By Staff Reporter

The new hot hatchback Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy has finally arrived in South Africa. The Renault Megane RS arrived in South Africa back in 2018 with 2 variants on offer through the RS Lux and the RS Cup. Renault has now introduced a more hardcore, track-ready RS Trophy in South Africa which has more power and is faster than its RS siblings.

Exterior Looks

To help differentiate the R.S. 300 Trophy from the other R.S. models, the RS Trophy comes with its own set of bespoke, tri-tone 19-inch Jerez alloy wheels shod with high-performance Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres with Brembo brakes providing stopping power and dedicated Trophy branding along the flanks. The wheels are also equipped with bi-material 355 mm front brake discs with red brake callipers. The RS Trophy is also distinguished by the customary Liquid Yellow paint job and Trophy stripes in the F1-inspired front spoiler.

Chasis

Although the RS Trophy rides on the Megane RS Cup chassis, the RS Trophy chasis has been adapted to feature a stiffer suspension and shocks as well as a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential that allows for superior traction and cornering performance. The RS Trophy is also available on a four-wheel steering drive. The Megane RS Trophy is also equipped with a new exhaust system that allows for engine noise to be adjusted via a mechanical valve fitted to the rear silencer.

Interior

Inside, the RS Trophy receives a Zamac aluminium gear knob, an Alcantara trimmed steering wheel and sports seats (with specially designed Recaro sports seats as an option). The seats have been fitted to allow the driver to sit 20 mm lower than in other RS models which adds to the sporty driving feel of the RS Trophy.

The cockpit is shared with its other RS siblings featuring a 7.0-inch portrait orientated R-Link 2 infotainment system that includes sporty features such as performance telemetry readouts on the RS monitor. The RS Trophy also comes standard with a 7.0 -inch TFT instrument cluster. The infotainment system features inputs for USB, Bluetooth and AUX and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped. Additional standard features include dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, Renault hands-free card for entry and engine start, and automatic light and wiper activation.

Engine

The RS Trophy is powered with the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol turbocharged engine that is used in the RS siblings. Whereas the Megane RS Lux and Cup versions offer 205 kW and 390 Nm, the RS Trophy ups the ante with outputs of 221 kW and up to 420 Nm of torque when equipped with an EDC seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (the six-speed manual produces 400 Nm). Renault claims that the RS Trophy sprints from 0 to 100 kph at 5.7 seconds.

Availability and Price

It is understood that only 7 RS Trophy units are available in South Africa. In terms of price, the RS Trophy will retail for the following price:

Megane RS Trophy EDC – R799 900

Megane RS Trophy Manual – R774 900

The Renault Megane RS Trophy is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.