What's the difference?
The Renault Megane RS is still here, in case you were wondering.
You may have let it slip your mind in recent times, because there’s been a lot of action in the hot hatch scene with the release of the new-generation Ford Focus ST, a fond farewell to the VW Golf R, and consistent talk of the upcoming Toyota Corolla GR hot hatch.
The Megane RS is more than just ‘here’, though. The RenaultSport Megane hatch range has expanded in recent times, and we’ve just spent some time with the Trophy model which first arrived in Australia late in 2019.
It is certainly keeping its presence known in 2020 Renault Megane RS Trophy spec, which represents the most powerful and fastest version of the standard model range before you get to the rip-snorting (and eye-wateringly expensive) Trophy R.
So what’s it like? Read on and you’ll find out all about it.
You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.
That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.
But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.
Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.
So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?
Let’s go find out.
If the Renault Megane RS Trophy is your dream car let me say this: there’s no overarching reason that I’d say you shouldn’t go ahead and buy it.
But with so much amazing competition in this part of the market, it’s hard to put it ahead of its rivals. And it’s going to be even harder for it to stay high on the contenders list as more new metal arrives in the coming years.
A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.
Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.