Since the Megane was introduced back in 1995, Renault has used the moniker for various compact models. There are hatchbacks, wagons, sedans, and even convertibles with cloth and metal roofs. Fans of the French brand will also remember the Megane Scenic minivan, while the latest version of the popular nameplate is an electric SUV. Of all the derivatives, the RS is by far the most interesting. In 2023, it will be retired.
Renault Japan has announced the limited edition Megane RS Trophy will open at the Tokyo Auto Salon next week. The company with the diamond logo didn’t specify anything about the hot hatch, but it could be the final model with the Renaultsport badge. In 2021, Renault Sport changes its name to Alpine Cars. The writing on the wall for Megane RS as an executive from the company’s Australian arm has announced that production will end at the end of 2023.
As for the TAS-bound special edition, rumor has it that the car is called the “Megane RS Ultime” to signify it’s one last hurray for the iconic VW Golf GTI rival. However, the name of the car is not officially known at this time. It is not expected to be as radical as Trophy-R as the changes are believed to be cosmetic only. The turbocharged 1.8-liter petrol engine shared with the Alpine A110 will likely produce identical 296 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque sent to the front axle via a dual-clutch, six-speed automatic transmission.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 is scheduled to take place January 13-15 at the Makuhari Messe convention center. Production of the Megane RS Ultime will be limited and we estimate an asking price of just over €50,000 at home in France where the regular model retails from €44,650.
The Megane line of cars that grew up with Europeans is on its deathbed because Renault will sooner or later discontinue the ICE-powered model and sell only the Megane E-Tech electric crossover. Ford will do the same with its Focus given the decision has been made to end production in 2025. With the Stellantis going pure electric in Europe at the end of the decade, it means time is ticking for the petrol Opel Astra.
