CoupA winner; Fewer driver aids and a sharper chassis liven up Renault's fiery new hot hatch - the Megane Trophy, writes BILL CAVEN.

Byline: BILL CAVEN

IF EVER there was a case of 'less is more' then Renault have certainly got it nailed with their latest contender in the sporty coupA market.

First the French firm launched the Clio 182 Cup - a stripped-out, lightweight, faster, better-value version of the 182bhpRenaultsport Clio that has been a runaway success.

Now the company are launching a new limited-edition Megane Renaultsport 225Trophy model.

In this case though, the'less' is all about less intrusive driver aids.

And thank goodness for that. The standard Megane 225, launched a year ago, is an impressive performer in a straight line and very benign around corners. But it's just too benign.The traction control cuts in too early, starving the driver of true feel through fast bends.

ThenewTrophy version - named after the Megane Trophy single-make race car which will competeon world circuits this year - benefits from an electronic stability programme that can be switched off above 35mph.

You can't do this in the ordinary 225 and the ability to cut the ESP gives far more driver adjustability.

TheTrophy is much more than switchable ESP though. Its Cup chassis also gets enhanced brakes, suspension and steering. And the springs and dampers have been revised to make things a bit stiffer, so you roll less around corners, although ride quality does suffer. Understeer is also cut down, as the front wheels grip better than before.

'Less is more' applies to the brakes, too, as they doaway with the brake assist system to give better feel. The front and rear disc brakes are nowdrilled to aid cooling. Smart 18-inch anthracite alloy wheels are unique to theTrophy, each oneweighing 1.5kg less than the Megane 225s. Speciallydeveloped 235-section Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres are more grippy than before, especially in wet conditions.

The standard Megane 225 suffers from rather 'dead' feeling steering, so it's good to see Renault address this with a sharper columnand revised electronic assistance - called High Frequency Curve Assist - that gives better feel during cornering.

One thing that hasn't changed is the engine - it's the same 225bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged unit.

In t and em with a six-speed manual gearbox - not the most clean-shifting I've ever tried - it ensures it's a rapid car, with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 147mph.

You can spot a Trophy by its unique Nimbus metallic paint and anthracite wheels. Inside, it features new sports front seats with partleather trim, blue detailing, carbon fibre inserts and a dash plaque.

In terms of equipment, theTrophy gets the 225's cruise control, eight airbags, trip computer, climate control and tyre pressure monitor, but loses carpet matsand six CD multi-changer, replaced by a single CD.

Priced at pounds 20,000, it's the same price as the standard 225 and its nearest rival - the newVWGolfGTi.However, only a few hundred of this special edition will be sold in the UK.

Frankly, it's hard to think of a reason why you'd want a standard 225, as the Trophy is so much more to the point. But enthusiasts needn't despair if they miss out, Renault promises they will launch theTrophy's Cup Chassis as an option on the standard Renaultsport 225 version later this year.

Roadtest:

Renault Autosport Trophy

FactfileModel: Renault Megane Renaultsport TrophyEngine:2.0-litre 4-cylinder turboPower: 225bhp0-62mph: 6.5 secondsWarranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles Price: pounds 20,000 On sale: Now