Lightweight Trophy still packs a punch

RENAULT has a rich, varied history of creating unsurpassable hot hatches. Now there’s the Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R.

Arguably the hardest and most serious version of the currentgeneration Megane, it aims to eclipse the accomplishments of its elders and show that modern RS models can keep up with the best of them.

So, can it?

What’s new?

There’s lots to talk about as the standard Mégane RS has been stripped to create this Trophy-R version, which means it hasn’t any back seats, nor the standard car’s headline-catching fourwheel-steering system.

There’s a carbon composite bonnet, huge fixed bucket seats and an ultra-light exhaust.

But the crash diet doesn’t stop there.

The rear wiper and motor have ended up in the skip too, while even the carpet is thinner.

The Trophy-R tips the scales at 1,306kg – 130kg less than the standard Mégane RS.

It all goes go to show how serious Renault is about making this car go faster.

Under the bonnet?

When it comes to the engine, things remain largely unchanged.

You get the same 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine as you do in the standard car and while its 5.1-second 0-60mph sprint time might be quick enough, it’s not exactly blistering.

Flat-out it’ll do 165mph.

The combined fuel consumption figure of 35.8mpg is verging on impressive for a car of this type.

How does it look?

With its garish decals and huge boxy arches, the Trophy-R’s design is definitely a case of love it or hate it.

We lie in the former camp, having found the car’s rather outlandish design to be a breath of fresh air against even the wildest rival hot hatches.

It even makes the be-winged Honda Civic Type R look understated.

The headlights of the currentgeneration Megane look particularly sharp.

What’s it like inside?

The cabin of the Trophy-R is certainly focused around the process of driving and lightness, but that’s not to say it feels overtly sparse.

The materials used up front are a little on the harsh side, but there’s plenty of Alcantara used to hammer the ‘racing’ feel home.

The lack of rear seats can either be seen as a massive plus, or a rather large negative.

For carrying luggage, the Mégane is excellent – the ‘boot’, now open and easily accessible, is huge and can swallow up plenty of items.

However, if you did want to use your Trophy R every day – and we’re sure many drivers would want to – then the lack of rear seats might become a chore. That said, a car like this wears its restrictions on its sleeve, so if you’re planning on opting for a Trophy R then there’s a good chance that you’re already aware of the trade-offs it brings.

Jack Evans gets behind the wheel of Renault’s latest featherweight Trophy-R

The verdict

Well, Renault has done it again. The Trophy-R is what proper hot hatches should be – engaging, exciting and bristling with personality.

Though the car’s engine might not shine through as a key part of the car’s overall appeal, it’s more than made up for by the Mégane’s sparkling dynamics. Yes, it’s an expensive proposition given its more-than£50,000 starting price, but seeing as it feels like the pinnacle of the current-generation of Mégane, it’s a worthwhile cost to accompany it.

Renault Megane RS Trophy-R

Does it fit your ego...

Price: £53,140

Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol Power: 296bhp

Torque : 400Nm

Max speed: 163mph

0-60mph: 5.1 seconds

MPG: 35.8

Emissions: 180g/km CO2