It is an odd time of year to launch a new car, although there is always a hope that New Year sales will be vibrant as a result. As a means of driving trade, a ‘halo vehicle’ is seldom a bad idea.
RenaultSport’s new Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy is on sale, with deliveries starting from February 2019. It is the most powerful Renault Sport production car ever and heralds in heaps of advanced technology and a bold new look. Prior to discounting, the R.S.300 is priced from £31,810 (six-speed manual; £33,510 for the twin-clutch automated-manual, with paddle-shift).
The R.S.280 was launched in May but carries over the stability-enhancing four-wheel-steer system and bump-stop shock absorbers to the new model. Its 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine is increased to 300bhp, while torque is a healthy 309lbs ft. Handling prowess is enhanced with even stiffer suspension, while a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential enhances traction, the car riding on 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels.
The performance profile of the R.S.300 can be driver adjusted by pressing the ‘Multi-Sense’ button, giving access to five different modes ranging from Comfort and Normal to Sport and Race, with a ‘Perso’ personalised set-up. It also alters the tone of the exhaust system.
Renault Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy is fitted with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, which are renowned for offering exceptional grip. An optional 2kg lighter alloy wheel and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres will be available soon. Armed with even more direct steering, increased cornering grip and greater durability for sports driving, this is a Renault that can play at weekends, as well as work during the week.
Known as ‘Liquid Yellow’, the car pictured can also be ordered in the full range of vibrant RenaultSport colours. The car can also be fitted with optional Recaro seats, which are clad in Alcantara faux suede. However, looking the part is backed-up with an R.S.-developed app that coordinates telemetry and data acquisition, displaying details such as acceleration, braking, steering wheel angle, operation of the 4WS system, temperatures, pressures and even more. It can even overlay telemetry data to create augmented reality videos and works through both android and iPhone systems.
As the punchiest Renault of them all, you can expect a decent spread of performance figures, ranging from a top speed of 162mph, 0-60mph in 5.7s, a fairly hefty 183g/km CO2 (£830 first year road tax; £140 annually thereafter) and 35.3mpg, much of which is explained by a kerbweight of around 1.9-tonnes. It ain’t no lightweight! However, the R.S.300 Megane is a fantastic looking machine that will turn heads like few other hot hatchbacks can.
Renault knows its onions in a warmed-up career that commenced with Gordini and Alpine, bringing in Williams (the F1 team), before culminating in its own version of RS, which uses full-stops to avoid a legal clash with Ford. The latest R.S.300 is not everybody’s cup of tea but it will enjoy a ‘sold-out’ status very quickly!
