Renault’s performance division, Renault Sport, is a name synonymous with hot hatches, and its latest offering, the 2019 Megane RS Trophy-R, is a reminder why that is. The new lightened, track-focused Megane RS has just beaten the Honda Civic Type-R around the Nurburgring, stealing the front-wheel-drive crown from the Japanese manufacturer.

The 2019 Megane RS Trophy-R's Epic Record Nurburgring Run

The Megane RS Trophy-R is a new hardcore version of the regular Megane RS that has a series of changes that make it even faster. It borrows the 292 horsepower (300 PS), 1.8-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder from the RS Trophy, but is subjected to a drastic 130 kilogram (286 pound) weight shedding, and that’s where most of the performance gain comes from.

FWD Nurburging Lap Time Records

However, that’s not all the performance geeks at Renault Sport did to transform the Trophy into the Trophy-R. It also has Öhlins dampers, an Akrapovic exhaust, stickier Bridgestone tires, and bigger Brembo brakes. All these modifications add up and make the R quite a bit faster than the Trophy.

But let’s break down the figures. The Renault Sport Megane Trophy-R has 292 horsepower and weighs 1,277 kilograms (2,815 pounds) and even though Renault doesn’t mention how much quicker it is over the Trophy, we can estimate that it cuts that car’s sprint time to 100 km/h (62 mph) from 5.7 seconds to 5.6 or even 5.5 seconds all thanks to the weight shedding. The manufacturer doesn’t mention if there’s any change to its 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed.

The Honda Civic Type-R has a 2.0-liter engine with 306 horsepower, and its weight is 1,380 kilograms (3,150 pounds). Honda says the Civic Type-R can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 272 km/h (169 mph).

So, even if the Civic has more power and a higher top speed, the Megane slashed its Ring time by almost four seconds because it is lighter and, with its four-wheel steering, it’s more agile as well. This stands testament to the relentless persistence of Renault Sport engineers who are reaffirming themselves as the world’s top makers of front-wheel drive hot hatchbacks. Now let's

2017 Honda Civic Type R Nurgurgring Lap Record

2016 Volkswagen Golf Clubsport S Nurburgring Lap Record

2014 Honda Civic Type R Nurburgring Lap Record

2014 Ranault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R Nurburgring Lap Record

2014 Seat Leon Cupra Nurburgring Lap Record

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy.

Read our full review on the 2018 Renault Megane R.S.

Read our full review on the 2018 Honda Civic Type R.