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Hot hatches take aim

Renault has high expectations for the soon-to-arrive Megane Renault Sport (RS) 250.

... where both the Ford Focus RS and Renault’s Mégane Renault Sport 250 will break cover for the first time Down Under.  Focus RS is the latest in a long line of famous Ford models to wear the ‘RS’ badge.  The car’s features and styling have been drawn from the brand’s Focus World Rally Championship (WRC) contender.

Focus RS is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 224kW of power and 440Nm of torque. It is also fitted with a limited slip differential, high-performance brake package and 19-inch alloy wheels.

"Ford will be showcasing a number of special models at this year's Australian International Motor Show and the stunning Focus RS is one of them,” said Ford Australia president and CEO Marin Burela.
 
"This will be the car's public debut in Australia, a rare and special chance for hot hatch fans to get up close to one.  “I strongly recommend they do – with only 315 of them heading to Australia they're expected to sell very quickly."

Renault has a long history in the hot hatch segment, and the brand has high expectations for the soon-to-arrive Mégane Renault Sport (RS) 250.

The RS will be available in both Cup and Cup Trophee versions. Both come powered by a revised 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 186kW of power and 340Nm of torque.  Both models come standard with the performance-focused Cup Chassis that includes a limited slip differential and Brembo brakes.

A unique feature is the Renault Sport Monitor that collects data through a series of sensors, providing the driver with data relating to engine functions and performance, G-force readings, a lap timer and performance data.

“The Mégane Renault Sport 250 range will be launched at the Australian International Motor Show in October,” said Renault Australia managing director Rudi Koenig.

“This is a vehicle that has already won much international acclaim, including winning the Hot Hatch category in Which Car (UK) Car of the Year for 2010, as well as being a major player when Top Gear UK awarded Renault Sport as their Manufacturer of the Year in 2009.

“Renault recognises that its Renault Sport customers make up some of its most devoted and loyal fan base. This product has been developed to exceed their expectations,” Mr Koenig said.

“We at Renault Australia are very much looking forward to launching our exciting new product range later this year with the all-new Mégane hatch, Fluence sedan, Mégane coupe/cabriolet and Clio Renault Sport 200 Gordini.”

The Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 15-24 October.