Renault Mégane RS 280 scores Cup chassis option

Renault Australia has announced it will offer the entry-level Mégane RS 280 in manual with an optional Cup chassis pack.

With 10 per cent stiffer dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential, the Cup chassis is the sharper setup Renault previously said would only be available on the Trophy version.

Renault estimates the Mégane RS 280’s RRP will be $45,000 in manual guise, with the Cup chassis option coming in at an extra $1,490.

This means that from Q4 this year, you’ll be able to buy a 205kW track-honed hot hatch with a front LSD for about $46,490 before on-roads.

That undercuts the (more powerful) Civic Type R by a few thousand.

Renault Australia managing director Andrew Moore says the decision from the local arm, as well as assistance from Renault in France, came after some pressure from the public regarding the chassis as an option.

“Following the international launch of the all-new Megane RS we received strong feedback from media, customers and dealers that they would like to have the option of a Cup chassis on the entry model Megane RS 280.”

“We have listened to this feedback and gone back to the factory to introduce a Cup chassis option.

“Renault Sport and in particular the Megane RS has a strong history in Australia. In fact Australia was the third highest selling country in the world for the previous generation Megane RS behind France and Germany.

“We’re thrilled that the factory has supported us in responding to our customers and making this option available to our customers.”