Renault Megane RS Trophy In-Depth Review | Is Renault still producing proper hot hatches?

#RenaultMeganeRSTrophy #ParkersCarsReviews
Watch our detailed review of the Renault Megane RS Trophy. Here, Parkers reviewer James Dennison runs you through the Megane RS Trophy’s performance, handling, interior, equipment and practicality as well as imparting some handy buying advice.
So, would you pick a Megane RS Trophy over a Civic Type R or Hyundai i30 N? Let us know.
Don’t forget to LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to the Parkers channel if you enjoyed this video, and give us your feedback in the comments section below.
Subscribe to the official Parkers channel on KZbin: goo.gl/tmfoW3
Twitter:
@ParkersNews
@JDennisonCars
Read our full Renault Megane review: www.parkers.co.uk/renault/meg...
Renault Megane for sale | Used Renault Megane |
Parkers
Find a used Renault Megane for sale on Parkers. With the largest range of second hand Renault Megane models across the UK, you will be sure to find your perfect car at the right price.
Lease a Renault Megane: www.parkers.co.uk/renault/meg...
Buy a new Renault Megane for sale: www.parkers.co.uk/renault/meg...
Buy a used Renault Megane for sale: www.parkers.co.uk/renault/meg...
Whether you’re after reviews, news, advice or even a new car, Parkers.co.uk is the only place to be. Head over to our website now to grab great deal or read one of our latest in-depth car or van reviews.
www.parkers.co.uk/

[@Scott555ish]

Gearbox stickiness frees up with mileage. Mine was sticky when I first got it but its absolutely fine now.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Fantastic review! Probably the best I've seen. Quick question, any issues with the clutch pedal as a couple other reviewers said that they found it placed much higher than the brake/accelerator?

[@PureLeeful]

Good detailed review, top job. 👍👍

[@ParkersTV]

Thanks very much 😊😊

[@lascaossos]

this is why i like hot hatches you can thrash the car while your supercar needs to stay on the garage and be treated with care or else it can cost a fortune

[@buncho888]

Get the EDC version! You can use it like a sequential manual and when you hit traffic it will do it for you. Plus you get the extra torque. I have one on a previous model Megane Sport and the shifts are smooth and very quick.

[@matthewp9015]

buncho888 There was never an EDC Megane RS until now, so what model are you referring to?

[@gordonho5986]

@@matthewp9015 Hahaha caught. Matthew is right. I'm driving a mk3 rs. They nv came in auto dude!

[@chrismccombe6961]

He's right the, edc completely transformes the car completely flys on back roads with it I drove the manual and was like its OK then few months later tried the edc and was like omg unbelievable and now want to order 1 and the edc can be driven in auto mode. Semi auto were u can change the gears but then you start breaking it with down shift for you. Or full manul mode were you decide all the gear changes

[@honzalouma9583]

It's such a shame, that Renault doesn't offer LSD into the standard version, without CUP chassis. In my opinion, it doesn't make sense to buy FWD hothatch these days without LSD on the front wheels....I am deciding between i30 fastback N or Megane RS EDC, but as It's gonna be my one and only car and I live in a city, I am afraid that this Megane RS Trophy would just bee to much uncomfortable for every day use...I need to try it first, of course. btw: thanks for the review ;-) good job!

[@ParkersTV]

We reckon the i30 N is still VERY firm even in its softest suspension setting, yet not as fun as the Megane RS when everything is set to sport - so see what you think during the test drives!

[@honzalouma9583]

@@ParkersTV ...so, tried 280 sport on cup chasis with recaros...and its not anyhow as stiff as I though it would be. So I'm ordering trophy. 😃

[@Chocofur]

As someone who drives Clio RS Trophy as a daily for almost 2 years, I've tested the Megane Trophy EDC recently and it feels more comfortable. Not whole lot more, but I could definitely use it as another daily drive.

