Two limited-run hot hatches on their way to SA

• Renault announced its Megane RS 300 Trophy will come to SA

• We picked out another hot hatch that's arrival is imminent: the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR

• Only seven RS 300 Trophy will be made available and Volkwagen will bring 300 TCR models to SA

Renault's frankly startling announcement that it will only offer the Megane RS 300 Trophy in South Africa was met with surprise by many enthusiasts. We look at another performance hot hatchback barking up the same tree.  

The French carmaker's local arm confirmed it would only import a paltry seven models to our shores. The reasoning is based on demand for the high-performance front-wheel drive hatch. 

Power is derived from the familiar 1.8-litre turbo engine and offered with the choice of a manual or a dual-clutch EDC gearbox.

The power output has increased from 205kW to 221kW thanks to upgrades to the turbo. The manual version has 400Nm, while the twin-pedal version boasts 420Nm. Power is channeled to the front wheels. 

Renault says three derivatives fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox will be shipped over, with the remaining four units equipped with the EDC 'box. Pricing for the RS 300 Trophy is R774 900 for the manual and R799 900 for the EDC model. 

Image: Quickpic

And that got us thinking about another hot hatch that will arrive in South Africa imminently, the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. The swansong to the seventh-generation GTI arrives next month. Granted, it's not as exclusive as the French hatch, but Volkswagen confirmed that only 300 units would be available. 

The TCR has 213kW and 380Nm from its familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged motor, with the torque available in a wide ban between 1950 - 5300rpm. Top speed also sees an increase from 250km/h to 264km/h, while the 0-100km/h sprint needs just 5.6 seconds to be completed. 

Knowing how famous the GTI moniker is in South Africa, they're probably all sold. What we love is that South Africa is a market for limited edition hot hatchbacks. We'd like to know is which one would you choose? Mail us here

Image: Quickpic