Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy

Regular readers will know that we’re big fans of RS Meganes here at PFC. From the early 225, to the uncompromising R26.R, they’ve always provided a decent hit of performance, all wrapped up in a great handling chassis. The ultimate incarnation is the latest Trophy-R, which you can read all about on page 18, but for most Megane fans, it’s this Trophy that they’ll be buying. At £28,930 it represents a fair investment, so the question is, does the latest hot Megane live up to the hype? And can it fend off stiff competition from the likes of the Astra VXR, Focus ST and Golf GTI?

The test car certainly kicked off on the right note looks-wise. As it was delivered, three of my neighbours commented on the striking yellow paint and graphics. The Trophy decals may not be to everyone’s tastes, but they certainly look the part and make the Megane stand out from the crowd. The car features the recent Megane exterior upates including the new Renault nose, more angular headlights, large badge, and wheel arch extensions. The refresh has given the RS a much more purposeful look and, for me at least, it’s still one of the best-looking hot hatches around.

The usual RS additions are apparent, from the centre-exit exhaust, to the deeper bumpers, skirts and large black alloys. The test car came with optional R26.R-style multi-spoke 19in Speedline Turini alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, which look stunning. They also show off the Brembo brakes a treat. At the rear, there’s a very tasty looking Akrapovic (say akra-po-vich) titanium exhaust with carbon tailpipe, which sounds fantastic when you back off the throttle, emitting grin-inducing pops and bangs. The Trophy comes with the Cup package as standard, so that means a proper mechanical diff, firmer springs and revised damper settings. Our car came fitted with the fantastic Ohlins adjustable coilovers, which although a £2k option, come highly recommended. Firm them up for a track day, then soften them for the drive home. Simple and very effective.

Inside, things get even better. The stock Recaros are some of the finest sports seats you’ll find anywhere firm, supportive and with a real quality feel. But our version came with a stunning half-Alcantara trim, which looks and feels brilliant. It doesn’t end there though. The steering wheel, gear and brake gaitors are also covered in the soft-touch fabric and the wheel in particular makes you feel like you’re driving a pukka race car. We had the car on our stand at the PFC Expo at Donington and everyone that had a look inside was blown away.

So, the Trophy looks great outside and feels awesome inside, but how does it go?

In a word, like a rocket!
I was a tad late for the Expo (sorry Mark!) and had to get from Leicester to Donington in double quick time all I can say is thank goodness I was in the Megane! At 6.10am, the roads were empty and I was able to really let the RS stretch its legs. From the rifle-bolt-sharp gear change and the precise steering, to the communicative chassis, and that powerful 2-litre engine the Megane was an absolute joy to drive. Entering roundabouts off the dual carriageway on the A6, the Megane’s front end just dug in and gripped as the Michelin Pilots and mechanical diff pulled the car round, then allowed me to get on the power and fire out the other side. No understeer, no fuss, just rapid progress. Keeping it in third gear, meant it was easy to keep the engine on the boil, with plenty of torque to press on. Although it was panic stations, I was totally focused, and it ranks as one of the best drives I’ve
ever had. The fact I arrived at Donington in time to hand over the gate float money, before people arrived, was a bonus!

Only 100 of these cars are coming to the UK, so they’re set be another exclusive Renault. There’s a £1500 premium over the stock Megane 275 with the optional Cup pack, but we reckon it’s more than worth it as these are set to become firm favourites with Renaulsport fans. It feels like something a bit special, which at the end of the day is what we’re all after. The Trophy is the most hardcore Megane you can buy (aside from the very limited, and expensive Trophy-R) and we absolutely love it.