy-R is based on the updated Renault Megane, and given a thorough working over by the stand-alone RenaultSport performance division, the limited edition model is the closest you’ll get to a racing hatchback. It’s also the spiritual successor to the very focused R26.R model of 2008.
Almost 100kg lighter than the standard Megane 275 Trophy (which will also be launched at the same time) it has no rear seats, a roll cage and Recaro Pole Position racing seats. Air conditioning is an option overseas, although it’s likely standard for local cars.
The fettled 2.0-litre turbo engine now makes 275bhp and 360Nm of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission and front limited-slip differential, plus an exhaust system by Akrapovic. The standard car does 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds, while the R model shaves 0.2 seconds off that. Both retain the same efficiency figure of 7.5L/100km.
The car also has adjustable Ohlins suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres which is part of the reason why at 7:54, it’s the current lap time record holder for front-wheel drive cars on the Nurburgring.
The Clio compact hatch has been absent from Singapore since the previous, third-generation version was the last one sold here.
2012 saw the launch of the fourth-gen model abroad, and with significant improvements, but high COE prices dashed its chances of success here so it was never imported – much like the new Kia Rio. The exception is the rabid Clio RS model, which was the sole offering for Singapore, until now.
Spec details haven’t been firmed up yet, but it’s confirmed we’ll see the same 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine plus six-speed dual clutch gearbox, as seen in the compelling Captur crossover, which is itself based on the Clio. As with the Captur and Clio RS, Renault’s navigation enabled R-Link system is also likely to make an appearance in the cabin.
The 115bhp 1.2-litre and 85bhp 1.0-litre petrol turbo engines are also being considered as drive train options, though it’s likely the 1.2 replaces the need for the smaller engine here entirely.
About the Author
Derryn Wong
CarBuyer's former chief editor was previously the editor for Top Gear Singapore and a presenter for CNA's Cruise Control motoring segment.
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