Renault Megane RS275 Limited Edition first drive review

Across the twisty, turning, demanding roads used for the annual Targa Tasmania, the new Renault Megane RS275 is impressively quick and composed.

The more powerful engine hauls the bright yellow French three-door from corner to corner at such a rapid pace it's hard to imagine many of its rivals keeping up.

It is unquestionably one of the best hot hatches on the market today. But there's something missing.

Actually, two things are missing – Michelin tyres and Ohlins suspension.

When Renault set the new record for a front-wheel drive car at the legendary Nurburgring circuit this year with the lightweight, track-focused Trophy-R, it was proudly displaying its partnerships with Slovenian exhaust experts Akraprovic plus the French tyre company and Swedish suspension specialists.

While the Trophy-R got all the goodies – including lightweight composite suspension springs, lighter brakes and a stripped out, two-seat interior – the RS275 Trophy was meant to be available with its own version of Ohlins dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber to separate it from the regular RS265.

But as the RS275 arrives in Australia it does so without the trick suspension and rubber, just the new exhaust that helps give it a better soundtrack.

In other words, we get the Coke Zero version of the RS275.

Renault Australia was initially planning on offering the RS275 with all the trimmings but the number crunching meant it wasn't viable for them to bring in only 100 examples of the car and still hit the $52,990 (plus on-road costs) price.

"I think it's fair to say a lot of customers like the performance, but they like the comfort, they want some liveability [and] I think that's what the Trophy is about," says Justin Hocevar, Renault Australia managing director.

"If we took that bespoke, specialised stuff the Trophy-R gets and put it in the five-seat Trophy version it would perhaps make it too extreme. I think that's the real point of difference here. We don't want to diminish what the Trophy-R does – it's the really specialised, lightweight car with all that unique equipment."

The good news is the RS275 does get the upgraded engine, which increases the power of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit from 195kW to 205kW (or 275-horsepower, hence the name).  The Akraprovic titanium exhaust doesn't impact on the car's performance but it does save weight in addition to making it sound better.

Although the difference between the RS265 and RS275 isn't night and day, there's no question this latest limited edition model feels impressively strong across the rev range.

The new exhaust gives the car a more guttural growl too, which adds to the experience.

But the rest of the car feels the same as the RS265 – which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Renault Sport has crafted a fantastically engaging and dynamic machine in the RS265. The steering is responsive and sharp, the brakes bite hard and consistently and the standard suspension with Bridgestone rubber provides excellent cornering grip.

But having driven the RS275 in Europe earlier this year in its complete form, there's no denying that this great car can be greater.

Aside from the mechanical changes there are some unique Trophy styling touches including the leather and Alcantara Recaro seats, which are supportive and more comfortable than they look. The steering wheel is also wrapped in Alcantara with contrasting red stitching.

You also get individually number sill plates to underline the car's exclusivity.

Of the 100 examples of the RS275 that Renault Australia has secured, half are finished in the company's traditional bright yellow and the other half in pearl white. Both come with grey Trophy decals on the rear quarter panels and a grey F1-style front blade on the bumper.

Ultimately though, without the different suspension or tyres the RS275 Limited Edition ends up feeling too similar to the RS265 to truly justify the $5000 price difference.

Of course, if you want those extras you can try and secure one of the 50 Trophy-R models that are due to arrive at Christmas time.

Renault Megane RS275 Trophy Limited Edition pricing and specifications

Price: $52,990 plus on-road costs

On sale: Now

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 205kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 360Nm at 3000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual, FWD

Fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km