Renaultsport Mégane 275 Trophy-R v VW Golf GTI Clubsport S | evo Track Review

The RenaultSport Megane 275 Trophy-R has long been the benchmark for hot hatchbacks, thanks to its pared-to-the-bone weight saving, punchy engine and super-sticky tyres. But the greatest threat to its crown comes from an unlikely source - Volkswagen. Instead of VW's usual route to performance - big engines and complex powertrains - it's used the RenaultSport formula and stripped back the weight to make the most focused Golf ever to hit the road. Which will be faster around the super-quick Rockingham circuit?
Steve Sutcliffe decides in this, the third in a video series has made to celebrate the launch of Top Drives, a racing game from Hutch produced using data and pictures from evo.
Download Top Drives here:
m.onelink.me/b78fcf2d
Think you know your cars? It’s time to put your knowledge to the test in Top Drives - the only automotive card collection game on the App Store.
BUILD THE PERFECT RACING DECK from over 700 officially licensed cars.
UNLEASH YOUR CARS on 100s of racing challenges with our all-new Card Racing System.
COMPETE FOR EXCLUSIVE CARS in live multiplayer events.
Why is Top Drives the ultimate mobile experience for every car enthusiast?
- Marques such as McLaren, Bugatti, Pagani, Ford, Mercedes and many more.
- Car stats sourced from Evo Magazine making this the ultimate bench racing tool.
- Manage and upgrade your cars - tune them how you want.
- Race scenarios include drag strips, race circuits & hill climbs.
- Weather effects and multiple surface types.
- Stunning car photography from one of the world’s top car magazines.
- Addictive racing strategy gameplay.

[@rejoicerone3176]

damn EVO is back on the game now.... so happy that steve is still present

[@benim1912]

Me too. Wherever Steve went, he was a good reason to watch that channel. He's got the knowledge, the enthusiasm, the charisma and the driving skills to back it up. One of my favorite car journalists

[@lok481]

Steve is the man! You can see he loves his job too :-)

[@TheCokecinelles]

I bought a Mégane 265 cup mainly because it had a 5 star review on evo, I love their focus on "the thrill of driving", not the badge

[@robinmarples5198]

The 265 in cup châssis with 18' rims is a masterpiece. Had one.

[@thefredsociety]

Thank you Sutcliffe for joining the best car magazine of them all and thanks Evo for making it all possible!

[@llttrr]

Jupiler, mannen weten waarom.

[@jakepocock1616]

Bearing in mind, the Megane is based off a 2009 car, to only be within .7 of a second of the latest and greatest is incredible. Renault do know have to make a fwd car go bloody fast.

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

renault sport is and will always be the best hot hatch chassis builder.

[@AR-fw5bn]

Jake 250 2010 *

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

megane 3 started 2008 do your homework ... the chassis is not specialy build for the rs same as normal coupe.

[@AR-fw5bn]

ThaDutchDK1989 well then in that case the golf started in 2012

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

vag butthurt lover still 4 years younger

[@mariodiniz21]

Amazing video, so good to have Steve in here, glad Dan Prosser left, what a difference.

[@MrSmithyboy1990]

Great to see Steve join Evo, hoping of great things to come!

[@TanaseLiviu]

Wow ... very nice ! I enjoyed it like always of your reviews / comparo .

[@jabiqq]

Quality driving from Steve.. pleasure to watch

[@abdelhameedbarqawi2907]

Amazing video .. i drove the clubsport S and it definitely feel like a 4 second car 0-60 and the exhaust note is marvelous 👌🏻👌🏻🔥

[@medaminemajid4801]

So megane rs less hp 35 exactly and still manage to keep up this is like porsches less and still keep up with ferrari and mclaren in laptimes, now im waiting for the New rs with 4 control that gona be so fucking fast it Will change the game in the hot hatch segment

[@stevehash158]

i think so to the 2018 will be insane good..i am sure of it

[@redhamasri]

If you never had a megane sport its useless to let other what is it mean of being in one...save your energy all of you megane rs lover..and let the non beliver enjoy what they believe because it's not going to change the fact that megane rs was and will always be the king of the ring!

[@adammatuska6078]

What a great channel, instant subscribe !

[@future62]

Now I am totally looped. Trying to keep track of British video motor journalists is like playing wack a mole. Doesn't matter.... happy the big homie Steve is back!

[@herlandermorais4743]

Good video, keep on the good work EVO. Thank you.

[@TheWretchedWorld]

Close to 30hp more and based on a way newer platform rather than the meganes 7 year old one. I have to say the megane held on pretty well.

[@SunLoverMan]

TheWretchedWorld 30hp more does not matter on the track

[@hyperboreean]

@SunLoverMan Didn't you watch the video? The Golf is faster on the straights.

