IT SHOULD all be bang-crash-wallop. Stuffing a massively powerful engine under the bonnet of a family hatchback, and then lowering and stiffening it while garnishing it with tyres so low in profile that they resemble watch straps should be a recipe for excitement tinged with acute discomfort. But the Renault Megane RS Trophy is simply not like that, and that is a verdict drawn from driving it on the most challenging, bumpy and poorly maintained road surfaces.
Renault has a long and glittering career of producing the finest hot hatches, and the Megane Trophy could yet turn out to be the shiniest gem of the lot. It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265bhp and 360Nm of torque which is more efficient in both consumption and emissions than its less powerful predecessor.
What had me assuming that it would be a desperately uncompromising and uncomfortable track-day special was the fact that it holds the production car lap record at the Nurburgring. Cars tweaked for the ‘Ring tend not to do so well when bumps, cambers and other traffic are introduced to the equation. The Trophy proved me wrong though.
Climb aboard and you get the standard Megane cabin upgraded with Recaro bucket seats which hug without squeezing. The rev counter is painted bright yellow and there’s a plaque on the centre console stating that this particular car is number 21 in the series.
The steering, although short on feedback, is beautifully weighted and positive and the ride, even with those 35-section 235 Bridgestones on 19” wheels, feels supple. On the motorway, with cruise engaged, the Megane is refined and comfortable.
Find a road with more twists and it really comes to life. Front grip is simply remarkable, allowing you to carry speed safely through all but the tightest corners, while that steering weight gives you something to lean against as you choose your line. The Brembo brakes are strong and delay the onset of anti-lock remarkably well. That 6.0 sec 0-100km/h time allows you to sprint away from tight junctions, with the tractions control juddering away to keep the front tyres in play.
But it’s the ride that really impresses. It’s certainly not soft, but it feels remarkably well tuned, shrugging off lumps and scars with a relaxed gait, while still giving you the sort of iron-fisted body control that you really need to be able to enjoy a good drive.
The only slight let down is, surprisingly, the engine itself. Yes it’s powerful, and makes a nice roar at the top end, but it’s only then that you really feel the power. That big turbo only really starts puffing at 4.500rpm and it’s all over at 6,000rpm. Bigger fireworks lower down the rev range would make the Trophy a little more enjoyably unruly.
Renault Ireland has still to set a price for the Trophy, but circa €39,000 makes it one of the performance bargains of the decade.
FACTFILE
Engine1,998cc turbo petrol putting out 265bhp at 5,500rpm and 380Nm from 3,000rpm with a fsix-speed manual transmission
L/100km (mpg) urban– 11.3 (25.0); extra-urban – 6.5 (43.5); combined – 8.2 (34.8)
0-100km/h6.0 secs
Maximum speed254km/h
Bootspace377 litres
Emissions(motor tax) 190g/km (€630)
Specificationsstandard features include Cruise control with speed limiter, ESP with traction control, Front lateral and curtain airbags, 19" alloy wheels, Recaro sport seats in two tone grey /yellow
Price€39,000 (approx)