Review: Renault X84 Megane RS (2004-10)

Review: Renault X84.I Megane RS (2004-06)

Overview

Released in September 2004, the Renault X84 Phase I (X84.I) Megane RS was a five-door, front-wheel drive hatch. Using bodyshells produced in Palencia, Spain, the X84.I Megane RS 225 was assembled in Dieppe, France, and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing peak power of 165 kW (or 225 brake horsepower); a six-speed manual transmission was fitted as standard.

F4Rt engine

The 2.0-litre F4Rt engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, a twin-scroll turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Although peak torque was 300 Nm at 3000 rpm, 270 Nm (90 per cent) was available between 2000 and 6000 rpm. The X84.I Megane RS could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

Dimensions

The X84 Megane RS was 4228 mm long, 1777 mm wide, 1437 mm tall and had a 2625 mm long wheelbase. Compared to the standard X84 Megane , the Megane RS could be identified by its wide air intake grille, upgraded brakes, integrated front fog lights, cut-away rear bumper with twin exhaust outlets, integrated rear spoiler. Other changes included wider front and rear tracks (1517 mm and 1521 mm, respectively) and stiffer suspension.

Suspension

The Megane RS had MacPherson strut front suspension (with L-shaped lower arms) and torsion beam rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Megane RS 225 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelts with dual load limiters and dual pretensioners and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Megane RS 225 had 312 mm front brake discs with four-piston Brembo calipers and 300 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a five-door X84 Megane hatch with a 1.6-litre engine received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.1 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Megane RS 225 included 17-inch alloy wheels with Continental SportContact2 225/45 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, combination leather/cloth seats, remote central locking with Renault card, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, aluminium pedals, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, electrochromic rear view mirror, power windows and mirrors, a heat reflecting windscreen, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The 225 was also available with an optional LX pack which added a six-disc CD player, full leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Megane RS Cup

In September 2005, the Cup edition was released; it was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, upgraded Brembo brakes (drilled, front and rear), stiffer suspension (recalibrated springs, dampers and anti-roll bar) and faster steering ratio.

Review: Renault X84.II Megane RS (2006-10)

Overview

Released in July 2006, the X84 Phase II (X84.II) Megane RS introduced three-door models, improved safety equipment and mild cosmetic changes. Visually, the X84.II Megane RS was distinguished by its tapered headlights, revised grille and bumpers and translucent rear lights. The range was expanded in August 2007 with the introduction of the 228 F1 Team R26 editions and, in August 2008, with the turbo-diesel 175 variant.

Safety equipment

Unlike the five-door models, the three door models did not have front seatbelts with double pretensioners. However, the three door models were fitted with anti-submarining airbags in the front seat cushions to achieve the same level of anti-submarining protection. Compared to their X84.I counterparts, the five door models were further equipped with rear side airbags as standard.

Features

Compared to the X84.I Megane RS five door models, the X84.II Megane RS three-door models were fitted with a four speaker sound system and cloth trim – the X84.I Megane RS had been fitted with a six speaker sound system and combination cloth/leather trim. The five-door models were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, combination cloth/leather seats and xenon headlights with washers.

2007 Megane RS 228 F1 Team R26

In July 2007, the 228 F1 Team R26 edition was released to commemorated Renault’s 2006 F1 World Championship. The F1 Team R26 featured 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres, a unique set-up of Cup chassis, limited slip differential, Victory Yellow paint finish and F1 decals. Compared to the 225 variants, the F1 Team R26 achieved a slight power increase via specific engine mapping and a modified exhaust system.

Related links

• Specifications: Renault X84.II Megane RS 225 (April 2009)
• Specifications: Renault X84.II Megane RS 175 (April 2009)
• Wikipedia.org: Renault X84 Megane RS