The Renault Megane II Coupe RS 2.0 Turbo 16V (224 Hp) is a high-performance variant of the Megane II Coupe, produced by French automaker Renault between 2004 and 2005. This model represented Renault Sport’s (RS) foray into a more focused, driver-oriented coupe within the compact segment. While the standard Megane II was a popular family car in Europe, the RS version was engineered for enthusiasts seeking a blend of practicality and spirited driving. It wasn’t officially sold in the United States, but it gained a following among import car enthusiasts and served as a benchmark for hot hatches in the European market.
Renault Megane II Coupe RS: A Performance Focus
The Megane II Coupe RS was designed to compete with established performance coupes like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. Renault achieved this by significantly upgrading the engine, chassis, and brakes of the standard Megane Coupe. The RS model distinguished itself with aggressive styling cues, including a more prominent front bumper, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, signaling its performance intentions. The car’s appeal lay in its ability to deliver a rewarding driving experience on both the road and the track.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Megane II Coupe RS lies the F4R 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine, turbocharged and equipped with 16 valves. This powerplant produced 224 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler significantly boosted the engine’s output, providing strong acceleration throughout the rev range. Power per liter was an impressive 112.1 hp/l. The engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission, delivering precise gear changes and enhancing driver control.
Performance figures were noteworthy for its class. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 6.5 seconds, while 0-60 mph was achieved in a calculated 6.2 seconds. The car boasted a maximum speed of 236 km/h (146.64 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 6 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 4.5 kg/Nm contributed to its responsive handling and brisk performance. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) combined, with 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg) in urban settings and 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the open road. CO2 emissions were 209 g/km, meeting Euro 4 standards.
Design & Features
The Renault Megane II Coupe RS is a three-door coupe with seating for five passengers. Its body style offered a sportier silhouette compared to the five-door hatchback version of the Megane II. The RS model featured a distinctive front end with larger air intakes for improved cooling, and a rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamic stability. The interior was focused on providing a driver-centric experience, with supportive sports seats and aluminum pedals.
Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, and electric power steering for ease of maneuverability. The suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, tuned for optimal handling and ride comfort. Trunk space was reasonably practical, offering 330 liters (11.65 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1190 liters (42.02 cu. ft.) when folded down. The fuel tank capacity was 60 liters (15.85 US gal). The car’s kerb weight was 1355 kg (2987.26 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane II Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | RS 2.0 Turbo 16V (224 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US 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 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 224 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| 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 | 1355 kg (2987.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 465 kg (1025.15 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.) |
| Drive wheel | 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 | 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
The Renault Megane II Coupe RS 2.0 Turbo 16V remains a sought-after vehicle among driving enthusiasts, appreciated for its blend of performance, handling, and practicality. While never officially available in the US market, its impact on the hot hatch segment in Europe was significant, establishing Renault Sport as a serious contender in the performance car arena.