[@ImadHadjersi]

Nice video, we need more and why not some classic head to head, not only new cars.

[@jameswingrove7421]

I have to say, the Renault is the one I'd take. Even almost 4 years on, which is about a million years in automotive terms, it can hold it's own against the Clubsport S, that's seriously impressive. And I think it looks better (although looks are very subjective).

[@Neemsta359]

Brilliant work evo

[@lok481]

Awesome review. I was itching for this comparison! Big question is, a GTI CS is close to £40k, a standard 275 trophy is approx £20k and won't be much slower 🤔 both lovely cars!

[@tonydmty1234567]

Another great video of Steve Sutcliffe. ";-)

[@handsomeenglish4518]

Nice vid... (I'm guessing it was filmed a few months back? based on my copy of Evo mag :) ) Would be nice to see a comparison between both Trophy R and Clubsport S against the new Civic Type R (with rear seats). My hunch would be a tie between all three (Renault more engaging, VW more dynamic, the Type R more competent (and what a gearchange))... Personally I prefer the Civic (even though I own a Clubsport S)

[@martinallenuk]

Bought the non-S after my M4. Genuinely fun car to drive. Numbers are not as big as the M4, but my smile is!

[@lok481]

Steve is the man!🙌🏻 I have the Megane it’s pretty special. A fantastic car to drive. Would love to see the same comparison of the new Civic type R vs both Golf GTI CSS and the Megane Trophy R. That would be interesting - Steve?!🤔👍🏻😀

[@heamees4822]

Can't wait for the new Megane RS next year

[@batmikipig]

Hea Mees sooooner that that my friend!

[@ZekeMagnum]

Have you gotten one yet?

[@jo05dk]

Good to see you good sir :) This was a surprise to me. I fully expected the Megane to spank the Golf. I'll be damned..

[@Adrianperformancequattro]

Whats happen if you put michelins ps tires on front wheels of audi rs3?

[@purdles314]

Steve on EVO!? Yesssssss

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Had both GTI's & RS250's..... such brilliant cars.......!!!

[@daveem4008]

Yessss thanks for this!

[@robotech1990]

Man I love this channel.But can't we have the best of both worlds?? I mean Steve and Tiff??

[@iantownsend500]

Both great I'll take the Club sport S. I love the look of the VW plus my last Renault fell to pieces but it was so fun to drive

[@steerj07]

Great 911 Turbo 'context' at the end. I also heard a GTR went round Rockingham within seconds of some other car once.

[@rowanlewisuk]

Your videos will sell me anything lol. Bought a clio rs 3 cup after the videos you did back in the day

[@alanthecat59]

brill well done evo back on form,,.

[@Audidude]

So after several years of development and a power weight advantage, VW beats Megane time by 0.86%! Shows what a colossal achievement the Megane was.

[@AR-fw5bn]

Audidude ask any racer, any true racer it don't matter if the race was won by an inch or by a mile. WINNING IS WINNING

[@Audidude]

The Stig and did I say otherwise? Your comment is not related to mine in any way LOL

[@hondacar]

But VW has shown from no experience in hardcore hatches,to being a top competitor.The Megane has had at least 10 years or so experience in more track orientated hot hatches.So really the colossal achievement has been VW's; the only hardcore hatch built to attempt to give a real challenge on the track to the Megane RS

[@SunLoverMan]

Look how vw faster than megane on Nurbungring, lol

[@Audidude]

yes, 0.86% faster - after years of development LOL - did you even read my post at the top of this thread?

[@cutdepiefails6596]

Such a great shout.

[@Yeszur]

Will these come to USA?

[@muratk.8296]

@Suttcliffe: welcome. I was an EVO subscriber/buyer since 2001. i Cancelled it last year after the shitstorm. I really hope it gets back to its feet

[@Masteraal]

Would love to see the Type R and Clubsport S battle it out in a followup video.

[@wojciechb.1060]

Both cars are awesome !!!

[@tan9640]

Finally Evo is back in the game

[@santclause1]

Just shows how far infront RENAULTSPORT actually are. 9 year old chassis that MEG has.

[@blacky0121]

That Shrreeeee! from the exhaust is the turbo my freind🤣

[@nassim479]

3:06 can you please give us more shots like this ? it looks cool

[@brabecjakub]

What is interesting in this video: i see that Golf is more precise in corners? In catching the apex, using curbs?

[@VeniVidiAjax]

Hands down to the GTI!

[@humbertoamorim8130]

Can you disable the SuperMario coin sound in the RS?

[@TheWretchedWorld]

yes

[@angrybirdWade]

I love all of those cars but the thing is can this be able for the pound car cost of amount

[@PhilippeMarchand-xw1zp]

Can't wait for the new Megane 4 RS with the 4 wheel steering and around 300hp. it should be a real beast

[@TheEryk03]

Can't wait for the new Golf GTI

[@rodrigopatricio9092]

Best motorjournalist!