[@mad4tar77]

Really nice review. I test drove a Trophy manual. It was great fun, but, I found it to be far to firmly sprung to live with every day in my opinion. Exactly as James states, it fidgets alot and has an uneasy ride. I find Renault's strategy to be outdated, these days all hot hatches can change their ride quality at the touch of a button,with adaptive dampers, yet Renault is stuck in the noughties offering two varieties of ride quality in a fixed setup that can't be changed, and worse still, for some bizarre marketing decision, only allowing an LSD in the stiffer Cup/Trophy. I considered it seriously, but like many others, found it too bouncy and uncomfortable for everyday, good handling everyday cars should interact with the road, not bounce off it. It looks better than the new Focus ST in my opinion, but, the ST reviews rave about cracking ride quality whilst still having massive performance available so it'll be ST for me.

[@ParkersTV]

Glad you enjoyed the review! Indeed it is odd that Renault has gone with a fixed suspension setup, it narrows the environment in which the Megane RS is at its best. Which is a shame, as when it’s in the correct environment, it’s a fabulous hot hatch.

[@pragmatist165]

mad4tar77 I’d get the latest Ford Fiesta ST if I was going down the sporty path. Reviews are great.. 3 cylinder though... not convinced that there will be much longevity with this one... and still not released here in Australia. An inordinately long delay now.. till end of 2019.

[@bat33.12]

The Focus ST is way too stiff for most UK roads in it's most sporting and best sounding setting. Sadly Ford haven't given you any choice, just fixed modes. Hyundai nailed this with the i30 N, mind you even a nurburgring instructer said to run the i30N in softest damping at the Ring, VW have individual mode, the Trophy has an individual mode too. As for it's suspension it's a pussy cat compared to the previous 275 Cup cars.

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

Another point where Renault shot themselves in the foot somewhat in terms of usability, is the 100 litres or so of boot space that are eaten up by the different exhaust.

[@footbollpro]

never fancied Renault until now, this is something I work to save for

[@Mouse2113]

Great review. I have the old 275 Trophy and have driven the 280 Cup. Overall the 280 is even better, but steering feel isn't as good, although you can throw it into a corner even faster and the engine feels more eager. I need to drive the new Trophy to see how the ride compares

[@ParkersTV]

Glad you enjoyed the review Stephen. We agree with you on the steering, not as crisp as it needs to be. Since the Trophy runs the Cup chassis, the ride is pretty much identical to the 280 Cup, but best take a test drive to see what you think. Also, have a watch of this Trophy-R review on our sister channel - might be of interest. Renault Megane RS Trophy-R First Drive Review | Is it worth £50k? kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6qTo4SQapuelcU

[@Edge5055]

Does the car auto shift when you’re in the high RPMs when you don’t want it too? In the EDC

[@ZekeMagnum]

i could buy this one in white with black rs sport 19'' rims on monday or wait X amount of time to see if i can get a yellow one (there is not a single one on the market right now). i love both white and the yellow in their own way. always been weak for white/yellow with black accents. the white one i am looking at is 2019 trophy 300 model, 1 owner, manual, 20.000km , white and with 4 services already. the owner really took care of it. it has all but the bucket seats, which i do not like in a daily driver all for 27.800 euros.. choices choices..

[@dsitum]

I don't know why everyone hates the notchy gearbox. I own the Clio 197, the shifter is notchy but at least you have the feeling that you put it in gear. I guess it takes some getting used to

[@johnjackson12]

This is a hugely impressive car imo. The firm suspension maybe too much especially if you have passengers and use the practical nature more than the hot hatch part. The only thing I don't like I'd the big plastic bezel around the central screen. Looks like an old tele

[@ParkersTV]

We certainly enjoyed driving it, John!

[@Benjay1975]

The dsg box is where its at, ive driven both.

[@nixodian]

Have against civic typeR please

[@krekimuki]

Good unbiased review, unlike a lot of others I've seen. However, coming from a 265 Cup daily to a 300 Trophy, I didn't feel any difference in the firmness of the suspension. Yes, it's stiffer than say, an Audi A4. But for people who are used to Hot Hatches, I really don't see it as being any worse as what's come before. The only issue I see, is that manufacturers are for some reason now offering the "Comfort" suspension option. Which is something that shouldn't be available in a Hot Hatch in my eyes. If you want to be in luxurious comfort on your daily drive, go buy a generic diesel German Saloon . If you want a fun car with a lack of some creature comforts, you go Hot Hatch. Not something in between!

