A new contender has entered the exciting realm of hot hatches with Renault’s latest hatch – the new Megane R.S. 300 Trophy which retails for a cool R899,999.
There are a number of sporty small cars available in this segment, but none are closer in price to the Renault than the Audi S3 Sportback Quattro, which clocks in at a similar R883,100.
With these two cars sharing a similar price and set of performance figures, we dug deeper to see exactly what each of these high-end hatchbacks has to offer.
Performance
Starting with the engines, the Renault uses a 1.8-litre turbocharged powertrain while the Audi comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit.
Despite this, the Megane has a slightly higher power ceiling of 221kW and 420Nm, compared to the S3’s 213kW and 400Nm.
Even with more power under the hood, the RS is the slower car to reach 100km/h from standstill, taking 5.7 seconds to the Sportback’s 4.9 seconds. Both cars have a near identical top speed, too, though the Renault does claim the higher number at 255km/h relative to the Audi’s 250km/h.
To handle this power, the French carmaker has opted for a six-speed automated dual-clutch transmission, while the Germans have gone with a similar dual-clutch setup but with one extra gear.
The two automakers have also taken different approaches to the wheel layout, as Audi has equipped the S3 with the brand’s signature quattro four-wheel-drive system, while Renault drives the front wheels only but feature the 4Control system with rear-wheel-steering.
The advantage of the quattro is that it provides exceptional grip, while the 4Control system allows for tighter turning.
Both vehicles also come with specialized sports suspension and brake calipers, as well as a selection of driving modes, with the S3 offering Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual settings, while the Megane can select Normal, Sport, and Race modes.
Features
Both hot hatch rivals boast automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, and 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as numerous smaller details denoting their sporty nature.
The Renault has an F1-style bladed front bumper and a new rear diffuser, while the Audi has an aluminium and high-gloss black finish on many exterior components alongside a special S-model rear spoiler.
Inside, both are fitted with automatic dual-zone climate control, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, metallic gearshift and pedals, and branded seats with a cross stitch pattern, though the materials differ.
The Megane utilizes a suede-like Alacantra fabric, while the S3’s seats are draped in a suede and artificial leather upholstery.
Each hatchback then comes with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a smartphone-compatible infotainment screen measuring 7 inches on the Renault and 10.1 inches on the Audi.
Both vehicles also have cruise control and rear parking sensors, though the reverse camera is an optional extra on the Audi while it is a standard inclusion on the Renault.
Pricing
The Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy has a South African starting price of R899,999.
This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
The Audi S3 Sportback has a local starting price of R883,100.
Each purchase comes with a 1-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy
Audi S3 Sportback quattro
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