REVIEW: Renault Megane R.S. Trophy is as racy as they come
There is little concession to ride comfort in this hardcore hot hatch
10 January 2024 - 12:03
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Renault’s engineers have coaxed an impressive 221kW and 420Nm from the 1.8l four-cylinder engine.
Picture: DENIS DROPPA
The Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy never feels relaxed. Even when driven sedately it seems to bristle with nervous energy, like an MMA fighter stepping into the cage for a bout.
It is an edgy car with a hard ride and direct steering, so you can never really put the driving experience in the back of your mind while you focus on listening to a talk show on the radio.
Even in its most relaxed mode this car is a visceral thing that demands your attention, and in its Sports and Race settings it brings out the full-fire boy racer by sharpening the steering and throttle responses, holding on to lower gears longer and making a more pronounced roar through the adaptive exhaust.
Selectable by an RS button next to the gear lever, the various modes also change the look of the driver’s digital display and tweaks the response of the 4Control four-wheel steering, which improves both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvring.
The sporty Megane is a top-notch handler that scurries through fast sweeps and tight bends with impressive poise. With its wide stance and lowered ride height it really feels pegged down.
A torsen mechanical limited slip diff improves acceleration power and cornering speed, ensuring you can thrust the throttle without manic wheelspin in the front-wheel drive car. Even so, there is a fair amount of torque steer when you boot it. Edgy, like I said.
The Cup chassis has stiffened suspension with hydraulic compression stops designed to increase performance while retaining a modicum of ride comfort, but the Megane Trophy makes little pretence at being an everyday performance hatch like a Golf R. The Megane is not as comfortable or sanitised as its Golf rival in low-paced driving, and driving it is always an “event”.
Aside from its spine-jarring ride and edgy demeanour, the tyres roar loudly on rougher tar.
Despite the engine being down on cubic capacity on 2.0l rivals such as the Golf R and Civic Type R, Renault’s engineers have coaxed an impressive 221kW and 420Nm from the 1.8l four-cylinder petrol turbo unit. The power gains are thanks to development in the turbo and exhaust, using F1 technology.
The racy Renault has interior styling to match its ebullient nature.
Picture: DENIS DROPPA
At Gauteng altitude the automatic car feels very responsive once it gets past initial turbo lag. Renault claims a respectable 0-100km/h sprint of 5.7 seconds using launch control. Previously available in EDC auto and manual versions, the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is now sold only in two-pedal guise, with steering wheel paddle shifters.
Its high-performance repertoire is rounded off by an ability to arrest speed very quickly via lightened, high-performance front brakes with bi-material discs for better endurance and red Brembo brake callipers.
The racy Renault has appropriate styling to match its ebullient nature. External war paint comprises a distinctive sport front bumper with an F1-style blade flanked by the Trophy insignia, sharkfin antenna, C-shaped LED headlights and rear lights, a rear diffuser, an exhaust pipe with dual sound valve system and unique Jerez Diamond Cut 19-inch Alloy wheels with red inserts.
The cabin’s distinctive décor includes Alcantara seats finished with racy red topstitching, and a leather-covered steering wheel with a red stripe denoting the 12 o’clock position. The sassy colours and textures are supplemented by mood lighting to give the cockpit extra pizzazz.
Executive gizmos are plentiful but at the nearly R1m price it is surprising that the front seats have manual instead of electric adjusters.
The bucket seats have excellent side support and their grippy Alcantara covering helps keeps the driver and front passenger from sliding about during robust cornering.
Four-wheel steering improves both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvring.
Picture: DENIS DROPPA
Infotainment is via a seven-inch touchscreen with cable-fed Apple Car Play & Android Auto connection. In a nod to family practicality the Megane has a spacious cabin that comfortably takes four adults and a roomy boot that is expandable with fold-down seats. But passengers require a steely constitution to handle the firm suspension; their clucks of delight at the car’s power and handling alternated with “oofs” when going over bumps.
The Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is the most hardcore and track-focused version of the RS (Renault Sport) range. The hard ride makes little concession to comfort and this Renault’s accent is fully on sporting prowess, at which it excels.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
ROAD TEST
REVIEW: Renault Megane R.S. Trophy is as racy as they come
There is little concession to ride comfort in this hardcore hot hatch
The Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy never feels relaxed. Even when driven sedately it seems to bristle with nervous energy, like an MMA fighter stepping into the cage for a bout.
It is an edgy car with a hard ride and direct steering, so you can never really put the driving experience in the back of your mind while you focus on listening to a talk show on the radio.
Even in its most relaxed mode this car is a visceral thing that demands your attention, and in its Sports and Race settings it brings out the full-fire boy racer by sharpening the steering and throttle responses, holding on to lower gears longer and making a more pronounced roar through the adaptive exhaust.
Selectable by an RS button next to the gear lever, the various modes also change the look of the driver’s digital display and tweaks the response of the 4Control four-wheel steering, which improves both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvring.
