Renault has upped the ante with a Trophy version of its most current Megane R.S, which boasts a lot more power than the conventional car, a new exhaust system, improved brakes and some very subtle design changes.
It uses a revised version of the regular car’s 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now developing 296bhp and up to 420Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Torque for the manual automobile is slightly down on the automatic, developing 20Nm less at 400Nm. 
Advertisement – post continues below

• best hot hatchbacks on sale 2018
Renault says that the extra power is down to a revised turbocharger system and a new exhaust. The ball bearings attached to the turbine are now ceramic, with the lighter weight and minimized friction allowing the turbo to spool up quicker.
18

The new exhaust system improves power too, while it’s also equipped with a mechanical valve enabling the volume of the exhaust note to be altered. 
With the extra grunt on board, Renault claims 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, while top speed is up to 162mph. That’s a tenth quicker to 62mph from standstill, and 7mph faster than the base car.