Renault reveals 220kW Megane RS Trophy

RENAULT has revealed its third-generation Megane RS Trophy performance flagship, with the five-door hot hatch to pack a 220kW punch when it enters Australian showrooms in the second half of next year.

While the front-wheel-drive Trophy is motivated by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as its Sport and Cup siblings, it ups peak power by 15kW, to 220kW.

When paired to its standard six-speed manual gearbox, the Trophy develops 400Nm of maximum torque, up 10Nm, while its optional six-speed EDC dual-wet-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters picks up another 20Nm due to specific engine mapping.

In order to achieve these increased outputs, a Forumla One-derived ceramic ball bearing system has been added to the turbine to reduce the response time of the turbocharger and accommodate the increased exhaust back pressure caused by the new petrol particulate filter.

Furthermore, the exhaust system’s rear silencer has been fitted with a mechanical valve that allows the noise produced to become louder when it is opened via particular Multi-Sense driving modes.

Performance figures for the EDC are yet to be released, but Renault has confirmed that the 1419kg manual will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds while on the way to its top speed of 260km/h.

For the manual, claimed fuel consumption is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the NEDC combined cycle test, while its carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 183 grams per kilometre under the same regulations.

Front 355mm bi-material brake discs help reduce unsprung mass by 1.8kg per corner while providing improved endurance, with them matched to the Cup’s red-painted Brembo brake callipers.

Diamond-cut-finish 19-inch Jerez alloy wheels with a red flange sit in front and are wrapped in 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres “renowned for offering a high level of grip”, according to the French car-maker.

However, Trophy buyers next year will be able to opt for similarly-sized Fuji Light rims that reduce weight by 2kg per corner.

These hoops are shod with Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber, which was specifically developed for Renault to give the Trophy “even more direct steering, increased grip when cornering and greater durability for sports driving”.

The Trophy rides on the Cup’s chassis set-up, which includes a front Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, as well as 25 per cent firmer shock absorbers, 30 per cent tighter springs and 10 per cent stiffer anti-roll bars when compared to the Sport. The brand’s 4Control four-wheel-steering system is also standard.

Aside from the chosen alloy wheels, trainspotters will be hard-pressed to pick the difference between the Trophy and its two siblings, with the stripes added to the Formula One-style front blade the sole highlight.

Inside, optional Recaro seats can be optioned alongside Alcantara upholstery, with the former sitting up to 20mm lower than the previous model’s for a better driving position. The pews also feature a redesigned base, a hard-shell backrest and an integrated headrest.

As previously reported, Renault Australia has priced the manual Sport from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the EDC version commands a $2500 premium. Opting for the Cup adds $1490 to either price.

Given its position in the Megane RS line-up, the manual Trophy should check in around the $50,000 mark when it lands in Australia, while its EDC counterpart will almost certainly exceed it.

The Trophy will go toe to toe with the $39,990 Hyundai i30 N, $45,990 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 and $50,990 Honda Civic Type R, among others, upon its re-entry into the hot-hatch segment.