Renault Megane R.S. Trophy revealed

The Renault Megane R.S. is already something of a performance beast, but the French firm has taken it a step further with this more focused version — the Trophy.

So, what makes it special? Let’s start with the sheer numbers. The 1.8-litre turbocharged engine here produces 296bhp and 420Nm of torque — up from 276bhp and 390Nm that the standard car boasts. It can be paired up with either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the result of all this power is 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 162mph.

The Trophy also utilises the Megane’s Cup chassis option, which offers stiffer suspension and a Torsen limited-slip differential and brings enhanced front brakes housed in 19-inch alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight by 8kg.

Inside the car, Recaro bucket seats now feature on the options list, which are trimmed in Alcantara and sit 20mm lower than previously.

There’s little in the way of external visual indication that this is a Trophy, aside from stripes added to the F1-inspired front splitter. Although you’ll be able to hear the difference, thanks to an upgraded exhaust system that features a mechanical valve — allowing the car to be set sociably quiet or arrogantly loud.

Fans of Renault’s hot hatches will be familiar with the Trophy moniker, which has been applied to the most potent version of each Renaultsport-fettled Megane since the first was introduced in 2004.

The new Renault Megane R.S. Trophy is set to go on sale in the autumn, with customer deliveries beginning in the last quarter of the year. Pricing has yet to be confirmed but expect to hear more on that shortly.