RENAULT has finally released its blistering, race bred three-door Megane Renaultsport 225 Sport Hatch Trophy.

The latest £20,005 addition to the Renaultsport stable takes its lead from the awe-inspiring Megane Trophy race car which contests the World Series, which started in Zolder, Belgium on April 30.

Based on last year's Megane Renaultsport 225, the Trophy version will only be available as part of a limited production run, the UK will take delivery of just a few hundred examples.

With demand expected to outstrip supply, the engineering changes made to the Trophy will be available as a Cup Chassis option on the standard Mgane Renaultsport 225 a bit further down the track.

Powered by the same two-litre turbocharged engine as that found in the current Renaultsport 225, the Trophy is one of the fastest hot hatches around.

Mated to a six-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox, this engine develops 225hp with at least 90 per cent of its torque available between 2,000 and 6,000rpm.

The chassis of the new Megane Renaultsport 225 Trophy has been developed for lower roll angles, less pitching during acceleration and also less nosedive under braking.

Cornering potential and overall road handling on all types of surface have also been improved thanks to a revised front suspension.

For those demanding a little more excitement, Trophy's electronic stability programme (ESP) system can now be switched off above 35mph. Although the system will still intervene should the car veer off line under heavy braking, its intervention threshold has been set higher and its operation made less intrusive.

Working in tandem with the ESP system, the front and rear disc brakes are now cross-drilled to aid cooling, plus the diameter of the master cylinder has been increased from 23.8mm to 25.4mm for better pedal feel and reduced travel.

The new 12-spoke, 18-inch anthracite alloy wheels are each 1.5kg lighter than before, while the new Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 235/40 R18 tyres, which feature a special silicon-based tread compound, have been chosen for their wet traction and grip.

The Trophy benefits from a new electric power-assisted steering system with a splined "tube-in-tube" sliding joint which gives enhanced steering feel, while new software, High Frequency Curve Assist, has been developed to re-define the self-centering forces felt during cornering.

Aside from the changes made under the skin, the Mgane Renaultsport 225 Trophy limited edition can be distinguished on the outside by its unique Nimbus metallic finish and 18ins anthracite-coloured alloy wheels.

Inside, the Trophy features new sports front seats, plus blue seatbelts and stitching on the gearknob, gaiter and steering wheel.

In keeping with the car's sporting nature, carbon fibre inserts appear in the centre console and door handle surrounds while a numbered plaque will also appear in the lower part of the dashboard to emphasise the car's exclusivity.

The Trophy shares the standard Megane Renaultsport 225 equipment, including ABS, cruise control with speed limiter, eight air bags and tyre pressure monitor, but loses carpet mats and six CD multi-changer (replaced by single CD), then gains climate control and two options - xenon headlamps and 160W Cabasse six CD multi-changer.