Fans of the Renault Megane R.S. hot hatchback can finally get their hands on the facelifted model. However, while the previous Megane R.S. 280 came with the option of a manual or automatic transmission, the new R.S. 300 Trophy will only be offered with the six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic.
The new facelift Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy imported by TC Euro Cars is priced from RM326,477 that is valid until June 30th thanks to the sales tax exemption.
The changes to the exterior are minimal, limited to the fitment of new LED headlamps and taillamps that emit a new signature. With the Trophy package, the front bumper now shyly sports a ‘Trophy’ decal on what Renault calls an F1-styled blade.
The Trophy also package adds-on the dual-sound exhaust valve system, where sportier and fuller acoustics are channelled from the muffler depending on the R.S. Drive mode. The 10%-stiffer Cup chassis and Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) are maintained while new 19-inch ‘Jerez’ wheels with red highlights are fitted to the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy.
The sophisticated 4Control four-wheel steering is also maintained in the new Megane R.S. 300 Trophy. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels delivering incisive handling and agility, while at high speeds, they turn in the same direction for increased stability.
More power has been extracted out of the turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Credit to the ceramic ball bearing system in the turbocharger’s turbine, the engine now develops 300 hp, up from 280 hp. The dual-clutch automatic available for Malaysia gets access to 420 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm (up from 390 Nm), a higher value than the non-available three-pedal manual transmission that is ‘limited’ to 400 Nm of torque.
With Launch Control activated, the Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy EDC sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds with the top speed limited to 255 km/h.
In Sport and Race modes of the R.S. Drive Modes, the EDC transmission allows for multi-change downshift, where the computer control unit automatically drops several gears while the driver holds the left shift paddle.
The colour palette of the new Megane R.S. 300 Trophy has increased to five, with the addition of Flame Red. Existing colours are Diamond Black, Pearl White, Liquid Yellow and Orange Tonic with the latter two colours being premium colours and require an additional RM9,000.
Inside, a new EASYLINK seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity has been added. The front seats continue to be thickly padded RS sports seats, with dark carbon upholstery highlighted by red stitching.
The yellow R.S. double-diamond logo is now more visible too, placed on the new leather and Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, the front sports seats and the front grille. A new sportier instrument panel with a seven-inch customisable TFT driver’s information display conveys the powerful and dynamic agility of the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy even better.
Apart from outright purchase at a price of RM326,477, TC Euro Cars also continues to offer the Renault Megane R.S. model with a subscription plan, ranging from one- to three-years plan, with pricing starting at RM5,200 per month. Test drives are available at selected Renault showrooms by appointments only and can be requested via the Renault Malaysia E-Store.
GALLERY
