Renault Megane RS 2018 revealed in Frankfurt

Renault finally whipped the cover off its fourth-generation Megane RS at the Frankfurt motor show this week, with the French hot hatch now sporting a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine after its transition from three to five doors.

Developing 205kW of power at 6000rpm and 390Nm of torque from 2400-5000rpm, the new direct-injection unit outmuscles its larger 2.0-litre predecessor, which in flagship RS275 Cup Premium form produced 201kW at 5500rpm and 360Nm at 3000rpm.

While an official zero to 100km/h sprint time is yet to be quoted, the latest front-wheel-drive Megane RS should be quicker than the RS275 and its 6.0-second effort.

Despite a six-speed EDC dual-wet-clutch automatic transmission being offered for the first time, a six-speed manual gearbox is still available for purists. Either way, Renault promises the new model will remain a driver's car.

There will be a choice of either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

Four-wheel steering is inherited from the Megane GT hatch and wagon, while the RS has its own suspension set-up with wider front (60mm) and rear (45mm) tracks over the standard five-door. There will be a choice of either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

It is understood that the Megane RS powerplant is a development of the 188kW/320Nm 1.8-litre engine from the Alpine A110, which itself is a bigger-bore derivative of the 147kW/260Nm 1.6-litre unit employed by the Clio RS.

Comparatively, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's 2.0-litre punches out 169kW/350Nm, while the Peugeot 308 GTI 270 musters 200kW/330Nm from its 1.6-litre powerplant. These models dash from 0-100km/h in 6.4s and 6.0s respectively.

The Hyundai i30 N also waits in the wings, with its 2.0-litre engine offered in two states of tune – either 184kW/353Nm or 202kW/353Nm – enabling a triple-digit dash in as little as 6.2s.

Inside, red contrast stitching, carbon-fibre-look trim, and a unique steering wheel lift the RS' cabin further.

Externally, swollen wheel arches are a tell-tale sign of the Megane RS's wider track, while extractor vents are found behind the front and rear wheels.

The rear end is highlighted by a fat bumper featuring the model's signature trapezoidal central exhaust tailpipe within a diffuser.

At the front-end, chequered-flag-style LED daytime running lights (DRLs) – taken from the facelifted Clio RS – complement the F1-style aerodynamic blade running across the bumper’s width.

Slim ‘flat floor’ side skirts are another homage to Renault Sport’s F1 racing history, while a new RS-specific paint colour, dubbed 'Orange Tonic', joins the hallmark 'Liquid Yellow' hue that has become synonymous with the range.

Inside, red contrast stitching, carbon-fibre-look trim, a unique steering wheel and enhanced driving mode selection – now offering a 'Race' option, as well as the standard 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' settings – lift the RS' cabin further than that of its GT siblings.

Renault Australia is aiming to fast-track the Megane RS for a local launch as soon as right-hand-drive production begins, with a company insider claiming it may lob earlier than expected next year.

Aussie pricing and specification details will be released at a later date, but the current-gen hot hatch ranges from $44,990 (RS265 Cup) to $48,990 driveaway (RS275 Cup Premium), whereas the Golf GTI and 308 GTI 270 check in at $41,490 and $49,990 before on-road costs respectively.

Will the next-gen Renault Megane RS become the new king of the hot hatches? Tell us what you think in the comments below.