Summary
The Renault Mégane RS (which stands for Renault Sport) was a high-performance model based on the regular Mégane mid-sized family hatchback. This model was launched in 2018 and was the third (and final) generation. Unlike previous versions, it was only available as a five-door model rather than a three-door.
The Mégane RS was available with 280hp in Sport or Cup specifications, and with 300hp in Trophy or Trophy-R specification.
The Renault Mégane RS received good to very good scores from the UK motoring media, although the top-spec models generally received better ratings than the entry-level 280hp model. It was particularly praised for the quality of its driving experience, with outstanding handling and road holding. The only real criticisms were that it wasn’t as fun on a track as previous generations.
This was the last Mégane RS model, with the petrol Mégane family replaced by the all-new 2022 Renault Mégane E-Tech EV. Future performance Renaults are also expected to be branded as Alpine models, much like Abarth does with performance Fiat models or Cupra does with performance SEATs.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: 280hp or 300hp petrol
Price: From £32,995 on-road
Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Spring 2019
Ended prodution: Spring 2022
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 300 Trophy
Score: 7 / 10
“The now auto-only Renault Megane R.S. Trophy is a great hot hatch that, despite the gearbox, still immerses you in the action – but we do miss the manual. The chassis serves up huge grip and plenty of enjoyment on the right road. However, it also feels firm, fidgety and a little flighty on the wrong one.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy-R
Score: 8 / 10
“The new New Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R isn’t cheap at over £50k, but there’s no other hot hatch quite like it.”
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Model reviewed: RS 280
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s utterly composed at speed and incredibly nimble but it feels like a car that has more to give; it lacks that last degree of aggression and engagement that the Honda Civic Type R delivers.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 300 EDC 2021
Score: 7 / 10
“Softer Megane RS 300 a more liveable hot hatch than its Trophy sibling, but at the cost of outright engagement.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“In conditions and on a surface that suited it, the Renault Megane RS Trophy is one of the most exciting front-driven packages made by any car company in the world.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy-R
Score: 8 / 10
“Predictable, highly compelling handling on both road and track.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy-R
Score: 9 / 10
“This is still a supremely agile hot hatch, but it’s now one that’s far more predictable and consistent in its response to your inputs, so you feel like you can lean on its immensely grippy front end to a greater extent.”
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Model reviewed: RS 280
Score: 9 / 10
“The Renault Mégane RS 280’s clever, agile, balanced and insanely ‘chuckable’ handling plainly makes it a very special prospect.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy-R
Score: 9 / 10
“This is a great car.”
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Model reviewed: RS 300 Trophy
Score: 8 / 10
“All things considered, we’d be sorely tempted to go for the regular car and just spec the trick chassis. The £2500 you’d save could go towards a few track days instead.”
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Model reviewed: RS Trophy
Score: 8 / 10
“It feels like a good and competitive hot hatch among many. But not, as it once was, the obvious boss of them all.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s an impressive modern hot hatch.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Megane R.S. is one of the fastest front-wheel-drive hot hatches around, but it requires some serious attention if you want to get the best out of it on a twisty country road.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol manual RS 300 Trophy
Score: 10 / 10
“On public roads, this hatch is as brisk as any exotic supercar. It crashes over the worst bumps and ridges but it is by no means unpleasant on a long trip. The 300 Trophy is more than practical enough to be a day to day family car – but your loved ones might baulk at the stiff ride.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: RS 300 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Renault Megane RS 300 shines, with a fluidity and poise that makes for a fantastic road-biased hot hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy-R
Score: 9 / 10
“It might not drive like the other Renault Sport Méganes we’ve known and loved, but this version is still mightily impressive.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy
Score: 8 / 10
“The first thing that hits you on the move is that this car is properly firm.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Megane RS is certainly back with a bang, making this one of the best hot hatches on the market. Would we choose it over the Ford Focus RS? Not quite, but it has lots of appeal nonetheless and is a car guaranteed always to put a smile on your face.”
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The Sun
“The Renault Megane RS hot hatch turns track days into real-life PlayStation games.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Trophy
“When you take this car by the scruff of the neck it’s a riot of colour and sound and terror.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: RS 280
Score: 8 / 10
“No one combines handling and ride like the French and Renault’s RS team is back on form with this third-series hot Mégane. Not as communicative as past models, but fast and assured with astonishingly good road holding and cornering.”
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Top Gear
Score: 7 / 10
“Rear-steering Renault Megane RS has a charm, if you like your hot hatches firm, edgy and demanding attention.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Megane RS has a newfound maturity. Better for tackling the Golf GTI, worse for tackling your local trackday.”
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Model reviewed: Paddleshift gearbox
Score: 8 / 10
“The 0-62mph time is 5.8secs (identical to the manual), the top speed 155mph (down 3mph) with a 23kg weight penalty for going automatic.”
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Model reviewed: Trophy R
Score: 9 / 10
“It brings the drama of a racecar to something you can drive easily over speed bumps and leave in less salubrious car parks without fretting.”
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Model reviewed: RS Trophy 6-spd manual
“The driving position is good, and there’s space in the back although the rear compartment is dark and the bench is more of a perch.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 71%
Note on safety rating
The Renault Mégane RS shared its safety rating with the regular Mégane hatchback, which was tested by Euro NCAP in December 2015 and awarded a five-star rating with very good scores across the board. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid. This is normal for Euro NCAP ratings, as the standards required to achieve each star rating get tougher every year.
However, if you’re looking at purchasing a used Mégane RS, you should certainly consider it to be a very safe car when compared to other cars from the same era (2016 to 2021).
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Renault Mégane RS was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production cycle.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 198
Average repair cost: £346.89
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Renault Mégane has a reliability rating that is better than average, according to exclusive warranty data provided to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score covers both this generation of Mégane and Mégane RS, as well as previous models.
The most common problems for Mégane owners, with a quarter of all warranty claims, are braking system issues. Fortunately, these have been relatively inexpensive with an average repair cost of less than £200. Likewise, suspension faults are fairly common but relatively inexpensive.
It’s worth noting that gearbox issues have cropped up in Méganes and are relatively common, with an average repair cost of about £600. If you’re looking at a used Mégane, make sure any extended warranty you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 34 mpg | D | 33 – 36 mpg | D – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 186 g/km | C | 178 – 193 g/km | C – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 37 | C | 35 – 39 | C – C |
The Renault Mégane RS is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Due to its age, we don’t have any five-year servicing cost data, but fuel consumption is poor (and will be worse if you exploit the Mégane’s exceptional performance) and insurance costs are likely to be relatively high for the car’s value.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Renault Mégane RS, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi RS 3 | BMW M135i | Cupra Leon | Ford Focus ST | Honda Civic Type R | Mercedes-AMG A 35 | Suzuki Swift Sport | Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen Polo GTI
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