Megane RS Trophy vs Focus ST

Experience Format

Briefing

Our senior ARDS Race Instructor will give a full briefing detailing the important information you need to know before getting behind the wheel and heading out on track; circuit layout, racing line, turn in, apex, exit, braking, throttle control, driving Position, steering, pedal control, gear change, understanding paddle shift, overtaking and flag signals. As part of the briefing we have a unique CGI sequence which shows how a vehicle reacts to the inputs made by the driver including; chassis dynamics, weight transfer, oversteer and understeer.

Instructor Demonstration

3 laps

Our advanced ARDS qualified race instructors will help guests learn the circuit and get the most out of the Renault Megane and enjoy their time on track.

Guest drives the Renault Megane RS Trophy or Trophy-R

6 laps

Get ready to drive one of the best hot-hatch cars on the market. Exceptional handling, agility and dynamic composure, plenty of power and stunning looks make the Renault Megane RS Trophy and Trophy-R brilliant machines. Both feel at home on the track, the front end grip is astonishing. The high-speed compliance is on par with much more exotic machinery. Guests can choose which model to drive on the day.

Guest drives the Ford Focus ST

6 laps

The Focus ST delivers an epic driving experience. A brilliant chassis combined with a 2.3-litre engine, continuously controlled damping and a limited-slip differential make for an outstanding car that comes alive around the fastest sweeping corners at Thruxton.

High Speed Passenger Ride In The Focus ST or Megane RS Trophy

1 laps

Your ARDS race instructor will finish the experience off with a high-speed white knuckle ride in the the hot hatch of your choice.

About the Megane RS Trophy vs Focus ST

Drive two of the best hot hatches on the market from two different manufacturers - The latest Renault Megane RS Trophy and Ford Focus ST models on track at Thruxton.

Renault come to the party with the Megane RS Trophy and the more extreme Trophy-R (guests can choose which version to drive on the day). Ford arrive with the equally stunning Focus ST.

First up is the Renault Megane RS Trophy or Trophy-R. Both are fantastic vehicles and excel on track. The RS Trophy features a firm chassis - with the Renault 4Control four-wheel steering system, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes behind 19-inch wheels, driven by a 1.8-litre turbo engine with 297BHP through a paddle-shift gearbox, all wrapped in an aggressively styled, bespoke badged front-wheel-drive hot hatch. The Trophy-R loses some weight, the paddle-shift gearbox is replaced with a manual box, improved aerodynamics and a bespoke axel and an adjustable suspension system make the Trophy-R a very different machine. Both have bundles of character and are impressive in their own way.

Next is the Ford Focus ST. Propelled by a rollicking 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 276bhp. Helping put that power down is a brilliant chassis, a limited-slip differential, adaptive damping and 19-inch wheels. The ST feels perfectly at home on track, encouraging the driver to attack the racing line.

You'll be amazed at the differences in each car yet how close they compare on track.

The Cars

Ford Focus ST

The Ford Focus ST is the best hot match on the market today. Winner of the Top Gear Magazine Hot Hatch award, you'll understand why the moment you get behind the wheel and head out on track. The ST is propelled by a brilliant 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 276bhp and 310lb ft of torque. Helping put that power down is a brilliant chassis, a limited-slip differential, adaptive damping and 19-inch wheels. Resulting in a 0-62 time of 5.7 seconds!

0-60: 5.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Power: 276 bhp
Torque: 310 lb/ft
Engine Size: 2.3 litre
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Configuration: Front-engine, front-wheel drive

Renault Megane Trophy

The master of front-wheel-drive? The Renault Mégane Trophy is the most entertaining hot hatch experience around. There are few hot hatches that will delight and surprise you as much as the Mégane.

0-60: 5.7 seconds
Top Speed: 160 mph
Power: 297 bhp
Torque: 420 lb/ft
Engine Size: 1.8 Litre Turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch
Configuration: Front-engine, front-wheel drive

Renault Megane Trophy-R

If the Renault Megane Trophy wasn't quick enough. The Trophy-R is the kind of car to render you breathless and a little astonished that a front-driven hatchback can be driven so hard and keep coming back for more, lap after lap.

0-60: 5.4 seconds
Top Speed: 162 mph
Power: 295 bhp
Torque: 400 lb/ft
Engine Size: 1.8 Litre Turbo
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Configuration: Front-engine, front-wheel drive

: Cars with In-Car Recording