2014 Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy | PH fleet

Everyone who has followed my previous purchases knows that it will not take long to make changes. I am about as good at leaving a car standard when a Labrador is to walk past a tennis ball without picking it up. All reversible to maintain the value of the car, of course, but forever it is mine, I like to put my mark on it.

Since this is my third Renault sport Megane MK3, my favorite changes are tested. A new set of OEM carpets is usually the first thing I buy, and that was no different here. Fortunately for me, the previous owner had already mounted in K-tec braided brake hoses and PBS Pro track paths around (which would have been my go-to anyway), so the only thing needed was some fresh brake fluid.

I booked TR07 PHR with LAP911 In Highworth – as the name suggests, a Porsche specialist, but Luke has a history with Renaults and is known for taking good care of them when they do not play with flat sixes. The tires were on their last legs, so I opted for a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5S that are very suitable for a mix of driving and light railway, in addition to cycling in glossy black.

With the basic principles I wanted to let go of a little more (childish) sound of the engine, so I have my proven combination of a Forge Motorsport Recirculation valve And ITG -Induction kit. The latter has been tested against rivals and proved the greatest power gains, making it a no-brainer. With the start -up floor and the parcel shelf removed to maximize the sound of the Akrapovic exhaust system factory, I was ready for my first track outing on Curborough Sprint Course.

The biggest problem with the three -part sparse -like liquid yellow lacquer is that it is supposedly one of the worst colors to try to match. So, unless I set up a paint -protection film on the entire car, I have discovered that I do not want to leave it in a public parking space for fear that it will be damaged, and I certainly do not want to take it on the right track with other cars. Does anyone else have more expensive about their cars as they get older, or just me?

Curborough is therefore the perfect place for track promotion. Run in a sprint layout, each car goes out one by one on the tight and winding track, which completes a single round before the next car starts. It is also lighter on the consumables, with a little breathing space between each run.

The Megane was of course in his element. What I like about these cars is how predictable they feel when you throw the weight between the corners – you always feel in control. I think that newer hot shutters feel more disconnected and when they let go, it often happens in a large way. I could launch the Megane of De Lijn, accelerate through the first corner and the brake in the next trail with the PBS Pro track -pads that bite hard from cold. Back to the power, the mechanical differential with limited slip would help the Michelin PS5s in the top as a rabid greyhound who pursues a rabbit. All the while I make all the obsessed, bustling and crackling sounds that I need to put a big grin on my face.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5S needed a few printing all day -Teams while they warmed up and to help play with the balance through the corners, but otherwise they gave me the confidence I needed. And I can also drive to and from the circuit on it, without the faff of exchange over railway wheels. TR07 PHR may not have been as fast and furious as the purple exige of Gfwilliams and it sounded absolutely not as good as MDifficult’s V10 R8, but I still left the day a very happy rabbit.

In recent months it has been the perfect weekend toys on Sunny Evening Supper, who effortlessly brings us to the 24 -hour Le Mans and shouting my children ‘faster, dad’. But although I had convinced myself before, can a hot hatch really feel special enough to be my only toys? Have I been there and have that done a few too often without going back to my exes? Only time will tell …

Auto: 2014 Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: March 2025
Mileage: 23,473
Changes: ITG induction kit, Forge Motorsport Recirculation valve, K-tec braided braking lines, Motul RBF660 brake fluid, PBS Pro Trackremblokken