MOTOR

R

enault expects its 201kW

Megane RS 275 Trophy-R

to be ordained the most

formidable hot hatch on sale.

It’s a claim that seems justifiable after

the R replaced the Seat Leon Cupra as

the fastest front-drive production car

ever to lap the famous Nürburgring.

However, there’s one German hot hatch

still standing in its way: Mercedes-

Benz’s 265kW A45 AMG.

Back in 2010, the current Megane

started its hot hatch life as the RS 250

and, in Cup format, retailed at just

$46,990. For the Trophy-R pictured here

you’re looking at $61,990, whereas the

R-less RS 275 Trophy will fetch $52,990.

Admittedly, that difference pays for some

very trick items – not least the adjustable

Öhlins dampers and composite springs –

but mostly it reimburses Renault for the

job of hollowing it out.

The deletion of the air-con, stereo,

soundproofing and back seats puts the

car at odds with over-$60K rivals who

choose to increase power rather than strip

weight. Consequently, the qualities most

likely to send the willowy Megane into

anaphylactic shock are power, usability,

speed and luxuriousness. Step forward

the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, the most

expensive hot hatch on sale and yet now

just over $10K north of the Renault.

It’s kitted to the nines, ballistic,

accommodating, four-wheel drive and

a dual-clutch doddle to drive. Can the

Trophy-R upstage it over two days of

driving in the UK – one day of which is

at Blyton Park race track – or is it about

to get an AMG-style reality check?

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EVER FWD CAR

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