Megane RenaultSport DCi 175

[Pentoman]

Has anyone owned or driven one of these? What are they like? I'm surprised they're not more popular and common, really. Even here on PH where good handling and good MPG are key requirements.

Are they reliable? Are the engines decent? I had the 120bhp DCi recently and it was good if a bit rough compared to the newest stuff.

[AlfaDogvan]

I love mine, and I've had some serious metal too. I think they have to be one of the best compromises if you do a lot of miles but enjoy something that handles.

I find that were you have the low down grunt and the grip and chassis not alot can keep up through the twisty's you can be quite lazy with the gears and still be doing silly speeds.

I have a 3 door lux which I think is the one of choice. as the cup is probably a little too hard on the motorway. mine is firm but not uncomfortable, its a nicer ride than my Z4 but also more composed. because of the run flats on the Z4.

Dont be put off buy the 8 seconds to 60, like all diesels 1st gear is very short in real terms its a lot quicker I find. I average 38-40MPG read out in the car says 42MPG, most days i commute in heave traffic and its our main car so gets used for everything as well as the odd hoon. I have seen 46-47MPG on run.

few things if you look to buy. all Megane 2 RS models Dci175,225,r26. have an extra bearing in the hub its called a hub Carrier bearing, its prone to failing and manifests itself as vague steering unstable handling and the esp will kick in all the time. normally the esp/traction system wont kick in at all on the road even when pushing on. this is the only thing I've had trouble with on mine.
also they don't like odd tyres or budgets, for some reason. most recommendation are to use michelin pilot's as it what there set up for.

your welcome to come had had alook around mine/drive if your local I am in Hampshire.



Andy

[Pentoman]

Thanks Andy, useful response for me there.

Surprising to only see the one response. Given how popular the Golf GT diesel is.

[TheConverted]

Pentoman said:

Thanks Andy, useful response for me there.

Surprising to only see the one response. Given how popular the Golf GT diesel is.

Its also bloody boring, I know the later GTD's are nearer GTI spec. but the earlier ones the same age as the Meganes are just boggo golfs with a big engine. normally in ex rental/fleet car poverty spec.

when i bought mine, i was looking at the FN2 type R, focus ST, Astra VXR and the R26 meg. I stumbled on the Dci 175, as i never new they existed. i narrowed it down to the type r and the 2 Meg's. I love the sound of the type R but the handling of the Meg was what sealed it for me. along with option of 45+MPG, not very PH I know.

plus as it a Nissan drived engine there very reliable and have a timing chain rather than Belt. also very smooth and revy for an oil burner, in the Territory of the BMW 6 pot ones. its quite easy to rev match and heel toe.

[Pentoman]

AlfaDogvan said:

your welcome to come had had alook around mine/drive if your local I am in Hampshire.

Andy

Also, only just noticed this. I'm not too local and way busy at work so don't think it's an option but thanks anyway - v generous.

How can the diesels be differentiated? Different exhaust pipe layout?

[TheConverted]

Pentoman said:

Also, only just noticed this. I'm not too local and way busy at work so don't think it's an option but thanks anyway - v generous.

How can the diesels be differentiated? Different exhaust pipe layout?

Hi Pentoman, theirs a few on eBay at the moment. nice red one with the Recaro's in its a cup though.

the only difference externally is the Dci's don't have the lip spoiler on the edge of the roof/tailgate there just flat. there's no external badges or DCI markings.

Andy