Renault New Zealand have confirmed that Kiwi enthusiasts can get their hands on the Trophy – specifically, the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy – which is due to arrive this month.
Renault possess a wealth of experience creating high performance machines, evidenced by their prominence in formula one, and with the recent revitalisation of the Alpine brand.
Fanatics of the French hot hatch, or any enthusiast for that matter, should be stoked with the arrival of the Megane R.S into the New Zealand marketplace. Our foreign correspondent, Ken Saito, loved his drive of the Megane R.S.
So with all of Renault’s expertise, what’s on the menu the new Megane R.S?
Under the bonnet, the Megane R.S. utilises a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, pumping out 211kW (300hp) and up to 420Nm, which is quite an achievement for an engine this small. The engine can be paired with either a dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual.
The Megane R.S. also comes with 4-wheel steering, employing Renault’s 4CONTROL system and hydraulic compression stops to provide optimum road holding and grip. Controlling all that power is a Torsen limited-slip mechanical differential, and to slow you down are bi-material front brake discs.
You can also see how quickly the Renault stops and corners using R.S. Monitor, Renault’s on-board telemetry via the infotainment. Of course, Renault hasn’t forgotten the all-important launch control, which means you should be able to feel the full capability of 300hp through a light frame.
On the inside, Renault has designed a sporty cockpit with features such as a new 10.2” customisable TFT instrument cluster, R.S. custom leather steering wheel* with paddle shifters, aluminium pedal unit and footrest, short gear lever, and, apparently, lavishing’s of high-performance materials and finishes. You can also get Recaro seats, for an extra 3-thousand dollars.
Renault has also fitted the Megane R.S with a high-quality Bose sound system. We have our fingers-crossed hoping that the Megane R.S’s natural sound system, i.e. the exhaust, will be the better alternative.
The marketplace has been totally spoiled by the quality of the hot-hatches as of late, therefore the Megane R.S will have some tall competition. Importantly, the spec-sheet looks promising, and I already love the way the Megane R.S. looks.
DriveLife is certainly looking forward to our opportunity to test the new Megane R.S. Trophy.
Renault Megane R.S. Trophy
Price
| Manual | Automatic |
| $65,990 | $68,990 |
Options
| Sunroof | $1,990 |
| Recaro Seats | $2,990 |
| 19” Fuji Light R.S. Trophy Wheel Rims | $990 |
Colour Range
· Sirius Yellow*
· Tonic Orange*
· Flamme Red
· Glacier White
· Pearl White
· Highland Grey
· Titanium Grey
· Starry Black
*Signature Renault Sport colours are an added cost of $1,200
