Tuesday 21st February 2017

Renault Clio 172 Cup/Megane R26: PH Fleet

Not content with one Renaultsport hot hatch, Ben has bought another!

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It would appear I've got a bit behind on my Renaultsport flavoured updates, so I'll wind back the clock a bit to September 2016. With KV52 RYX freshly prepped and ready for some action on track, it only seemed fair to take the plucky little Clio out to Spa-Francorchamps for the Renaultsport track day, where my old Trophy had its inaugural track outing. But this time I was heading out with a car 70kg lighter, sat on BC Racing coilovers, with bigger Brembo brakes and super sticky Avon ZZR tyres. Add a dash more experience and it was shaping up for a pretty exciting trip. The result? The blue Clio was 20 seconds a lap faster around Spa than the red Clio.

Clio will be back at Silverstone very soon!

I've never driven a car that's so confidence inspiring. The set up is beautifully balanced; the steering feels so direct and predictable, with the Avon tyres providing an almost unbreakable level of grip. The only understeer I experienced was from driver error, getting back on the power too soon out of a corner and not being patient enough to let the car turn in. Any back end movement was easily caught and corrected; I was having the time of my life and in a 14-year-old Clio with just a few bits bolted onto it. Budget track day motoring at its finest. I think I managed to do a pretty convincing job of proving this to a few PHers during some passenger laps at our Silverstone Sunday Service in October too; I'll be back out again on the March 5 if anyone wants to see what it's like!

I've booked myself onto the first two rounds of the Javelin Trackdays Sprint Series too, so it's looking like a busy year ahead. Meanwhile since purchasing the Clio, my daily car had progressed from a Mk1 Audi TT Quattro Sport to an R56 Mini JCW GP. While the Mini was a fantastic car and in many respects felt like a more grown up version of the Clio, I'd been itching to get into a Megane and an R26 230 F1 Edition popped up close to me, so I went for a poke around. An hour later, I'd bought it.

Mini out and Megane in for daily driver duties

Similarly to when I bought the Clio I spent a lot of time buried in forums researching any potential issues that could come up, and of course reading through the PH Buying Guide. While the Liquid Yellow cars are seemingly rare, a quarter of the 1,272 R26s sold in the UK were actually painted in the pearly finish, which was a £1,200 option. And, well, I think it's a fantastic colour. I bought it from a very nice policeman fairly standard, with almost full service history at "some independent garage" called Mark Fish (a well known specialist in Renaultsport circles). I knew it had been well maintained and it was immaculate for the age and mileage, so I couldn't resist. Sorry Mini.

At 324kg heavier than the Clio, the Megane is a very different Renaultsport experience. In fact, they both weigh in at exactly 170hp/tonne but if I'd have to pick which felt faster, I'd say the Clio as it's just so raw and intense. Still, driving the Clio as a daily car would be fairly uncomfortable, so I'm content to sit back in the plush comfy Recaros and waft down around the M25 in the Megane. Somewhat surprisingly, it doesn't attract any negative attention either.

Rather better suited to trekking around the M25

Plans for now are to fit a new head unit to get some modern tech into it, upgrade the brakes, replace the tyres and get a shiny new exhaust system. Where the naturally aspirated F4R engine in the Clio can be tiring to extract power from if you're not quite in the mood, you can be lazy with the boost from the turbocharged F4Rt (stop sniggering) engine in the Megane. It's good old-fashioned turbo power delivery too; I relish lag while you're waiting for the turbo to spool up and give you a kick in the back. It might not be as fast or as economical as the linear boost delivery of newer turbocharged engines, but it's just so much more entertaining.

Time will tell if it's going to be as reliable as my other Renaults, but I remain hopeful given its previous history. It will be due a cambelt change this year, which is expensive on any Renaultsport car and is likely to set me back £600-700 at a reputable specialist. Unlike the F4R in the Clio though, the F4Rt doesn't have a dephaser pulley that needs changing so at least that's one less expense. Other than that, I'm going to stick fuel in it, enjoy and it and maybe get it out on track to see how it compares to its stablemate.

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FACT SHEET
Car: 2002 Renault Clio 172 Cup
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: May 2016
Mileage: 34,012
Purchase price: £3,300
Last month at a glance: Ben's choice mods really pay dividends at Spa

Previous reports:
Trophy out and Cup in as Ben changes Clios

Car: 2007 Renault Megane 230 F1 Edition
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: December 2016
Mileage: 73,938
Purchase price: £5,000
Last month at a glance: Another Renaultsport legend joins Ben's fleet!

Watch the video here
 

Thanks to Renault Sport for taking me along to Spa-Francorchamps.

[sh33n]

Both fantastic cars, good article! I've owned both and still sort of miss them.

