RE: Renault launches 300hp Megane R.S. Trophy

RE: Renault launches 300hp Megane R.S. Trophy

Thursday 19th July 2018

Renault launches 300hp Megane R.S. Trophy

Most powerful production Renault Sport model ever to take fight to Honda Civic Type R



Renault has made no secret of the existence of a Megane R.S. Trophy. It was discussed at the launch of the Sport and Cup versions, where it was suggested that the more powerful model would not be far behind its stablemates. No kidding. While you won't be able to order one until the autumn or see it until the winter, existing owners of the right-hand drive cars might think them barely out of the box before a newer, faster and better equipped alternative becomes available.

On paper though, the Trophy's gains seem modest enough. While we knew of it previously, the bigger output - the most ever installed in an R.S. model - remains the headline. Make of 20hp what you will (the 0-62mph time drops by 0.1 second) but it does put the Megane solidly in the 300 club - neck and neck with the Volkswagen Golf R, and a good bit closer to the Honda Civic Type R. The psychological effect on buyers isn't to be underestimated, nor the lingering thought that the fourth generation Megane R.S. would actually benefit from some extra shove.


Such a slender improvement was probably not hard to coax from the still very new turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine - the trick these days is to comply with the new Euro6d-Temp emission standards once you've finished tweaking. Consequently some of the Trophy's cleverer bits are to do with offsetting the increase in exhaust back pressure created by a new particulate filter. The efficiency of the turbocharger was deemed key to success, and its turbine now spins courtesy of a ceramic ball bearings, which is harder, lighter and smoother than steel and therefore quicker to spool.

Also new is the mechanical valve located in the rear silencer. Of course that's less to do with efficiency and more about exciting your eardrums, but its appearance in the Trophy - a first for the R.S. range - is welcome following experience of the standard car's somewhat lacklustre soundtrack. Elsewhere the newcomer is unchanged: you still get a choice of a six-speed manual or paddle-equipped EDC gearbox - although it is the latter which benefits from an extra 22lb ft of torque. Manual buyers must make do with a marginal 7lb ft improvement, to 295lb ft (equalling the Civic).


Changes to the chassis are subtle, too. The Trophy gets the same basic setup as the Cup model, meaning it receives the Torsen limited slip differential along with stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. It is the brakes which are uprated (presumably with track day lapping in mind) and the bi-material 355mm front discs account for a 1.8kg reduction in unsprung mass per wheel. Furthermore, by 2019 you'll be able to get 19-inch 'Fuji' light alloy wheels which save an additional 2kg at each corner.

For now though the Trophy comes with distinctive set of 19-inch 'Jerez' rims which were inspired by the R.S.01 concept car and feature a diamond-cut finish with a red border. On the inside there's the option of new Recaro seats, which are a redesigned version of those used in the last gen Megane R.S. Detailed changes and Alcantara covers notwithstanding, it's the promise of being able to lower them an additional 20mm closer to the ground that makes them a desirable tick. There's no word yet on how much they or the car cost, although it would be folly to expect any change from £30k.Given Renault Sport's current clip, it won't be long before we find out.








 

Author
Discussion

sidesauce

Original Poster:

2,456 posts

217 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
This deserves to do well I think.

If I was in this particular sector of the market I think it would get the nod, certainly over the Civic or Golf equivalent.

MikeGoodwin

3,323 posts

116 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Here we go. This is good news!

E65Ross

34,944 posts

211 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
sidesauce said:
This deserves to do well I think.

If I was in this particular sector of the market I think it would get the nod, certainly over the Civic or Golf equivalent.
Me too. I think it looks pretty decent, too smile

DoubleD

22,154 posts

107 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Mmmmmm I like those seats

Nickbrapp

5,277 posts

129 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Looks pretty epic especially the stance from the front

Not too over the top like a focus R.S. or a civic but not so understated like a golf R

Me likely

Blanchimont

4,076 posts

121 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
I think they've got the balance perfect with this one. 280hp is a little low nowadays. 300hp is about right.
Those Recaros, look epic, and are really comfy, and were missing in the new one thus far. (That was my biggest personal gripe with the car)

This should do well, as it can be a better all round car. The recaros, cup chassis and manual will appeal to us odd petrolheads, whilst the edc non cup will appeal to those who want something different, but a good performer, with heritage.

