2020 Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy
The first generation Mégane RS Trophy was introduced in September 2005, based on the Renault Mégane II small family car. It has come a long way since then with the latest, ultra-exclusive Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy. South African motorists have the opportunity to own one of just seven cars that have been made available.
Since introducing the first Mégane RS Trophy, Renault has become a serious contender in the hot hatch segment. They’ve managed to build a large customer base of enthusiasts who now expect only the best in chassis design, handling and engine technology. The latest Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy delivers on that promise as the most powerful production Mégane ever.
Launching this exclusive Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy in South Africa is in celebration of pure speed and performance, marking more than 40 years of Renault Sport producing some of the most exciting cars in the modern era.
Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy Engine And Performance
Considering the extensive research and development available to Renault in Formula 1, they have managed the impossible by extracting a whopping 221 kW from a mere 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine. Hence the RS 300 name as 221 kW translates into 300 hp.
This power comes from the twin-scroll, ceramic ball-bearing turbocharger producing the 221 kW at 6 000 RPM with either 400 Nm or 420 Nm of torque from 2 400 to 4 500 RPM. The impressive petrol engine is direct-injection turbocharged mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch EDC gearbox where the latter gets 420 Nm with the manual option delivering 400 Nm of torque.
Power is transferred to the front wheels through a mechanical, 2-way Torsen limited-slip differential which means exceptional handling and power distribution when entering and exiting corners. According to French automaker, the Renault RS 300 Trophy can do 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7-second in either manual or EDC format.
The claimed top speed is limited to 260 km/h while fuel consumption is around 8.2 and 8.4 l/100km for the two derivatives respectively. That said, nobody buys a performance car like the Renault RS 300 Trophy if fuel consumption is a primary concern.
Superior Chassis Design For Exquisite Handling
Since the early days of the Renault RS, handling has always been a massive plus. If it’s even possible, the new exclusive Renault RS 300 Trophy is even better thanks to a Cup chassis that allows for next-level control and grip. They’ve added Bi-material brake discs that remove 1.8 kg of unsprung weight in each corner while 4CONTROL 4-wheel steering ensures a good turning circle and pinpoint high-speed manoeuvring.
Much of the success comes from fine-tuning and developing the chassis with 25% stiffer shocks, 30% stiffer springs and 10% stiffer anti-roll bars. In some cases, this could result in a shaky ride but by implementing hydraulic compression, it brings some normality to the driving experience without sacrificing performance.
Interior And Exterior Styling
For starters, the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy gets its own bespoke, tri-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and dedicated Trophy branding to set it apart from other RS models. The front and rear diffusers are still F1-inspired with a contrasting silver finish.
The interior now has a Zamac aluminium gear lever, an Alcantara trimmed steering wheel and Recaro sports bucket seats with matching Alcantara trim and contrast stitching. Adding to the sportiness of the exclusive Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy, the seats are 20 mm lower than other RS models which allow for a lower centre of gravity.
In terms of the interior features and technology, Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy has an 8.7-inch, portrait-orientated R-Link infotainment system with inputs for USB, Bluetooth, AUX and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes RS Monitor V2 that displays the vehicle settings and performance statistics.
It comes with several drive modes which mean drivers can change control and behaviour parameters to suit their driving situation. Each mode has unique settings for throttle response, steering weight, suspension stiffness and exhaust tone. EDC models will also feature launch control and multi-gear downshifts.
Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy Pricing
Considering Renault SA has only managed to secure 7 vehicles (4 EDC and 3 manual versions), chances are there won’t be any more. So while it has the highest specific power output of any direct rivals and the exclusivity factor is off the charts, you may not be able to buy one.
Renault Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy R 774 800
Renault Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy EDC R 799 800
* Pricing accurate as of 28 July 2020
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