The Renault Megane II RS 2.0 Turbo 16V, produced from 2004 to 2005, represents a significant step in Renault Sport’s development of accessible, high-performance hatchbacks. This model, while not officially sold in the United States, was a key player in the European hot hatch market, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. The Megane II RS offered a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and affordability, establishing a strong reputation for Renault Sport and laying the groundwork for future generations of performance Meganes.
Renault Megane II RS: A European Performance Icon
The Megane II, launched in 2003, was Renault’s replacement for the popular Megane I. The RS (Renault Sport) variant, introduced in 2004, took the standard Megane and transformed it into a focused performance machine. It was designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts seeking a thrilling experience without sacrificing everyday usability. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and revised chassis components set it apart as a serious contender in the competitive hot hatch segment. The Megane II RS was primarily marketed in Europe, Australia, and select other international markets.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Megane II RS lies the F4R 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine, equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. This powerplant delivers 224 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine’s design incorporates multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a broad powerband and responsive throttle characteristics. The engine’s 9:1 compression ratio strikes a balance between performance and reliability. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, providing precise control and engaging driving experience. The Megane II RS achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 236 km/h (146.64 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 6.1 kg/Hp further contributes to its spirited performance.
Design & Features
The Megane II RS is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its exterior design is subtly aggressive, featuring a more pronounced front bumper, side skirts, and a rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics and visual appeal. The car rides on 17-inch wheels, fitted with 215/45 R17 tires. Inside, the RS model features sport seats providing enhanced lateral support during cornering. The interior is functional and driver-focused, with aluminum pedals and unique instrumentation. Safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The trunk offers 330 liters (11.65 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1190 liters (42.02 cu. ft.) when folded down, providing ample cargo capacity for everyday use. The car’s dimensions are 4228 mm (166.46 in.) in length, 2026 mm (79.76 in.) in width (including mirrors), and 1436 mm (56.54 in.) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane II |
| Type (Engine) | RS 2.0 Turbo 16V (224 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg, 24.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 209 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 236 km/h (146.64 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 224 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 112.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 3000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F4R |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.35 l (5.65 US qt | 4.71 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1375 kg (3031.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 445 kg (981.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 330 l (11.65 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1190 l (42.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Length | 4228 mm (166.46 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2026 mm (79.76 in.) |
| Height | 1436 mm (56.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2617 mm (103.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1517 mm (59.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Front overhang | 857 mm (33.74 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 754 mm (29.69 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Renault Megane II RS 2.0 Turbo 16V remains a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts, praised for its engaging driving dynamics, strong performance, and relative affordability. It represents a pivotal moment in Renault Sport’s history, solidifying their reputation for creating exciting and capable hot hatches.
