French hot hatch is now more than $9000 dearer than this time last year as curtain starts to close
Renault has welcomed 2023 with price increases for the Megane RS hot hatch, Captur light SUV and Arkana small SUV.
The increases range between $500 and 1000 depending on the model, with the biggest hikes reserved for the coupe-style Arkana line-up that now starts from $36,800 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Zen and tops out at $44,300 for the R.S Line.
Meantime the venerable and soon-to-be extinct high-performance Megane RS range has gone up by $700 and now starts from $63,000 plus ORCs, whereas the pint-size Captur line-up has been slapped with a $500 increase across the board.
Long Renault’s most affordable model, the Ford Puma-rivalling light SUV now starts from $31,500 in its most basic form and maxes out at $41,300 (both plus ORCs).
Renault Arkana
Renault Australia hasn’t given an official reason for these latest increases – carsales has contacted the brand for comment – but the local division has previously cited elevated shipping and raw material costs.
All three of these models have been subject to numerous price increases over the past 12 months or so – especially the Megane RS, which started 2022 with a sticker price of $53,990 plus on-roads in manual guise.
The hot hatch’s new starting price means it’s now $9010 more expensive than it was at this time last year, even though it only has a few months left on sale in the Australian market.
The Arkana is also working against the clock ahead of the new-generation’s expected reveal later in 2023, unlike the Captur that launched here in second-generation form early in 2021.
Renault Captur
How much does the 2023 Renault Megane RS cost?
Trophy – $63,000 (+$700)
Trophy (a) – $66,000 (+700)
*Prices exclude on-road costs
How much does the 2023 Renault Captur cost?
Life (a) – $31,800 (+$500)
Zen (a) – $33,800 (+$500)
Intens (a) – $38,800 (+$500)
RS Line (a) – $41,300 (+$500)
*Prices exclude on-road costs
How much does the 2023 Renault Arkana cost?
Zen (a) – $36,800 (+$1000)
Intens (a) – $40,800 (+$1000)
RS Line (a) – $44,300 (+$1000)
*Prices exclude on-road costs
Keyword: Price increases for Renault Megane RS, Captur and Arkana