RE: Spotted: Renaultsport Megane R26.R
Discussion
SmartVenom said:
All that said I'm still glad renault mad this car and I hope they do make something equally special when they have to clear the 200 stock! If the new clio turns out as bad as everyone fears that really will be an amazing investment. I might even consider buying one from new...
Don't think there'll be a final 200 sadly in the way we all want. There was the Raider here, and a red bull version which we didn't get and that's it I believe.
New Clio is here early next year and being built at dieppe so imagine they're getting ready to start on that now anyway
MarkRSi said:
Friggerpants said:
So much fail in here..............
A lot of ignorant tools, who wouldn't know a drivers car unless it ran them over.
Exactly...A lot of ignorant tools, who wouldn't know a drivers car unless it ran them over.
A drivers car can only have a N/A engine, and rear wheel drive... and can't be based upon a common hatchback... and must have the right badge on the bonnet...
In fact I've not seen anyone say it's not a good drivers' car at all; just that it's not as good as some others which aren't fundamentally compromised by their basic platform. Or do you really believe the R26R is the best drivers car in the history of the universe?
SmartVenom said:
I think this sums up the probelm with the R26.R, they are in my opinion great cars, but are not the kind of car that should be left in a collection, they deserve to be used. Problem is if you are just going to use it then why start with an R26.R why not just build your own. You could cage and lighten an R26 sort all the geometry etc. for less than the current price of an R26.R. If you are planning on using it as intended it doesn't matter that its not the collectable R26.R.
All that said I'm still glad renault mad this car and I hope they do make something equally special when they have to clear the 200 stock! If the new clio turns out as bad as everyone fears that really will be an amazing investment. I might even consider buying one from new...
Final Clio 200 has been and gone - the Raider. All that said I'm still glad renault mad this car and I hope they do make something equally special when they have to clear the 200 stock! If the new clio turns out as bad as everyone fears that really will be an amazing investment. I might even consider buying one from new...
Leins said:
Has anyone ever driven one of these and a Mini GP? How do they compare? Don't remember any magazine road tests featuring both, but then there were a few years inbetween production dates
Yes, ex R26.R owner here, and my gf (another PHer) has had a GP for a few months now. Both have prodigious front-end grip and traction with their mechanical limited slip diffs, and the reduced mass compared to the cars they're based on can certainly be felt. However the Mini doesn't feel as focused to me, especially when you're sitting on reclining heated leather Recaros, compared to the deeply sculpted carbon shelled buckets and 6-pointers in the Megane. Both a hoot to drive, but the R26.R would be my choice if you're serious about track driving. It just seems to have that extra level of involvement, if that makes sense.On the road, the Mini's ride can be a bit of a bone shaker, even with the runflats ditched.
roystinho said:
kambites said:
luke g28 said:
Only 200 bhp from a 2.0t? Presumably you can tweak that to the usual 300-400 and have a proper weapon?
I thought it was more like 240?http://www.scenestatusmagazine.com/SceneStatus/rs-...
Lol lots of defensive Renault owners stating with absolute authority that those who don't like this car "just don't get it". I love when people do that. I get it alright, it's a very decent handling fwd hatchback which has been stripped of weight and a rollcage put in, people have been doing this FOR YEARS so it's not difficult to understand. In fact I've done a few myself in my time.
This is a factory version so it's rare and I am really glad Renault had the balls to make it, however what the fan boys don't seem to get is the point that is being made. If you want a dedicated two seater track car, there are better alternatives or you can make one for a lot cheaper than £14k. If you want a practical hatchback which can be taken on track, this isn't that either as it doesn't have seats. Basically it's neither fish nor fowl which is THE main reason why they never sold even the limited number they were hoping for, despite it getting universal praise in all the motoring press which seems to suggest that the majority didn't "get it" either.
People keep mentioning the CSL, that still has rear seats so it can do a track day and then take the family to the weekly shop, people who don't understand THAT "just don't get it"
This is a factory version so it's rare and I am really glad Renault had the balls to make it, however what the fan boys don't seem to get is the point that is being made. If you want a dedicated two seater track car, there are better alternatives or you can make one for a lot cheaper than £14k. If you want a practical hatchback which can be taken on track, this isn't that either as it doesn't have seats. Basically it's neither fish nor fowl which is THE main reason why they never sold even the limited number they were hoping for, despite it getting universal praise in all the motoring press which seems to suggest that the majority didn't "get it" either.
People keep mentioning the CSL, that still has rear seats so it can do a track day and then take the family to the weekly shop, people who don't understand THAT "just don't get it"
Fabulous cars... hired a few from RSRNurburg over the the years. LOVE EM! apart from the rubbish and weird sounding titanium exhaust. Just a brilliant car. Loved it apart from the crappy dash. I even liked the weird looks.
Hired the new Megane RS265 from RSRSpa last week for Melindi's awesome Goldtrack day... and WOW. Just wow... one of the best cars I have ever driven. Just loved it.
FUGLY though... but hell of a car to drive on track for something that I bet its a lovely thing to live with as well. Looks apart obviously... I still fancy a R26R more, just for the Rawness.
