Renault Launches New Megane 225 Trophy
Published: 9th March 2005
Renault Megane
New wheels and tyres for optimum grip and road holding
- 18" Anthracite Alloy wheels - 1.5 kg each lighter than Megane Renaultsport 225
- Dunlop Sport Maxx 235/40R18 - specifically developed for the Megane Renaultsport 225 Trophy
The new 12-spoke, 18-inch anthracite alloy wheels are each 1.5kg lighter than before, while the new Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres which feature a special silicon-based tread compound, have been chosen for their exceptional wet traction and grip, excellent dry grip and enhanced steering performance.
New steering system to give even greater road feel and sensation
- New intermediate sliding shaft design replaces rubber coupling to improve column stiffness and thus phase response
- New control software
The new Trophy benefits from a new electric power-assisted steering system which gives enhanced steering feel, while new software - ‘High Frequency Curve Assist’ - has been developed to re-define the self-centering forces felt in a bend.
Sports car performance not at the expense of luxury
Aside from the changes made under the skin, the limited edition Megane Renaultsport 225 Trophy can be distinguished on the outside by its unique ‘Nimbus’ metallic finish and 18" anthracite coloured wheels.
Inside, performance does not come at the expense of interior comfort, with the Trophy featuring new sports front seats with part-leather trim and blue weave cloth, plus blue seatbelts and stitching on the gearknob, gaiter and steering wheel. In keeping with the car’s sporting nature, carbon fibre inserts appear in the centre console and door handle surrounds while a numbered plaque features in the lower part of the dashboard to emphasise the car’s exclusivity.
The Trophy will also be arguably the most comprehensively equipped car in its sector. It shares all of the standard Megane Renaultsport 225 equipment, including; ABS, cruise control with speed limiter, eight air bags, trip computer and tyre pressure monitor, but loses carpet mats and six CD multi-changer (replaced by single CD). It does however, gain climate control and given the limited volume, there will only be two options available – xenon headlamps and 160W Cabasse six CD multi-changer.
In Western Europe, sales of sports hatchbacks in the C-segment reached a total of 34,500 units in 2004. With more than 2,700 units sold in the nine months following its launch, the Megane Renaultsport 225 has taken a 7.8% share of the market in this segment, selling particularly well in France, UK, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. Sales have also been good in Mexico, South Africa and Japan. The addition of sales outside Western Europe enabled the Megane Renaultsport 225 to achieve total sales of 5,200 units worldwide in 2004, representing 39% of total Renaultsport sales in 2004.
The order book for this season’s must-have accessory opens on 14th March, with the Megane Renaultsport 225 Trophy available as a three-door Sport Hatch only. The Trophy retains the same 17E insurance grouping as the current Megane Renaultsport 225, and even with the technical and equipment enhancements, is available for £20,000 on the road.
Renault Megane
Our Renault Megane Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Megane range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £12,340 - £21,260
Body Styles:
Fuel: /
/ 
Models in the range: 58
We have road tested the Renault Megane, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Renault Megane Review - May 2006
Renault Megane Review - May 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
