TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd, (TCEC) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings and the sole franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia has very recently released the newest addition to the Renault line-up – the New Megane Renault Sport 250 Cup. TC Euro Cars chose the most appropriate venue at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to unveil the Megane RS where the first owners were presented with the keys to their brand new rides and the media got to run the seductive car, although it was just for a brief 3-lap of the North track.
The Megane RS 250 Cup represents a continuation of something exciting that started a few years ago. In 2008, TCEC introduced two models from the Renault Sport range – the Megane RS R26 and the Clio RS 197. Both were critically acclaimed in Europe and cemented Renault Sport’s reputation as the best hot hatch builders in the world. These cars became instant icons and legendary in their capability to deliver performance at all levels.
The new Renault Megane Renault Sport 250 Cup picks up from where the R26 left off and takes it to a whole new level. The new Megane RS 250 Cup sets benchmarks that others will find hard to follow. Those that are expected to pilot this new generation of Megane RS 250 Cup are those that desire the impossible – a car that is well specified for the track but still livable on a day-to-day basis.
This latest Megane combines real world practicality with devilish capability on track. The car has an enthusiasts’ dream list of performance parts like Cup chassis (uprated springs, dampers and anti roll bar), Limited Slip Differential (LSD), G-force meter, pre-set pedal maps, driver and passenger Recaro seats and Brembo brakes. This equipment coupled with an engine (above left) producing 250hp powering through a slick shifting 6-speed manual transmission creates an empowering track machine. But Renault did not merely set out to create a single focused track machine; it set out to create a car that was as competent on track as it was on the road whilst maintaining high levels of comfort and civility.
The exemplary quality of the Megane RS 250 Cup (just like its predecessor the Megane R26) is in its chassis. Most performance machines are optimized for track use but as a result are compromised for road use. The engineers at Renault Sport spent a considerable amount of time on the chassis to dial in the right balance between ride and handling. In addition, real world practicality has not been ignored. Ample rear seat room and generous boot space will amaze people expecting a compromised vehicle given its swooping coupe profile. A long list of convenience equipment also abounds the Megane RS – the list includes keyless drive and hands free access, integrated Bluetooth, automatic headlamps and wipers, dual zone air-conditioning and bi-xenon lights (above).
Even though the car has been designed to bring its driver extreme driving pleasure, Renault will not ignore its core value of producing a vehicle that achieves the highest level of safety. The Megane RS has been tested by Euro NCAP and achieved a full 37 points out of 37 points which accords it a 5 star safety rating. The car is also equipped with a 6-airbag system to protect its occupants against the unexpected.
The Megane RS 250 Cup offers an adequate level of performance, substantial interior and exterior styling and equipment, and almost all the essential elements of a real-driver's car. TCEC is retailing the new Megane RS 250 Cup at a reasonable price tag of RM229,800 on the road excluding insurance, which also include a 3 year warranty.
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