[@ParkersTV]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Craig!

[@pokest225]

But for example if you have some back problems, and you like hot hatches, then the megane trophy will be a no no. Because you can't choose a softer damping mode. Or if the roads around your town aren't in good shape... Harder is not always better.

[@bat33.12]

@@pokest225 softer damping doesn't change the spring rates though, it just reduces body control. My Golf R is softer than the Trophy but it hits the bump stops far harder and harsher than the Trophy. The i30N is firmer damped than the Trophy even in it's softest setting and has a more fidgety ride, but it's still a great hot hatch.

[@kimmywong9995]

You need to be in a faster speed to overcome those bumps in megane RS so that you wont feel bouncy at all.

[@UTubeSL]

Thanks, enjoyed the review! Is it too firm to be a daily driver?

[@jamesdennison9722]

Steve Lane I was able tolerate the ride quality over several hundred miles in the car, although a number of my colleagues reckon it is indeed too firm. Depends what you’re threshold is!

[@UTubeSL]

@@jamesdennison9722 thanks, appreciate the reply - and at midnight!! Sounds like people would need a decent test drive before deciding... we are indeed spoiled for choice for great hot hatches at the moment 🙂 Again, great review. All the best!

[@markrhoden68]

Many of these car either benefit from or should come with adaptive suspension. Sadly this car doesn't maybe a cost issue more so than anything else. Use Renault online and spec one of these bad boys and then imagine adding an extra £1500 or so to its cost for adaptive suspension......OMGosh best part of 40k fully loaded that's a lot of money

[@chrismccombe6961]

I'm sorry but how can he say the manul is better than the edc gearbox I drove the manual and few months later drove the edc gearbox and it was like a completely different car and just shocking fast on back roads because you can just bang gears at the car

[@gordonho5986]

Does the limited 500 units production Trophy-R come with adjustable dampers like of the old? Or is it the same as this still and unadjustable.

[@nickwong2525]

yes, Trophy R has Ohlins adjustable dampers...

[@valtermanuelferreirapaivap3481]

Bravo bravo bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault

[@guliocortese8790]

Renault the best

[@pragmatist165]

Well I think they can get more out if it. I recall ( might be wrong though) that kerb weight of my Megane 2 litre then) was a hefty 1374kg . I'd like to know what it us now. But Lets agree to disagree. I still feel 5 years have gone by and no real change in pace off the mark. It was 6.0 for my 265, now it's 5.8 pretty ordinary. I just wanted more than that and expected it.. It can be done . But aside from that, it has lost all it's sporty looks.. I don't want a Honda type R look. .. nope.. seems like that most if the effort went on the exhaust.. I like that.. But looks ugly otherwise, body jutting in or out everywhere .. yuk. I am very very happy with my Holden four cyl 2litre petrol turbo saloon car .. so agile, so swift. .plenty if pop

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

4:02 this is not true. According to Renault, the regular petrol Megane has a VDA boot capacity of 473 cubic metres, the diesel 394, and the RS just 294. This is all because of the special exhaust setup used in the RS. So the RS has just 62% of the practical boot space of the regular Megane...!

[@JMB1891]

Compromised knee room you say with acres of space from the front seat 😂

[@ParkersTV]

Considering how close James likes to sit to the wheel, it’s pretty tight in the back of the Megane RS.

[@markrhoden68]

You want comfort....buy a chair

[@romarioviegas5040]

Mark Rhoden 😂😂😂😂

[@leightaylor806]

Aside from the silly looks and styling the civic type R will be better to daily and is a lot more usable. RS Trophy is for tracks more than daily roads. Just my opinion

[@cooleye8887]

The Type R is more better at track, theyre both track cars, but the type r has comfort mode.

