2019 Renault Megane R.S. Trophy Review

Run me through the spec…

The 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine’s power output is increased 20bhp to 296bhp thanks to a new larger turbocharger with ceramic ball bearings. You also get a dual-valve exhaust for extra Rice Krispies pops and crackles. It’s not huge power these days, but it is a key incentive to step up to Trophy spec. Both dual-clutch automatic (£1700) and six-speed manual gearboxes are available. We’re testing the manual.

Trophy models come with the Cup chassis that’s £1500 on lesser models, with 25% firmer shock absorbers, 30% stiffer springs and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Bi-material brakes are also included (normally £900), plus you get 19-inch alloys ­too. The wheels are unique to the Trophy and save 2kg per corner, but even the less exotic 19s offered on regular R.S models cost £950.

Add in other normally optional niceties including the R-Link2 multi-media system (£300) and Renault Sport Monitor lap-timer (£300) and you’ve accounted for all but £50 of the Trophy’s £4000 premium, never mind the power increase, the fact that the 19s are unique, and the higher performance Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Is anything not included that I’ll want?

Probably. Glacier White is the only standard exterior colour, and you’ll need £500 for the rear parking camera and sensors, but most crucial of all are Alcantara Recaro seats. They look smart, grip you firmly, but remain long-distance comfortable. They’re a substantial £1500 extra, but a Trophy feels wrong without them.

How does the Megane R.S. Trophy drive?

It’s feisty. As with all R.S. models with the Cup chassis, you naturally lose some of the suspension compliance of the softer Sport settings and you’re never in any doubt that this is a firm car, even on the motorway. But the payback is a taut, highly responsive chassis that reacts immediately to steering inputs, and never becomes overbearingly crashy.

The Trophy also strikes a compelling balance between impressive traction, high grip and crushing braking from the front end with an agile rear end that’s eager to slide if you push to the limits on track, and highly nimble at gentler speeds thanks to standard all-wheel steering. It makes the Megane feel alive and super-reactive, but also planted and confidence-inspiring.

The steering could be more feelsome, the gear change slicker and the pedals more perfectly aligned for heel and toe, but this hot hatch is guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face.

How about the engine?

It’s a real bundle of energy with strong mid-range performance and a fruity burble that really suits the Trophy’s eager attitude. Perhaps most impressive is how strongly it pulls to the redline, and it’s flat out that the small performance increase versus the standard R.S. really tells. Throttle response and the exhaust noise is too subdued in the default setting, so be sure to select Sport or Race modes.

In a nutshell

It’s no great surprise that the Trophy trades some of the standard Megane R.S.’s usability for an even more thrilling driving experience, but really this relates to the stiffer ride quality and that’s no different to any model equipped with the Cup chassis.

So if you’re already contemplating adding the Cup chassis and a few options to a lesser Renault Megane, you’ll narrow – and perhaps close – the £4000 gap to a Trophy anyway. And don’t forget the Trophy gets extra performance, unique wheels and stickier tyres.

The £50k, two-seat Trophy R takes this to even greater extremes, but for us the daily-drive Megane R.S. now comes down to two choices: a lightly optioned entry-level model with the softer Sport chassis, or the Trophy. We’d vote Trophy every time. You can view the entire range of used Renaults for sale on car finance with ChooseMyCar.

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