Renault Megane RS CUP
Here is the basic principle: Take a hot hatch and soup it up a little. More kilowatts, better braking, stiffer suspension. This is the Renault Megane RS Sport. But that isn't the subject of this review. What we have here today folks is the RS Cup. Take that RS and tweak that one a little.
Here is where it gets a little interesting. Power output 184kW. Identical to the RS. Torque is 340Nm at the same 3800 rpm. 0-100 times you ask? An identical 6.1 seconds as they have the same engine, gearbox and kerb weight.
So what the hell did they improve on you may well ask? Simple really, and quite dramatic. The chassis. And the differential. And the suspension. And the wheels grow an inch. They also may have added a little leather to the Recaros. Oh, and they let the mirrors fold automatically. They also painted the brake callipers red and grooved the disks. And that is about it.
Ho hum you say? Well clearly you haven't been paying attention. Listen up. It takes a quick but tame hothatch and transforms it. It becomes hard core. It transforms irrevocably. The limited slip diff cures torque steer on all but stupid pull-offs, and even then a simple nudge of the wheel is enough to keep things straight. The car feels much quicker, and that is probably down to its visceral tactile feeling. There is a faster steering ratio which quickens things up a little. They do share an excellent traction control system which in full sport mode replaces the safety nanny with a fairy godmother in case things really come unstuck. It isn't too obtrusive, but if you are going to go on the track, with a longer press of the same button you can switch all but ABS off. And if you buy this you should enjoy some time on the track.
Many scribes have complained that the RS sport is more of an everyday choice. I disagree. While some sports versions are too tiring to use daily due to excessive noise and kidney jarring discomfort. I found the Cup okay. Although every ripple in the tar is communicated and makes its presence known, there is no jarring. Although the suspension is hard it remains compliant and absorbent and is okay except for those with really bad backs. I could certainly live with it on a daily basis, and there are many specials with which I could not. Both cars are incredibly good looking and well equipped. Ultimately there is a R50k difference between the two cars but it is money well spent.
The Cup is way more focussed. Most of the work goes into stiffness and controlling body roll in corners, and man have they done a good job. This machine corners flat. I mean supercar flat. And that has made all the difference.
