Renault Megane RS Red Bull Racing RB7

This is the Renault Megane RS Red Bull Racing RB7, an expected limited edition after Renault Sport introduced similar examples of the Twingo and Clio previously. It will be available in 24 countries, starting with Austria this month. As with the Clio and Twingo, the Megane RB7 comes in Etoilé Black body colour, contrasted with yellow on the front bumper spoiler, mirrors and rear diffuser. The roof gets a chequered-flag pattern decal and F1 team’s logos can be found on the doors. Things that mark it out inside are a unique gear lever knob and a numbered plaque.

There’s a new mechanical feature in the form of Stop&Start technology for the 2.0L turbo engine, which makes 265 PS and 360 Nm of torque in the latest Megane RS. This brings combined fuel consumption down by 0.7L per 100 km to 7.5L per 100 km. CO2 emissions are down 16 g/km, bringing the eco-surtax down by €550 from €1,300 in France. Selecting Sport mode will give you the full 265 PS, but will deactivate the idle stop system. It works in Normal mode, where max power is restricted to 250 PS. Not the end of the world, since that’s still 40 PS more than a Golf GTI!