By Otsile Kadiege

Renault is marking 18 years of the iconic Megane R.S. line-up with the R.S. 300 Trophy. The Trophy models are celebrated for their thoroughbred efficiency combining performance and accuracy, and the New Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is said to live up to this legacy. The Megane R.S. 300 Trophy sports an exclusive sporty design both inside and out, advanced technologies and motorsport inspired mechanical upgrades.

Megane R.S. 300 Trophy exterior

On the exterior, the R.S. 300 Trophy boasts a distinctive sport front bumper with an F1 style blade flanked by the unmistakable Trophy insignia, shark-fin antenna, updated C-shaped LED headlights and rear lights, a specific Rear Diffuser, an exhaust pipe with a dual sound valve system, and unique Jerez Diamond Cut 19-inch alloy wheels, with red inserts. It will be available in three colours, namely Pearl White; Liquid Yellow; Orange Tonic.

Megane R.S. 300 Trophy interior

The interior presents another step into the R.S. world with its Alcantara seats, finished with racy red top-stitching. Other R.S. specific design cues within the cockpit include the Double-diamond steering wheel with leather, the Aluminium gear lever knob, and handbrake gaiter.

The Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is equipped with the  Renault Sport Multimedia System includes a convenient portrait sized Easy Link 7-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, USB and AUX input. Further innovative features include an automatic parking brake, reverse camera, lane departure warning, (front and rear) parking sensors, and new more dynamic (front and rear) indicators.

Megane R.S. 300 Trophy performance

At the heart of the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a revised turbocharger which uses technology sourced from Formula One. It develops 221kW at 6,000 rpm and 420 NM torque at 3,200 rpm, and is paired to a dual-clutch EDC gearbox. Top speed is capped at 260 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h reached in a a claimed 5.7 seconds.

The R.S. 300 Trophy also features 4Control technology which is the brand’s four-wheel steering system designed to deliver agility through tight turns and impressive cornering stability at higher speeds. Its standard Cup chassis boasts stiffer suspension with a Torsen mechanical limited slip differential, which is said to enable better cornering and traction.

Megane R.S. 300 Trophy pricing and warranty

Only 55 Megane R.S. 300 Trophy models will be heading to South Africa with a price tag of R899,900. The model comes standard with a 5-year/ 90 000km Service Plan, plus a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a  6-year anti-corrosion warranty.  Services take place at 10 000km intervals.