[@kraenk12]

Steve!!! Great move

[@Terraceview]

This guy really knows how to drive!

[@salessiteboost7665]

Steve is a weapon!

[@bassiewors45t]

Breaks? Gears?

[@fedjadrndarski5606]

Good, and direct comparison of two angry opponents. Both cars in this video do best for what they are made.

[@Keckegenkai]

Is that a Omega Seamaster?

[@peterbennpan7288]

Car journalist got to be one of the most enjoyable jobs ever. You dont become a car reviewer if you dont have a love for cars. 😎

[@cikopelo9186]

amazing cars

[@nassermohd2317]

Nice evo

[@n057828]

GTI best all rounder car by far! Remember it was the fastest production car at one stage on that German track!

[@supposedly6991]

@@captainkuru1 It' a VW, the best brand in the world.

[@redline589]

Both these cars are mint, I would have either

[@saucysimpson259]

Can't wait to see how dominant the new Megane RS will be

[@ajames718]

Both cars are astronomically impressive, even more so that Megane (by a whisker) given it's age. Doesn't matter which of the two you'd own, you're a winner either way!!

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

What about the Civic Type R?

[@DavidTapster]

Wait a moment.. the BTCC cars went round here recently and in qualifying the best lap time was 1:23.... are these genuine times???

[@garybocking4541]

David Tappenden- different layout at Rockingham. The touring cars use the full international layout which uses part of the oval.

[@DavidTapster]

Gary Bocking thanks for clarifying that one!

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

renault sport was and will always be the best hot hatch chassis builder. as you see here 9 year old chassis still going strong.. and renault doesnt cheat with there lap time on the nur how the record is done you can buy the car not like the shitvic type rice who removed passenger seat aircon radio and added a cage... and needs a huge wing and 300+ hp further renault and ford already had the dubble strut front suspension in 2004 like honda now has (2017)... hopefully renault sport doesnt forgot how to build the best chassis cause the clio 4 rs was not really the best..

[@FWD_Problems]

I would trade my golf R in a heartbeat for the clubsport S

[@nikb6528]

God do I love such nonsensical, non-rational hyper hatchbacks. Especially FWD ones! Must be a joy to drive.

[@professeurslow6471]

To give some context, on the Actual European second hand market, prices have reversed, Megane is cheaper than Golf Sounds crazy but the megane was 5000 euros more expensive when new. 6 years ago, A Megane 275 Trophy-R did the Ring in 7:54 and some change The 275 Trophy-R was a limited production of 250 units at 45.000 euros. 4 years ago, A Golf GTI Clubsport S did the Ring in 7:47 and some change The Clubsport S was a limited production of 400 units at 40.000 euros.

[@TheJmebe]

Renault build a great chassis but have always been behind in power although their engines and gearboxes are easily able to take much more - they’ve been able to beat more powerful cars in the past so haven’t bothered. The very latest Trophy R does have 300bhp but it’s also very very expensive. I’ll stick with my R26 🚕

[@bassiewors45t]

not a word about the breaks and the gears?

[@SidNorth]

I wanna go to a Track now and drive my Clubsport S to the limit!! 😈Great video 👌🏽. Two slightly mental (very) Hatchbacks 🙌🏽

[@jamieb8537]

Sideways Sid shows though how capable the megane chassis is being over 7 years old!!

[@matp111-9]

Jamie Blunt the Megane is the older car with less power and still gives the Club sport a run for its money. Renault the true winner.

[@jamieb8537]

Definately

[@SunLoverMan]

MatP111 - this difference in the power is nothing on the track. In both video and Nurbungring megane is slower. Clubsport can be used in regular driving with a comfort. Megane is very uncomfortable on regular roads. Then why megane is better? Lol

[@MiraSubieGirl]

Ill bring my 2011 Megane RS "320"... Gutted the inside, straight pipe, decat, HKS bov, ECU tune... 317hp at the front wheels. Im in Russia or Denmark :) meet at Nurburgring? My shout!

[@TheChannelOfBeast]

What a driver.

[@peterbennpan7288]

Stevie sutcliffe work for evo now

[@1061shrink1061]

imagine if the renault had been producing the same kind of BHP. Clearly was almost able to keep up in spite of its deficit.

[@steerj07]

A 991 Turbo 'struggling to go much quicker' is not context lol.

[@derbigpr500]

Keep in mind that when this generation of Megane came out, Golf 5 was still on sale. This CS is 2 generations ahead of the Megane, and still not faster. 0,7s is all down to driving, especially when the faster car has more power and torque and weighs less. Anyway, new Megane 4 RS comes out very soon, over 300hp, 4 wheel steering, probably a dual clutch box....it's gonna be a beast, probably gonna go around Nurburgring in less than 7:40.

