Malaysian Motor Works

Indirectly, substantially of vehicles electronic and technology development altered the global automotive engineering industry pattern. While manufacturers busy with the transmission system performance program, Renault still being proud of their manual transmission – such not seeing it as an important aspect in Megane RS265 production.

Before the mass production of RS265, the third generation - RenaultSport Megane RS250 introduced with a triumphant high performance car. The racing aspiration machine has been given additional 15 horsepower through RS265. Malaysian Renault distributor, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd seen very committed to cater niche market in Malaysia by introducing that monstrous car in earlier 2013.

From the overall design, it shares RS250 radical bodywork. Of course everybody would love the exterior concept, sexy enough and such an attractive engineering arts. Renault Megane RS265 can be distinguished by its 18-inch matte black alloy wheels.

Stepping inside, RS265 had simple layout but featured ergonomic design. The cabin specifically designed for the driver to enjoy the performance. Recaro bucket seats are comfortable to support my body, and I noticed the seats vertex got leather finished despite of fabric for RS250. Though this car comes with 3-door format, passengers at the rear seats still have comfortable legroom.

During the test drive session, although RS265 has 360Nm of torque, handling in low rev is effortless with smooth power distribution even using manual transmission in congested traffic area. But, such a frustration, I could not put even the fifth and sixth gear in city traffic (is it possible to speeding in traffic jam?).

If we talk about comfortably, I can’t deny the practicality perspective of an automatic gearbox is better than the manual transmission in the urban traffic. It might be slightly significance to Megane RS competitors – the German's famous Golf GTI with DSG transmission. However, it is bad of me when I feel a bit unexciting with automatic transmission since it less dramatic to appreciating a true performance.

In most cases, I'm employed normal driving mode which merely produces 250 horsepower. 265 horsepower of 2.0 litre F4R turbo charged on the rampage if the electronic stability control turned off. Sport mode activated immediately where by in that time, 15 additional horsepower produced - turbo pressure increased from 2.3 to 2.5.

Turbo lag is minimal and the acceleration forced comes immediately between 2000 rpm to 2500 rpm. The torque is pretty awesome and makes me not able to resist the temptation to continue stepping on the throttle pedal. It is a fact, driving Megane makes you breathing in difference personality, and it was a true colour of you.

In sport mode, even get just an extra 15 hp; I can feel the torque pumping out more rapidly. What really caught my attention was the perfect balance of precise steering response, throttle responsiveness, chassis flexibility and progressive braking system.

The handling performance is such an excellent work, combined with suspension system and Limited -Slip Differential (LSD). This front wheel drive machinery is incredibly stable in high speed cornering - difficult to make it over steer or under steer. On the highway, I do not hesitate to urge the throttle. In high confident level, I pushed until getting 255 km/h. Overall, the vehicle character, engine and gearbox performance, and the handling is almost perfect.

RS265 equipped with 6 airbags, various electronic control such as Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), Emergency Brake Assists (EBA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and under steer control (CSV). I'd say the RS265 fuel consumption is acceptable. According to the specification, the French-made machine uses an average of 8.2 litres per 100 km.

Certainly, the experience with RS265 was pretty fun – really appreciate it every second. But remember, once you bought it in Malaysian market, second-hand value depreciated hardly.

MMW Rating:

Performance: 9/10

Handling: 9/10

Comfort: 8/10

Design: 9/10

Features: 7/10

Fuel Consumption: 7/10

Value: 8/10