The sporty Megane is a top-notch handler that scurries through fast sweeps and tight bends with impressive poise. With its wide stance and lowered ride height it really feels pegged down.
A torsen mechanical limited slip diff improves acceleration power and cornering speed, ensuring you can thrust the throttle without manic wheelspin in the front-wheel drive car. Even so, there is a fair amount of torque steer when you boot it. Edgy, like I said.
The Cup chassis has stiffened suspension with hydraulic compression stops designed to increase performance while retaining a modicum of ride comfort, but the Megane Trophy makes little pretence at being an everyday performance hatch like a Golf R. The Megane is not as comfortable or sanitised as its Golf rival in low-paced driving, and driving it is always an “event”.
Aside from its spine-jarring ride and edgy demeanour, the tyres roar loudly on rougher tar.
Despite the engine being down on cubic capacity on 2.0l rivals such as the Golf R and Civic Type R, Renault’s engineers have coaxed an impressive 221kW and 420Nm from the 1.8l four-cylinder petrol turbo unit. The power gains are thanks to development in the turbo and exhaust, using F1 technology.
At Gauteng altitude the automatic car feels very responsive once it gets past initial turbo lag. Renault claims a respectable 0-100km/h sprint of 5.7 seconds using launch control. Previously available in EDC auto and manual versions, the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is now sold only in two-pedal guise, with steering wheel paddle shifters.
Its high-performance repertoire is rounded off by an ability to arrest speed very quickly via lightened, high-performance front brakes with bi-material discs for better endurance and red Brembo brake callipers.
The racy Renault has appropriate styling to match its ebullient nature. External war paint comprises a distinctive sport front bumper with an F1-style blade flanked by the Trophy insignia, sharkfin antenna, C-shaped LED headlights and rear lights, a rear diffuser, an exhaust pipe with dual sound valve system and unique Jerez Diamond Cut 19-inch Alloy wheels with red inserts.
The cabin’s distinctive décor includes Alcantara seats finished with racy red topstitching, and a leather-covered steering wheel with a red stripe denoting the 12 o’clock position. The sassy colours and textures are supplemented by mood lighting to give the cockpit extra pizzazz.
Executive gizmos are plentiful but at the nearly R1m price it is surprising that the front seats have manual instead of electric adjusters.
The bucket seats have excellent side support and their grippy Alcantara covering helps keeps the driver and front passenger from sliding about during robust cornering.
Infotainment is via a seven-inch touchscreen with cable-fed Apple Car Play & Android Auto connection. In a nod to family practicality the Megane has a spacious cabin that comfortably takes four adults and a roomy boot that is expandable with fold-down seats. But passengers require a steely constitution to handle the firm suspension; their clucks of delight at the car’s power and handling alternated with “oofs” when going over bumps.
The Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is the most hardcore and track-focused version of the RS (Renault Sport) range. The hard ride makes little concession to comfort and this Renault’s accent is fully on sporting prowess, at which it excels.
Tech specs
Engine
Type: Four-cylinder petrol
Capacity: 1.8l
Power: 221kW
Torque: 420Nm
Transmission
Type: Six-speed dual clutch automatic
Drivetrain
Type: Front-wheel drive
Performance
Top speed: 255km/h
0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8.1l/100km (claimed); 11.5l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 182g/km
Standard features
Automatic lights, automatic wipers, ABS brakes, tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, stability control, 4Control 4-wheel steering system, torsen limited slip differential, sports chassis, cruise control, electric windows, rear parking camera, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, trip computer, climate control, digital instrument panel, automatic locking/unlocking
Cost of ownership
Warranty: Five years/150,000km
Service plan: Five years/90,000km
Price: R949,999
Lease: R21,108 a month
*at 11.75% interest over 60 months, no deposit
Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy
We like: Performance, handling, styling
We dislike: Stiff ride
Verdict: A hardcore hot hatch
Motor News star rating
Design *****
Performance *****
Economy ****
Ride **
Handling *****
Safety *****
Value For Money ****
Overall ****
THE COMPETITION
Hyundai i30N 2.0 turbo auto, 206kW/392Nm — R848,900
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit, 221kW/370Nm — R911,400
Audi S3 Sportback quattro auto, 213kW/400Nm — R928,800
VW Golf R 2.0 turbo auto, 235kW/400Nm — R945,100
BMW M135i xDrive 2.0 turbo auto, 225kW/450Nm — R951,385
Honda Civic Type R 2.0 turbo manual, 235kW/420Nm — R999,900
Mercedes-AMG A35 2.0 turbo auto, 235kW/400Nm — R1,247,453
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REVIEW: Volkswagen Golf R grows up — maybe too much
Honda Civic Type R is for real driving enthusiasts
REVIEW: Hyundai i30 N has the chops to fight the establishment
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