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2018 Megane RS 280 Gets Comparison Video With Old Generation

We keep saying that the new Megane RS has changed. However, there has never been a comparison video between the 280 model and the old one... until now.
2018 Megane RS 280 Gets Comparison Video With Old Generation 3 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
2018 Megane RS 280 Gets Comparison Video With Old Generation2018 Megane RS 280 Gets Comparison Video With Old Generation
Sadly, the video we found is in Polish, but that didn't stop us from enjoying this static comparison. Let's start with the exterior!

The most significant change is that the Megane RS is now only available only as a 5-door hatchback whereas its predecessor was a sexy coupe. Similarities include a central exhaust pipe and flared fenders, though the ones on the Megane 3 are tacked on.

The review says it's like looking at a Nokia 3310 and a smartphone, but we think that's unkind. The Megane 250 was good and so was the 265 that came after the facelift. It's just that Renault couldn't keep making a coupe.

Surprisingly, practicality is not favoring the 2018 model. Sure, access to the back seats of the Megane 3 RS is difficult, but once you are there, there's more than enough space. And get this! Trunk space has gone down from 377 liters to less than 300 because of exhaust restrictions.

The dashboard differs a lot, since the newer model has both digital dials and a large portrait-style infotainment system. What hasn't changed is Renault's love for hard plastics and uncomfortable Recaro seats.

Another key difference can be found under the hood. Like most hot hatchbacks, the Megane 3 RS had a 2-liter turbo engine, which went from 250 to 265 and later 275 HP. However, the newer Megane RS model downsized to a 1.8-liter turbo to become more efficient. This produces 280 HP and 390 Nm, 30 Nm more than before.

Not only is it now available with a twin-clutch auto gearbox option which wasn't available before, but there's also rear-wheel steering. On paper, the new model is supposed to be faster with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds vs. 5.9 seconds. However, the tester found it was much slower at 6.4 seconds.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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