Renault Megane RS Trophy gets updates heading into 2021

The refreshed Megane RS Trophy ditches stick shift, but comes with suspension and interior improvements.

Customers in the UK may no longer order a Megane with manual transmission, a move guaranteed to cause some grumbling – but let’s not forget that the marque strives to keep CO2 levels as low as possible to stay on the market. For the record, you can no longer buy a Hyundai i30 N in France because of the new anti-emission laws. An Audi RS3 would set you back an additional £23,000 in Great Britain due to the emission tax, and opting for a Ford Mustang V8 would burn a £26,500 hole in your bank account. Dropping stick shift seems like a wise way for the Megane RS Trophy to go, because you only pay an £8,000 tax for the remaining seven-speed DCT option.

Back to the facelift, though. The 2021 year model boasts various suspension reinforcements, an active exhaust system, 19-inch wheels, redesigned headlights and taillights, and new dashboard/infotainment inside.

In addition to the above, both the RS and RS Trophy are now available with a higher-spec 1.8-liter turbo engine rated at 296 PS (292 hp / 218 kW).