[@pragmatist165]

Look I have seen a lot of puffy waffle with many of the Megane 265 275 and 300 reviews.. I owned a 265 in 2013 to 2014 in Melbourne Australia. I loved the curvy shape .. the IT infrastructure was great, it ran very well .. 90klm to 160klm per hour say.. but as 5 yrs have passed, the speed off the mark 0 to 100 by now should be now around the 5.2 to 5.4 or 5 mark . that's my view. But it doesn't achieve there. Renault are letting this car tick over..essentially all they want is to keep that front wheel drive nurburging record. They are all all tied up so many other things.. electric, the main one.The fellas in the Melbourne Renault club said when I turned up for a day out said ' tezza, just wanna let you know that the megane 265 and the others are not that quick .. And it isnt brilliantly quick. It is also a fat and wide staight up and down boring, corporate looking.. yuk.. not much at all in sporty looks. If it had a lit more pop 0 to 100 and had the sporty and curvy loom,, well I might have been sucked in. Renault has strayed, it lacks testerone, and eye catching looks..a bit middle aged with some paunch. We have moved on . I wouldn't bother buying one. I am now looking at saloon cars with heaps of power.. and I'll get my head kicked in for saying this.. but before you can the car I bought.. at least read the reviews..but to be honest, I don't value opinions unless people drive the car first.. I can tell you that it is a 4 cylinder 2 litre petrol turbo.. I still like this architecture.. but it is quick.. not 0-100 megane times.. but overtaking at 80 -140 Klms .. It is brilliantly quick. All I need, all we all need. In Australia, it is called a Holden Commodore ZB a sedan, in UK it is a Vauxhall..made and designed in Germany mainly.. the engine may be even American?? but Aussie engineers tuned it brilliantly for here, the European version is nowhere near as agile etc as the Aussie one I have .. 191 kw and 350nm of torque. Kerb weight around 1540. Sweet spot loping at 112 kl per hour is a mere 1250 - 1400 revs.. i love that drivong experience. This car is a great transition for about 4 + years or more, b4 electric decisions. The reviews are full of froth and bubble even if well intentioned.

[@pokest225]

Check insignia gsi, best european model of that car.

[@pragmatist165]

pokest225 insignias just did not sell. Never advertised Here in Australia.. had very very few outlets.. no doubt it is a good car.. back to my RS Megane or the latest RS Megane... ITS SO INTO MIDDLE AGE LOOKS.. SO BORING ..

[@pokest225]

@@pragmatist165 man, commodore and insignia is THE SAME CAR

[@pragmatist165]

pokest225yes but the reviews of the commodore I refer to are for the brilliant 4 cyl 2 litre petrol turbo.. not other commodores,, this commodore is far superior to the nsignua as the commodore has been beautifully tuned by Holden Australian engineers, It is very agile and as lithe as the elves in Lord of the Rings

[@pokest225]

@@pragmatist165 obviously you don't know about the insignia gsi 2.0t awd (similar awd like focus rs). Take a look at it.

[@johnnypaul7340]

THT FUCKEN HANDBRAKE

[@JFomo]

You spent 2 seconds on the infotainment system. You need to call out Renault and tell then what a piece of trash that touch screen is. Look at all those finger prints. Theres no volume knob. That plastic screen is going to wear out over time like my mouse button.

[@Mouse2113]

Hopefully the facelift they will upgrade the dash and use the new unit in the new Clio. Looks much better

[@markrhoden68]

Fully loaded close to 40k...for a Renault megane 🤢🙈

[@stephenpeacock2627]

Laughable, but the Megan’s rsr hockenheim fully loaded is £72k.......for a Megane.....that’s moronic

[@bat33.12]

@@stephenpeacock2627 and they sold every single one before release.

[@bat33.12]

Fully loaded Golf R is £48k a stock TCR is £37k easily over £40k with options, same for a Golf GTI, the focus ST almost £36k. Cars are expensive it's not 1980 anymore ;)

[@markrhoden68]

@@bat33.12 oh I agree I just can not get it straight in my mind that paying 40k for a hatchback is justified.