Fatshimetry
Over time, hot hatch cars were once accessible and plentiful on the market. One could easily choose from a variety of models in different price and size categories, such as the Toyota Conquest RSi and Opel Kadett Superboss from the 1980s, the Fiat Uno Turbo, the VW Golf VR6 and the Opel Astra TS from the 1980s. 1990.
Affordability was largely due to the relatively affordable prices of these cars. However, things have changed and as prices and demand have moved in opposite directions, our access to hot hatches has unfortunately reduced. Most are now priced in excess of R1 million, and the models below can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
On that somber note, this review of the Renault RS 300 Trophy marks the end of cars with that name, more specifically with the acronym RS. The RS brand was officially abandoned after Renault’s decision to transfer its sporting activities under the Alpine banner. A sub-brand born in 1976 is thus bowing out, as is one of the big names in hot hatches, the Megane RS.
Stepping back briefly in history, Renault Sport was created by merging two companies, Alpine and Gordini Racing, to form a division within Renault responsible for managing and developing its motorsport exploits. Initially the focus was on building competition cars for different disciplines such as rallying, Le Mans, touring cars and of course, Formula 1.
Over the decades, some legendary road car names have emerged. The Renault 5 Turbo is perhaps the most famous, but it wasn’t until 1996 that Renault put an RS logo on a car called the Renault Sport Spyder. It was a bold two-seat roadster, but it still caused a stir.
In 1999, South Africa saw the Renault Clio RS, the first in a series of hot little sports cars we could buy. From then on, they came one after the other, notably with the release in 2001 of the Clio V6, a rather crazy mid-engined hot hatch, then in 2004, the first Megane RS.
The latter was introduced into a market dominated by the VW GTi and Audi S3 of the time, offering a hot hatch of similar, if not more powerful, power for a lower price. With its 165 kW sent to the front wheels, the Megane RS had arrived.
Twenty years later, I’m standing next to the last version of the Megane RS to hit South African shores, the 300 Trophy. At the time of writing this article, the latest Megane RS Ultime had just rolled off the production lines, an end-of-series model in a limited edition of just 1,976 units. Unfortunately, none of these cars will hit the roads of South Africa, making the vehicle featured in these pages quite exclusive.
Offered in yellow, white or orange, this final version of the Megane RS offers everything a modern hot hatch should have. The widened wheel arches, 19-inch black Jerez Diamond alloy wheels, race car-inspired decals and trapezoidal center exhaust outlet are all visual clues that this RS is serious when it comes to negotiate turns quickly.
The RS features a Cup chassis, Torsen limited-slip differential and 4Control rear-wheel steering. This combined technology makes the RS Trophy one of the most agile hot hatches we’ve driven, with precise steering and an ability to change direction or negotiate corners at high speeds unrivaled in its segment.
At low speeds, the rear wheel steering works in the opposite direction to the front wheels, making the car turn faster. At high speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, improving lateral grip.
It’s a system that requires a little getting used to, but it produces the desired effect. I’ve had the opportunity to drive the RS on several occasions and remain impressed by its sports car qualities. Nothing in this segment turns around a hairpin bend as well as the RS Trophy. She is simply exceptional.
Aside from the chassis and cornering capabilities, the driveline is impressive. With 221 kW and 420 Nm of torque, the Renault RS is sufficiently powerful, even among its competitors offering much more power.
Its appeal is that you don’t need to hit high speeds on the speedometer to feel connected and excited about this car. It delivers thrills even at more modest speeds, but with the ability to let loose with crazy precision if you want.
The ride is firm. It’s not the kind of car for cruising around town, but that’s what it is: the toughest, sharpest Megane RS you can get here in South Africa, with a magnificent exhaust note to savor. In our opinion, it sounds better than a GTi or a Golf R. Mesmerizing!
The EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission is also excellent, although it can be a little jerky at low speeds. If there is one criticism of the RS, comparing it to some of its modern rivals, it’s that it’s not as easy to drive on a daily basis. Its temperament always makes it ready to go faster and it’s not as comfortable to drive for everyday use.
Saying goodbye to the Renault Megane RS is like closing a chapter in the history of hot hatches. Its end marks the disappearance of an icon and the beginning of a new era in the world of sports cars. This is a well-deserved tribute to an automotive legend.