Order books have now opened for both the Renault Megane RS 300 and RS Trophy with prices starting at £32,995 for the 300 and £36,995 for the Trophy.
So what exactly does that money get you? Let’s start with the RS 300…
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine producing 300bhp which, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, propels the hot-hatch to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a limited 155mph top speed.
The EDC automatic transmission offers Multi-Change Down, which drops several gear ratios under braking to deliver a more responsive driving experience, and Launch Control in the Sport and Race driving modes.
The RS 300 also gets Renault’s Sport chassis and 4Control four-wheel steering system as standard making it extremely capable in cornering.
There are subtle changes to it’s already sporty appearance. It gets an updated front grille and door handle lighting. The headlights are now full-LED and feature a distinctive C-shaped daytime running light which doubles as the indicator.
At the back, the splitter and central exhaust are maintained while the LED taillights now feature dynamic indicators, a touch that improves any car that uses it.
“More premium upholsteries” across the seats, steering wheel and centre console enhance the Megane RS 300’s interior. It also gains a 10-inch digital dash display as well as a 9.3-inch touchscreen media unit that allows access to all multimedia functions as well as the MultiSense driving modes and vehicle settings.
Safety and convenience features such as front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera and driver assistance systems including lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic high and low beam are included as standard.
It all sounds very impressive, doesn’t it? Well, if you spend an extra £4,000 and upgrade to the Trophy, it gets even better (if your spine is in perfect condition and comfort isn’t important to you).
Upgrading to the Trophy specification gets you a Cup chassis in place of the softer, more versatile Sport chassis. This comes with bi-material brakes, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars as well as a limited-slip differential for an even sharper, more engaging driving experience.
The engine and gearbox are unchanged but the speed limiter is removed opening up a 162mph top speed.
That’s not all. 19-inch RS Trophy alloy wheels are standard as are a R.S. Nappa perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob gaiter, heated seats, R.S. Monitor and Renaultsport Alcantara upholstery with red stitching. Recaro bucket seats are available as an optional extra.
It sounds like very good value for money whether you go with the RS 300 or the Trophy, especially when you consider the new Golf GTI, which is considerably less powerful, starts at £500 more than the 300.
Would you like to see the new Renault Megane RS 300 or Trophy on your driveway? Let us know in the comments section below or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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