[@Ratcher]

0,7 is driving?! Are you stupid? 0,7 is a lot!

[@SunLoverMan]

Css is much faster on the track. Check Nurbungring results first!

[@blankpotocnik97]

Megane put a great fight, hopefully next generation won't get too heavy.

[@stephansabrian]

Steve and crish harris are the GOATS

[@chawenhalo0089]

Whilst its great to see mainstream manufacturers making extreme variants out of everyday platforms; I just don't see the point of ruining a practical hatchback that IMHO still won't dish out the thrills that a real sports car would (by that I mean built from a platform that was designed and born with balance and performance to start with).

[@superben2000]

If you want the ultimate track hot hatch.... its megane RS or go home .... would rather own the golf for the road tho

[@JAnx01]

This is insane. Not so long ago, when you wanted a 2 seater sports car, you would've bought a Nissan 370Z or something similar. I'm pretty sure these two superhatches would totally destroy it on a track (the normal Megane RS does), plus they both have massive boots allowing you to carry furniture in them because there are no rear seats.

[@jean-brandinegaming9363]

Strange because 7:49 on the Ring for GTI and 7:40 for Megane. And the weight of GTI is more than 1285kg sure.

[@supposedly6991]

Lol, No. Gti went around Nurburgring in 7:47 on their final attempt and Megane did it in 7:54 So Clubsport is indeed a quicker car.

[@supposedly6991]

Clubsport S weighs 1280 kg, not more. Megane 300 Trophy R did the lap in 7:40 but it'a newer car than Clubsport S.

[@minimumtrade]

Clubsport S has a lot more to gain using the Cup 2 tyres than the Megane compared to the less hardcore variants using road tyres. Clubny runs standard macpherson struts and fundamentally it's going eat the front sidewalls driven in vigour. Megane gives you the mechanical grip and long tyre life from the dual axis setup, like for like on road tyres (eg PS4S) Megane would win the same track.

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

And ya gotta luv Sutters........!!!!!

[@rlakhay]

The mk7 cs is a great car...but... having had a mk4 25th anni...and now the mk5 ed30... the mk7 r is still the better car...and the new reference for performance golfs.... and will be my next car....shame... the cs is what the base gti should have been all along...

[@popo1035]

Why the hell do we not have these in the usa :(((

[@vossler360]

I suppose that you could take some solace in the fact that Honda has made the Civic Type R available in the U.S.

[@kuub]

Seems again (like with the Civic Type-R) that the VW has incredibly stiff suspension compared to the Megane - which looks extremely compliant (great for B-roads and other non-track work). Just look at the difference in how he's bouncing in the seat of the VW whereas he is almost sitting dead still in the Megane's seat. It seems that in order to beat the Megane others still have to resort to vastly higher spring and damper rates.

[@OllieC100]

subzeuz The Clubsport S has variable rate dampers (DCC in VW speak). I'd imagine that in comfort or normal settings, it would more compliant than the 275. All the reviews I've read and watched praise the ride comfort on the VW. They used the softest damper mode when setting that crazy time at the Nurburgring. 👍🏻

[@kuub]

Ahh thanks, wasn't aware of that. Impressive indeed then :)

[@EvanMoon]

So something like 40 hp gives you 7/10 of a second. Strip out the VW carpet in the back and everything else you can. Also put in fake windows and all the mechanics of the back doors.

[@HypnOlli]

All the weight in these things must be on the front wheels..the back is sliding too easily...on the road you should be cautious especially with those tires which are always cold...

[@valtermanuelferreirapaivap3481]

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

[@littlenismo]

Golf still looks like it's from the 80's. So twee inside and so slabby outside... also given when it comes down to it the Megane is the ring record holder and feels a lot more special i'll take that every time...

[@Baturatus]

Megane power

[@lalap2fun]

They should make one scirocco like this Clubsport s. Or better ...(well nop I can continue dream...)

[@OussamaErraji]

Funny to hear reviewers argue about 10-20 kg of car weight while forgetting about their own weight.

[@OriginalDarkMark]

Yeah, but neither of them could get around any major coastal town, at midnight, with 4 passengers, as fast as an old Vauxhall Astra GTE.

[@tomectomec1092]

Renault the best !

[@Itsallagame1984]

Wait till the new Megane arrives next year with 4 wheel drive and steering it will lead the class once again.

[@SunLoverMan]

LtheYAK there wont be any 4wd on megane

[@Itsallagame1984]

SunLoverMan only just released today that info which means I'm out.

[@nickamarit]

275 Trophy R vs GTI Clubsport S vs CTR vs Focus RS

[@runrabbitrunracing]

I'd be hard pushed to choose..... Megane

[@runrabbitrunracing]

Or maybe Golf