It’s been
some time since I last test drove a manual car, as there are increasingly less
of these new cars being launched with a manual option. Nowadays, the world of
hybrids, electrics and alternative fuels is taking over the mainstream vehicle
market, causing the manual gearbox to slowly diminish.
I love
driving the stick and there’s something about shifting gears which I really
enjoy. The feeling of feeling the revs and knowing when to shift, working in
tandem with the feet play on the pedals, is really addictive. As technology
advances and the masses desire for easier cars to drive, the stick has had to
make way for electronic driver aids, like park assist, which work only with
automated transmissions.
The RS265 packs some
serious tech wizardry, ready to turn any clear stretch of tarmac into its
racetrack
Hence, I
was really thrilled when I got the key to the Renault Megane
RS265! The six-speed manual in this hot hatch is a breeze to drive. Developed
out of Renault’s racing heritage and Renault Sport technologies, the new RS265,
compared to its predecessor RS250, gets an extra 15bhp for a maximum power of
265bhp (hence its name) and additional 20Nm for a peak torque of up to 360Nm.
To achieve these top numbers, the Sport mode on the RS Dynamic Management
System has to be engaged.
The RS
Dynamic Management is straightforward – in default mode it has the electronic
stability, traction control and emergency brake assist activated and you can
get peak output of 250bhp and 340Nm. Switch up to Sport mode and get less
intervention from the electronics, as well as more output. In Sport mode, you
can use the RS Monitor to modify pedal mapping for Linear, Normal, Sport, Snow
or Extreme.
'Cockpit' is spot on
with an array of sport kits, such as Recaro seats and
aluminium pedals
Taking
inspiration from motor racing, the RS Monitor is a driver data feedback system.
Basically it allows you to collect your driving data and adjust parameters of
driving aids. Using steering wheel-mounted controls to toggle through the
functions, the RS Monitor offers real-time data for things like the turbo
pressure, oil temperature, brakes, torque, power and
even has a GG display for transverse and longitudinal acceleration. If you are
headed to a track, there is a stopwatch with memory function to time your laps.
Otherwise, you can also time your standing starts to
100km/h and quarter mile.
Nifty and
rapid-quick on its rubber feet, the RS265 shifts quickly, especially in its
Sport mode matched with aggressive throttle response and control. It also helps
that the exhaust sound is more appealing now, due to a more open exhaust design
and reinforced sound pipe. If you don’t wish to push the car hard around
corners or floor it on the straights, the RS265 is capable of giving a
comfortable, normal ride as well – in case you start thinking this is a car
designed for the hardcore.
2.0-litre four-pot
carried over from RS250, but capable of unleashing 15 more horses and 20Nm more
torque - shaves off 0.1 of a second from the century sprint timing
In the
looks department, it has taken on a sportier look than before, with F1-style
front blades, two rows of LED daytime running lights, matt black rims and
glossy black door handles. This design theme is continued inside, with yellow
stitching, carbon-effect finish door panels and glossy black lacquer air vent
surrounds. Renault describes the cabin as a competition-based Recaro environment, complete with Recaro
bucket seats.
I can only
imagine what a darling the RS265 would be on the track, putting all its
electronic programmes and data logging system to full
use. Unfortunately, Singapore does not have its own circuit. In fact, testing
out the standing start sprints was already a challenge, in the face of
Singapore’s strict laws and speeding limits.