The 172 Cup was my first taste of a 'hot hatch' having upgrade from a 1.2 Punto; couldn't believe just how much fine and fast (at least to a young me) it was.

After a stint in a couple of Honda's I then returned to a brand new R26. I still think (inflation aside) this was just the best value car I've ever bought. ~£16k on a Friends and Family deal from Reno. Had loads of fun it in, plenty fast enough and the corner speed and grip with the LSD felt amazing.

On a side note....I remember many moons ago a chap that ran (owned?) one of the Meg forums was a copper with a yellow R26. Same chap maybe...

[Blanchimont]

These Megane's get under your skin.

I have a black, facelift Megane RS265 which I adored, but had to sell. I had a brief stint (2 months) in a Fiesta ST, and first opportunity (first one in the spec I wanted came up) I was straight back to a white, pre facelift 250. Best decision I've ever made.

They have their annoyances, but to drive, they're incredible. The seller of mind was genuinely sad when I drove off, I actually felt a little sorry for him as I knew how he felt! The seller of mine was toying with the idea of buying a 275 Trophy to replace it!

Having done a TD with a predominantly Renault group, the really fast cars were the Meganes. 1 R26 thumping around (in the wet) like he had glue on his tires, and the other (a 370hp Mk3) when it dried up become mentally fast.

Anybody who says FWD cars are "wrong wheel drive". Drive one. Yes they may not be as "comfy" as a german brand, but how many people go back to exactly the same car, twice?

[jameswsb]

I had a white R26 for two years and it was the definition of a great hot hatch. It was used as a daily driver and would do late 30's to the gallon on the motorway but it also handled a trip to the continent including four laps round the Ring and a trackday at Spa with consummate ease. The week I got back i moved house with it!

The best handling steed i have owned, even better than my old MK2 Focus RS and the Clio 182 that does the daily stuff at the moment. The gearbox wasnt great and the engine was lacking a bit of character but overall it was brilliant and totally reliable too. Cant believe how cheap they are these days, a total bargain!

[nicholasm]

I know Spa's a long circuit but 20 seconds quicker than the Trophy is pretty amazing. Put me down for a passenger lap on the 5th March

[Speed Badger]

I am literally this week, having to sell my black 2015 facelift Mégane 265 which I also love to bits. Circumstances have changed and I need to free up some cash and was considering a switch to an R26 or a Civic Type R FN2 to keep my hot hatch hand in. I'm so gutted as the Mégane was first registered on my birthday (day and month obviously!) and mileage is not even in 5 figures yet .

Do I go for an R26 or the Civic? I've owned a bit of both on the Honda and Renault sides -

Honda
Civic Type R EP3
Civic Type R FD2
Integra Type R DC2
Integra Type R DC5

Renault
Clio 172
Clio 182
Clio 200
Mégane 250
Mégane 265

But never an FN2 or Mégane II...

[3yardy3]

Speed Badger said:

I am literally this week, having to sell my black 2015 facelift Mégane 265 which I also love to bits. Circumstances have changed and I need to free up some cash and was considering a switch to an R26 or a Civic Type R FN2 to keep my hot hatch hand in. I'm so gutted as the Mégane was first registered on my birthday (day and month obviously!) and mileage is not even in 5 figures yet .

Do I go for an R26 or the Civic? I've owned a bit of both on the Honda and Renault sides -

Honda
Civic Type R EP3
Civic Type R FD2
Integra Type R DC2
Integra Type R DC5

Renault
Clio 172
Clio 182
Clio 200
Mégane 250
Mégane 265

But never an FN2 or Mégane II...

I currently own an FN2 Type R, i have the GT spec 2009.

It is great for me as a daily as it has auto wiper's, lights, fold in wing mirrors etc... Its not the fastest and also not the slowest it's a great all rounder, ride is a bit harsh, but why buy a hot hatch and moan about ride stiffness... A lot of people do seem to moan about it though.

[BenLowden]

sh33n said:

Both fantastic cars, good article! I've owned both and still sort of miss them.

Thanks! I'm so glad that Dan and James got me to try a Clio as I'm a full on Renaultsport convert now. I don't think it was the same copper though, I'm sure he would have said something if so.

nicholasm said:

I know Spa's a long circuit but 20 seconds quicker than the Trophy is pretty amazing. Put me down for a passenger lap on the 5th March

Definitely, just ask for me at the PH merch tent and I'll happily take you out!

Speed Badger said:

Do I go for an R26 or the Civic? I've owned a bit of both on the Honda and Renault sides

I'm just outside of Sevenoaks in Kent if you're ever in the area, more than happy to take you out. But I'm a bit biased...