Hired the new Megane RS265 from RSRSpa last week for Melindi's awesome Goldtrack day... and WOW. Just wow... one of the best cars I have ever driven. Just loved it.
FUGLY though... but hell of a car to drive on track for something that I bet its a lovely thing to live with as well. Looks apart obviously... I still fancy a R26R more, just for the Rawness.
Guvernator said:
Lol lots of defensive Renault owners stating with absolute authority that those who don't like this car "just don't get it". I love when people do that. I get it alright, it's a very decent handling fwd hatchback which has been stripped of weight and a rollcage put in, people have been doing this FOR YEARS so it's not difficult to understand. In fact I've done a few myself in my time.
This is a factory version so it's rare and I am really glad Renault had the balls to make it, however what the fan boys don't seem to get is the point that is being made. If you want a dedicated two seater track car, there are better alternatives or you can make one for a lot cheaper than £14k. If you want a practical hatchback which can be taken on track, this isn't that either as it doesn't have seats. Basically it's neither fish nor fowl which is THE main reason why they never sold even the limited number they were hoping for, despite it getting universal praise in all the motoring press which seems to suggest that the majority didn't "get it" either.
People keep mentioning the CSL, that still has rear seats so it can do a track day and then take the family to the weekly shop, people who don't understand THAT "just don't get it"
Totally agree.This is a factory version so it's rare and I am really glad Renault had the balls to make it, however what the fan boys don't seem to get is the point that is being made. If you want a dedicated two seater track car, there are better alternatives or you can make one for a lot cheaper than £14k. If you want a practical hatchback which can be taken on track, this isn't that either as it doesn't have seats. Basically it's neither fish nor fowl which is THE main reason why they never sold even the limited number they were hoping for, despite it getting universal praise in all the motoring press which seems to suggest that the majority didn't "get it" either.
People keep mentioning the CSL, that still has rear seats so it can do a track day and then take the family to the weekly shop, people who don't understand THAT "just don't get it"
Although its very good, removing the practicality of the rear seats is putting it right in the territory of more focused 2 seat track day cars.
That said, I did find the Megane easy to use as my only car. The cage didn't encroach on the standard Megane bootspace, so would do the weekly shop with ease, and have transported small bits of furniture and a guitar amp as well. Harnesses could be a pain at tolls but blindspot checking and junctions weren't too bad as the doors are quite long.
Of course the important factor in that is, I don't have kids to lug around so two seats is fine for me. The passenger issue would be important to others.
Now running an Exige as my daily is be more of compromise (one of the models people often mention as a no-brainer alternative to the Megane). Not just the obvious luggage restrictions but it doesn't go near multistorey car parks as the front-end would ground out on the way down. Ironically, we take the Mini GP to do the mundane stuff that requires a boot. Point is though, I'd be a bit stuck if I didn't have the alternative option.
Think it's just a question of circumstance really. A Caterham is apparantly even more of a no brainer alternative (as was proclaimed to me when I first got the R26.R), but I guess you'd probably want a garage to go with that, and maybe a daily runabout as well.
Of course the important factor in that is, I don't have kids to lug around so two seats is fine for me. The passenger issue would be important to others.
Now running an Exige as my daily is be more of compromise (one of the models people often mention as a no-brainer alternative to the Megane). Not just the obvious luggage restrictions but it doesn't go near multistorey car parks as the front-end would ground out on the way down. Ironically, we take the Mini GP to do the mundane stuff that requires a boot. Point is though, I'd be a bit stuck if I didn't have the alternative option.
Think it's just a question of circumstance really. A Caterham is apparantly even more of a no brainer alternative (as was proclaimed to me when I first got the R26.R), but I guess you'd probably want a garage to go with that, and maybe a daily runabout as well.
Edited by Arun_D on Thursday 25th October 13:56
Guvernator said:
Lol lots of defensive Renault owners stating with absolute authority that those who don't like this car "just don't get it". I love when people do that. I get it alright, it's a very decent handling fwd hatchback which has been stripped of weight and a rollcage put in, people have been doing this FOR YEARS so it's not difficult to understand. In fact I've done a few myself in my time.
This is a factory version so it's rare and I am really glad Renault had the balls to make it, however what the fan boys don't seem to get is the point that is being made. If you want a dedicated two seater track car, there are better alternatives or you can make one for a lot cheaper than £14k. If you want a practical hatchback which can be taken on track, this isn't that either as it doesn't have seats. Basically it's neither fish nor fowl which is THE main reason why they never sold even the limited number they were hoping for, despite it getting universal praise in all the motoring press which seems to suggest that the majority didn't "get it" either.
