Renault pares back warranty on RS models

RENAULT has wound back the factory warranty for its high-performance RS models.

While the rest of the Renault range is sold with the factory five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, including the warmed up Megane GT variants, the more hardcore RS hot hatches will only be available with a three year warranty from the factory.

Until the new Megane RS arrives later this year, the only RS models on sale in Australia are Clio variants the RS200 Sport, RS200 Cup, and RS220 Trophy (priced at $30,990, $32,490, and $38,990 respectively)

Hyundai’s i30 N offers the most comprehensive warranty in the hot hatch segment, with the Korean manufacturer guaranteeing coverage for five years, including non-competitive race track use.

It is believed Renault will match the circuit-friendly offer and provide owners of the forthcoming Megane RS 280 track coverage in some form, but it is not yet known if the small hatch will be covered for three or five years.

Sitting at the top of the RS family tree, the Megane RS 280 is powered by a 205kW/390Nm 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic.

Australian pricing for the Megane RS 280 has not yet be revealed, but expected to be in the region of $45,000, competing with other strong competitors in the segment, including the i30 N, Honda’s Civic Type R and the iconic Golf GTI.