The tradition of exclusive, performance-oriented Renaultsport models continues with this limited edition Mégane Renaultsport - 275 Trophy, which sits between the regular Mégane 265 and the uncompromising Trophy-R.

Following its recent facelift, the top-of-the-range Mégane now benefits from a technical upgrade and a bespoke look. The new 275 Trophy is the latest in a line of limited edition Mégane Renaultsports, which began with the 265 Trophy in 2011 and continued with the Red Bull Racing RB8.

Visual differences for this Trophy model include new Trophy branding livery on the silver F1-style silver blade and chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the doors, while the personalised body sides feature Trophy decals. Numbering on the door sill also highlights this model’s exclusivity – with only 100 being sold in the UK. A new Akrapovič carbon exhaust tail pipe sets off the rear, while optional 19-inch black Speedline Turini wheels derived from those used by competition versions of Mégane can also be ordered to complete the racy look.

Widely acclaimed both for its on-road performance, as well as its pin-sharp track handling, the Cup chassis with limited slip differential comes as standard with the Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy to help further enhance the car’s cornering prowess.

But the Trophy isn’t just about handling tweaks - Renaultsport’s engineers have worked extensively on its powerplant to extract an additional 10 horsepower. The two-litre turbocharged petrol engine consequently boasts 275hp, and peak power is reached at 5,500rpm. At the same time, maximum torque (360Nm) is available across a broad rev-band, from 3,000 to 5,000rpm. Despite this additional power, fuel consumption and emissions haven’t taken too much of a hit – holding at around 37.7 mpg* and 174g of CO2/km respectively.

On the road these mechanical enhancements translate to an extra urgency over the standard Mégane 265 – making the Trophy feel just that little bit more alive and stronger, thanks to the engine developing more high-end torque. It’s a very engaging and characterful drive, with the gutsy free-revving turbocharged motor spinning up eagerly, accompanied by a flurry of pops and bangs from the beefed up exhaust, while the tweaked suspension and stickier Michelin Cup 2 tyres translate to substantially more grip and poise around corners, although the payoff is a considerably firmer ride. The steering, gearbox and brakes also seem to have a crisper feel and response. Yet despite being performance focussed, the Mégane Renaultsport - 275 Trophy retains the standard car’s driveability. It’s the sort of car you can jump in and straight away feel confident driving quickly.

Inside, Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy comes with leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats which really hold both driver and passenger firmly in place. In addition to being comfortable, they also look the part with red stitching and Renaultsport badging. Other interior highlights include visible red stitching for the Alcantara steering wheel trim and handbrake gaiter, as well as an alloy gear lever knob. You also get a decent amount of standard equipment (unlike the more extreme stripped-out Trophy-R model). The list includes: dual zone climate control, automatic lights/wipers, Bluetooth, Tom Tom sat-nav, cruise control rear parking sensors and rear privacy glass.

Verdict:
Renault have always aimed the Renaultsport range at keen hot-hatch enthusiasts and this Mégane Trophy 275 will certainly appeal to drivers looking for something harder edged that can be enjoyed both on road and track.

Tech spec:
Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy
OTR Price: £28,930
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 275hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 360Nm @3,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Top speed: 158mph Economy: 37.7 mpg
CO2 : 174g/km VED Band: H