People keep mentioning the CSL, that still has rear seats so it can do a track day and then take the family to the weekly shop, people who don't understand THAT "just don't get it"
Sorry, wouldn't let anyone near the back of the CSL. PITA to get in and out of, centre console between rear seats cracks unbelievably easily, front seat backs mark with similar ease and are near impossible to repair. Chances are some dick will have a go at robbing the bumpers and front splitters if you park it up on the street. SMG doesn't really like traffic. And they're pretty much too loud for driving through towns and cities, and speed ramps are a bit of a nightmare. Don't let 4 seats cloud the judgement, BMW shouldn't have bothered with the rears eitherThis is a factory version so it's rare and I am really glad Renault had the balls to make it, however what the fan boys don't seem to get is the point that is being made. If you want a dedicated two seater track car, there are better alternatives or you can make one for a lot cheaper than £14k. If you want a practical hatchback which can be taken on track, this isn't that either as it doesn't have seats. Basically it's neither fish nor fowl which is THE main reason why they never sold even the limited number they were hoping for, despite it getting universal praise in all the motoring press which seems to suggest that the majority didn't "get it" either.
People keep mentioning the CSL, that still has rear seats so it can do a track day and then take the family to the weekly shop, people who don't understand THAT "just don't get it"
The ethos of both these cars is very similar though
Arun_D said:
Yes, ex R26.R owner here, and my gf (another PHer) has had a GP for a few months now. Both have prodigious front-end grip and traction with their mechanical limited slip diffs, and the reduced mass compared to the cars they're based on can certainly be felt. However the Mini doesn't feel as focused to me, especially when you're sitting on reclining heated leather Recaros, compared to the deeply sculpted carbon shelled buckets and 6-pointers in the Megane. Both a hoot to drive, but the R26.R would be my choice if you're serious about track driving. It just seems to have that extra level of involvement, if that makes sense.
On the road, the Mini's ride can be a bit of a bone shaker, even with the runflats ditched.
Excellent, thanks for info! On the road, the Mini's ride can be a bit of a bone shaker, even with the runflats ditched.
CarlT said:
It's funny from the comments above that people still don't get this car.
An E46 M3 would not see which way this car went on a country road and would struggle to keep up on a track.
If I had the money, I would have one in a flash - it is one of the best cars I have ever driven!
..and good luck making the running costs of an M3 match those of the Renault...An E46 M3 would not see which way this car went on a country road and would struggle to keep up on a track.
If I had the money, I would have one in a flash - it is one of the best cars I have ever driven!
Interesting theme through this thread ... People seemingly dismissing the fun that can be had in this car simply because of the axle which drive is directed through, almost to the point where front wheel drive and fun / involvement and skill behind the wheel are an oxymoron.
Nonsense, IMO!
Nonsense, IMO!
mat205125 said:
Interesting theme through this thread ... People seemingly dismissing the fun that can be had in this car simply because of the axle which drive is directed through, almost to the point where front wheel drive and fun / involvement and skill behind the wheel are an oxymoron.
Nonsense, IMO!
Again, who and where? I've seen nothing of the sort in this thread? Nonsense, IMO!
kambites said:
Again, who and where? I've seen nothing of the sort in this thread?
It's your general attitude and 'train of thought' that clearly demonstrates you don't get it. Why are you even on this thread, bordering on just being a troll nowKeep choosing your words 'carefully' it seems to be working well for you
Back to original topic. It's a car that would be bought by someone who doesn't need 100% practicality. It can though (as others have stated) take the weekly shopping etc.
Something a Vee or Caterham etc cannot!
Darren61 said:
Something a Vee or Caterham etc cannot!
I think plenty of people who run them as daily drivers would disagree with you there. 
I really don't understand why people get so... defensive in these threads and start putting words in the mouths of other people that were neither what they said nor what they meant. I was under the impression that the purpose of pistonheads was to discuss cars - it would be extremely dull if people didn't post on threads about cars they didn't like or didn't understand. If you want that, you're best off in a single marque forum.
Darren61 said:
Back to original topic. It's a car that would be bought by someone who doesn't need 100% practicality. It can though (as others have stated) take the weekly shopping etc.
Something a Vee or Caterham etc cannot!
My Caterham was my only car for 5 years. The weekly shop was easy, going away for a weekend of mountainbiking (MTB carried on the 7) was fine. The only issue was if more than one person needed a lift.Something a Vee or Caterham etc cannot!
Edit: Just to be perfectly clear, I'm not saying the R26.R is in any way not a great car. It patently is a great car. However, FOR ME, it is competing against 2-seat sports cars and FOR ME that brings more interesting daily drivers into play.
Edited by ewenm on Thursday 25th October 15:24
We bought ours new nearly 4 years ago now and still love every drive in it - which has actually only been 11k miles!!
All this FWD/RWD none-sense is just that and you take the .R for what it is - a Renault Megane. Albeit a very capable, great fun, safe, reliable and cost effect way of enjoying motoring from a different angle.
The fellow owners are a great bunch, the RS trackdays just awesome days out (spa in particular this year) and dealers completely and utterly useless!!
Love her (she's called Kylie) and couldn't imagine the garage without the little megane.
All this FWD/RWD none-sense is just that and you take the .R for what it is - a Renault Megane. Albeit a very capable, great fun, safe, reliable and cost effect way of enjoying motoring from a different angle.
The fellow owners are a great bunch, the RS trackdays just awesome days out (spa in particular this year) and dealers completely and utterly useless!!
Love her (she's called Kylie) and couldn't imagine the garage without the little megane.
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