14 Mar 05
So much for the physics lesson - an empty race track awaits. The 2.0-litre turbo engine starts on the push of a button and settles to a muted hum. This is one of the few aspects of the car that hasn't been revised, but then it's the 225's best feature. With 225bhp on offer at 5500rpm and a peak torque output of 221lb ft at just 3000rpm, this Renault is not short of thrust. For the record, it sprints from 0-62mph in 6.5sec and will reach 147mph, but these figures don't reveal the engine's flexibility. It pulls hard from just 2000rpm and the thrust refuses to diminish until the rev counter has ascended beyond 6000rpm.
It doesn't take long to appreciate that this engine is finally powering a chassis that's worthy of it. The steering, once so woolly and artificial, is more consistent and linear in its response. The self-centring effect is still a little too strong - a traditional Renault foible - but it's much improved and it contributes greatly to driver confidence. So too do the brakes. A firmer pedal feel makes it much easier to modulate the braking pressure and the Brembo system feels reassuringly positive, even when maximum retardation is summoned.
The chassis changes can also be labelled a success. On the track the standard 225 needs to be manhandled. It feels clumsy and responds to enthusiastic cornering with dogged understeer. The Trophy, by contrast, feels significantly lighter on its feet. It can be steered on the throttle with ease and, although it's a little less stable under braking, it couldn't be described as nervous and it's much more resistant to understeer.
Only the unrevised, six-speed gearbox seriously lets it down. Its long throw and inaccurate feel seem even more at odds with the rest of the car's crisp, positive responses. And it's as noticeable on the road as it is on the race track.