Edited by Blanchimont on Thursday 19th July 08:44

wab172uk

2,005 posts

226 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Apart from the new wheels, I'm really liking this car.

Was always going to wait to see what the Trophy version was going to be. Glad they've got the Recaro seats back in.

Will wait to see list price and one in the flesh. But it's certainly in the top 3 of replacement cars for next year.

Kenny Powers

2,618 posts

126 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Great choice if:

A) you could see one before buying one.
B) you don’t mind another edition being available before you take delivery of this one.

wink

Maldini35

2,913 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Agree with all previous posters- this looks great
Definitely my choice in the crowded hot hatch arena.


cholo

1,126 posts

234 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Agree, it looks good from the front, it's just a shame that the front badge is about the same size as a dinner plate, as it ruins it a bit for me.

Porsche911R

21,146 posts

264 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Cannot do 5 door hot hatch's !!!

I 8 a 4RE

339 posts

240 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
As if the trend of stupid exhausts that are t connected to the exhaust tips isn’t bad enough (looking at you AMG and RS Audi’s) ... now we’re taking proud pictures of poor craftsmanship?!?

Salamura

522 posts

80 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Now, this is my cup of tea!
Recaros: check! Manual box: check! 300 bhp: check! 4 doors and everyday usability: check! Not looking like a boy racer, but aggressive and purposeful: check! Already lusting after one of these. I don't even care if it doesn't beat the Nurburgring record.

wab172uk

2,005 posts

226 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Kenny Powers said:
Great choice if:

A) you could see one before buying one.
B) you don’t mind another edition being available before you take delivery of this one.

wink
That's it. The nearest Renault dealer to me that's allowed to sell this car is over 40min away.

It's not a special car. My local dealer who's 5 minutes away should be allowed to sell and service them.

This is the only thing that puts me off. I don't want to waste half a day driving back and forth just to get it serviced or have them look at something.

Blanchimont

4,076 posts

121 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
wab172uk said:
That's it. The nearest Renault dealer to me that's allowed to sell this car is over 40min away.

It's not a special car. My local dealer who's 5 minutes away should be allowed to sell and service them.

This is the only thing that puts me off. I don't want to waste half a day driving back and forth just to get it serviced or have them look at something.
I understood that any dealer could sell you one, but the RS specialists had more available and oculd offer better service?

Andy_5

93 posts

97 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
wab172uk said:
That's it. The nearest Renault dealer to me that's allowed to sell this car is over 40min away.

It's not a special car. My local dealer who's 5 minutes away should be allowed to sell and service them.

This is the only thing that puts me off. I don't want to waste half a day driving back and forth just to get it serviced or have them look at something.
Your days must be very short! It's not like you need to visit them every week. (Insert Renault reliability jokes here).

RumbleOfThunder

3,546 posts

202 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Brilliant. That's how to style a hot hatch.

vz-r_dave

3,469 posts

217 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Style: Megane
Experience and Drive: Civic
Drive to the office: Golf

If I were in the market this would defo get a test drive, looks fantastic!

budgie smuggler

5,359 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Not massively keen on the wheels but overall a great looking car. Hope it drives as nicely as it looks.

Butter Face

30,191 posts

159 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
Blanchimont said:
wab172uk said:
That's it. The nearest Renault dealer to me that's allowed to sell this car is over 40min away.

It's not a special car. My local dealer who's 5 minutes away should be allowed to sell and service them.

This is the only thing that puts me off. I don't want to waste half a day driving back and forth just to get it serviced or have them look at something.
I understood that any dealer could sell you one, but the RS specialists had more available and oculd offer better service?
You are correct, any dealer can sell and service them. The RS Specialists are much more likely to actually have one though!