FAST, LOUD, ENGAGING

VALUE

They call it “man maths” — the art of numerically justifying passion purchases in the absence of logic and sensibility. Topping the Megane RS range now that the lightweight carbon-fibre clad Trophy-R has sold out, Renault’s circa-$63,500 drive-away Megane Trophy has the same engine as the Trophy-R, as well as rear seats, a less fanatical weight obsession and a saving of about $20,000. The Trophy adds eye-catching 19-inch wheels with red highlights, sports exhaust, retuned suspension and more. It’s backed by a five-year warranty and capped-price servicing.

COMFORT

This is not a comfortable car. Renault engineers did not observe the trend to fit fast cars with multi-mode suspension and instead specified fixed-rate springs and dampers aided by rallybred hydraulic bump stops. The result is a machine with impressive body control when driven hard and an uncompromisingly stiff ride around town. Seats and steering wheel get a motorsport vibe thanks to leather and Alcantara (we’re puzzled by the latter’s placement on the top and bottom of the wheel rim, as if we drive with hands at 12 and six). Among other moans: the paddle-shifters in the auto version are fixed to the steering column, not the wheel, and are much too small; the portrait-style touchscreen freezes from time to time; and it needs proper sports seats.

SAFETY

The Megane has autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control and lane departure warning to keep you safe.

DRIVING:

Fast, loud and engaging, the Megane RS Trophy is a great hot hatch. The 1.8-litre turbo works hard, abetted by the whip-crack action of the brilliant dual-clutch transmission. The new exhaust, extra power and more focused suspension make it a memorable proposition. Less impressive are skatey Bridgestone tyres and the brand’s divisive rear-wheel steering. Some owners love the way the car swivels from the rear to rotate into bends but many critics don’t like the unstable and somewhat artificial feeling it imparts. We’re in the latter camp and reckon Renault’s decision to strip it from the more expensive Trophy-R was a winner.

The purists’ pick and arguably the best hot hatch on sale, with 228kW of turbo power, a brilliant chassis and outlandish looks. Deliciously honed manual is the sole transmission.

A turbo cracker, it’s more refined than the Renault, has superior wet-weather performance thanks to all-wheel drive but isn’t as much fun when you take it to the track.

RENAULT MEGANE RS TROPHY-R RECORD, $100,000-PLUS

The ultimate Renault — and there is only one example in Australia. The extreme hatch has carbon-fibre wheels, carbon brakes and an unrivalled dedication to speed.

VERDICT

Sharper and faster than before, the Trophy builds on the Megane RS — but still has room for improvement. David McCowen