Since Renault Sport made way for Alpine and the Mégane RS Ultime closed the line in 2023, one phrase keeps coming up when enthusiasts talk: the Mégane 3 RS is tipped to be the youngtimer of tomorrow. And yet it is only around fifteen years old. Here's why.
A hot hatch designed for the track
Launched in 2009 with a 250 bhp 2.0-litre turbo, the Mégane 3 RS followed a recipe Renault Sport had mastered since the Clio 2 RS: chassis first, a generous engine, and ever more radical versions as the years went by. The Cup chassis, with its limited-slip differential, quickly became the benchmark for track day fans.
Power rose to 265 bhp, then to 275 bhp with the 2014 Trophy. That same year, the Trophy-R, around 80 kg lighter and limited to 250 cars, lapped the Nürburgring in 7 min 54 s, a front-wheel-drive record at the time. The kind of figure that builds a reputation for years to come.
Why it ticks every box
- The end of an era: combustion engine, manual gearbox, no intrusive electronic aids. What was normal in 2010 is becoming rare.
- A track record: the Nürburgring records and numbered limited editions are already feeding the legend.
- Special editions: Trophy, Trophy-R, Red Bull Racing RB7 and others, each with its own graphics, already attracting collectors.
- An active community: clubs, track outings and very well-documented forums.
The versions to watch
As is often the case, the most focused versions are the first to gain value. A Trophy or Trophy-R in good condition, with a clear history and its original graphics, already sells for well above a standard 250. But for many enthusiasts, the best buy today is still a sound, lightly modified 265 Cup chassis car with a dealer service history.
The downside is that many Mégane 3 RS have been modified: remaps, exhausts, suspension. A car that has stayed close to original will be the most sought-after in a few years' time. If you own one, keep any original parts you have removed safe.
Preserve rather than restore
The Mégane 3 RS is still at the age where you can preserve it rather than restore it. Exposed graphics, such as the Trophy-R chequered door decals or the "Trophy" lettering on the front splitter, suffer from stone chips and pressure washers. Replacing them before they deteriorate too far keeps the car in its original condition.
And if you take yours on track, which is still the best way to enjoy it, have a look at our range dedicated to motor racing circuits, from Magny-Cours to the Nürburgring.