Renault Megane RS Trophy unveiled

Only a couple of months before the new Renault Megane RS 280 lands on Australian shores, details of the more powerful Trophy version have been revealed.

And while much of the discussion about the new third generation RS has focussed on the switch from three to five-doors, there’s a dilemna hidden within the Renault Megane RS Trophy’s tech spec for hot hatch fans.

The Renault Megane RS Trophy arrives in the second half of 2019 offering two versions of a new 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine; a 220kW/400Nm with traditional six-speed manual … or the torquier 220kW/420Nm four-cylinder mated with the EDC dual-clutch six-speed. That, by the way, compares to the RS 280’s 205kW and 390Nm outputs.

So, if you want the Renault Megane RS Trophy with front-bar bragging rights then it’s the EDC you will be after.

But if you want the one that’s the most rewarding to drive, then it’s the manual that’s the go based on John Mahoney’s experience of the Renault Megane RS 280 at the global launch earlier this year.

This choice is not one of great moral dilemnas of our time, but it will give plenty of people pause for thought, given the RS Megane has been hugely popular in Australia through its first two generations.

Right now, Renault isn’t helping to resolve the issue that much because it’s only revealed the performance figures for the manual, highlighted by a 5.7-second 0-100km/h time (0.1sec faster than the RS 280) and a 260km/h top speed.

Mind you, it’s unlikely to be much different between gearboxes, as both manual and EDC RS 280s produce that 5.8sec time, the latter with the assistance of launch control.

Pricing also remains a mystery, although we think it’s likely to be around the $50,000 mark, going head to head with the sensational Honda Civic Type R. The EDC box is likely to be a $2500 option if RS 280 pricing is a guide.

So how does Renault Sport go about eking a little more power and torque for the Trophy? The turbocharger turbine, which spins at close to 200,000rpm, now sits on a ceramic ball bearing system that Renault Sport says is lighter, harder and smoother than steel. With friction levels divided by three, turbocharger response times are also cut.

This system’s introduction was driven by the fitment of a particulate filter to the engine, a feature that boosted exhaust back pressure but was required to hit the tougher new Euro6d-Temp emissions standard.

The Trophy also gets its own exhaust system, including a mechanical valve that fits to the rear silencer. When the valve is shut, exhaust gases are routed specifically to lower noise levels. When the valve is open, gases flow along a more direct and louder path.

Renault Sport says the Trophy manual covers the standing kilometre in 24.8sec and accelerates from 80-120km/h in third gear in 3.1sec. It has a claimed combined fuel consumption average of 8.1L/100km and emits 183g CO2/km.

The Trophy comes standard with the Cup chassis that is a $1490 option for the RS 280. That pack includes a Torsen mechanical limited slip differential, 25 per cent firmer shock absorbers, 30 percent tighter springs and 10 per cent stiffer anti-roll bars.

The Trophy also gets the same 4Control four-wheel steering system as the RS 280 that turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front below 100km/h and in the same direction above that speed. The rack and pinion steering has electric power assist and the turning circle is 10.3m.

Bespoke Trophy features include bi-material front brake discs that reduce unsprung mass by 1.8kg and provide better heat dissipation. They are clamped by Brembo calipers – painted red of course. Ventiled front and rear discs measure 355mm and 290mm respectively.

The Trophy gets 19-inch ‘Jerez’ alloy wheels, fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S001 245/35 R19 tyres. In 2019 lighter – by 2kg per wheel! – ‘Fuji’ alloys will be offered along with a Potenza S007 tyres developed specifically for the Trophy.

Kerb weight of the manual Trophy is claimed to be 1419kg, eight kegs lighter than the equivalent RS 280 manual and 31 lighter than the 280 EDC, but that could well change in Australian specification.

Renault Sport hasn’t devoted much effort to differentiating the Trophy from the RS 280.  The Jerez wheels are its main styling give away compared to the RS 280 and there are also some subtle stripes… somewhere.

Inside there’s the option of Recaro hard shell seats trimmed in Alcantara that allow the driver to sit up to 20mm lower than standard.