[Blanchimont]

Speed Badger said:

I am literally this week, having to sell my black 2015 facelift Mégane 265 which I also love to bits. Circumstances have changed and I need to free up some cash and was considering a switch to an R26 or a Civic Type R FN2 to keep my hot hatch hand in. I'm so gutted as the Mégane was first registered on my birthday (day and month obviously!) and mileage is not even in 5 figures yet .

Do I go for an R26 or the Civic? I've owned a bit of both on the Honda and Renault sides -

Honda
Civic Type R EP3
Civic Type R FD2
Integra Type R DC2
Integra Type R DC5

Renault
Clio 172
Clio 182
Clio 200
Mégane 250
Mégane 265

But never an FN2 or Mégane II...

Buy a well specced 250;) 95% of the same things you love, along with a price you'll love too .

[madmatteo]

Loved my liquid yellow R26. Only issue I had with it over 18 months was one of the CV boots leaking (can be seen by a significant build up of grease on the wheels). Common fault apparently but relatively cheap to fix as well.

What I don't necessarily agree with is the lack of negative attention (at least during my ownership anyway). Things may well have changed (mine was sold in 2012) but I found that it conjured up all sorts of negative attention. In fact, I remember one particular occasion whilst stationary and turning out of a T-junction when a dog walker decided to demonstrate with an unpleasant hand gesture just how negatively he felt about the car (and me). I also found that lots of people wanted to race you which became a little annoying when using it as a daily.

One small recommendation with this car is to drop the back seats which totally changes the noise inside the cabin. By doing this, you free up a little more of the turbo whistle noise at lower revs and the almost jet type noise at higher revs. It really is worth trying out if/when not carrying passengers.

Also, worth thinking about an R26R spoiler being added at the back - I had one as I thought it helped complete the side profile of the car.

[HJMS123]

Owned an R26 for a year and loved it ... They have all the spec you need in a daily driver! The way they grip for a FWD car is incredible ... takes a lead foot in second gear to properly lose traction.

Mark Black changed my belts etc ... cost me about £400 all in! He did all the work on mine and I highly recommend him.

[TrivsTom]

F**k me, £3,300 for the 172 cup? Paid £1000 for my 172 on a 53 plate with 86500 miles and FULL service history in December last year. You were ripped off my friend..

[Motorrad]

TrivsTom said:

F**k me, £3,300 for the 172 cup? Paid £1000 for my 172 on a 53 plate with 86500 miles and FULL service history in December last year. You were ripped off my friend..

It depends on what state it was in. Recent belt/dephaser has to add a few hundred to the price, likewise tasty aftermarket parts and cups are on the up! It also has 34K miles on it according to the article.
Cheapest nice looking cup in the classifieds stands at 100K+ miles, is 2K pre-haggle and it looks like a cracker. I could see one with decent upgrades going for 3 and a bit.

Here's a 4.5K example!http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/renault/renaultsport-clio/renault-clio-renaultsport-172-cup-16v---------2002/6847673

Edited by Motorrad on Tuesday 21st February 15:02

[BenLowden]

madmatteo said:

What I don't necessarily agree with is the lack of negative attention (at least during my ownership anyway). Things may well have changed (mine was sold in 2012) but I found that it conjured up all sorts of negative attention. In fact, I remember one particular occasion whilst stationary and turning out of a T-junction when a dog walker decided to demonstrate with an unpleasant hand gesture just how negatively he felt about the car (and me). I also found that lots of people wanted to race you which became a little annoying when using it as a daily.

One small recommendation with this car is to drop the back seats which totally changes the noise inside the cabin. By doing this, you free up a little more of the turbo whistle noise at lower revs and the almost jet type noise at higher revs. It really is worth trying out if/when not carrying passengers.

Interesting! I had a similar experience to your dog walker when I was driving a GT86 Aero we had in on test, was quite hilarious really. Thanks for the tip, I'll give that a try on the way home tonight

TrivsTom said:

F**k me, £3,300 for the 172 cup? Paid £1000 for my 172 on a 53 plate with 86500 miles and FULL service history in December last year. You were ripped off my friend..

You may have missed the bit where it says the car is on 34K miles. I think I had an absolute bargain; cars with this mileage are changing hands at over £5K at the moment! Still, I don't think you can have more fun for a grand with a higher mileage example like yours. Standard 172s are an absolute bargain right now.

[Butter Face]

I remember when I first started working at Renault at the age of 23, my sales manager had a succession of R26's as his company car.

Not long afert I started, his new car arrived, Cap red, It was ace. He chucked me the keys and told me to take it for fuel. It was amazing.

They are superb cars.

[Calza]

In 2 years I never attracted any negative attention in my black R26.

Shame as I'd spent a fair old wedge making it 350bhp!

[diluculophile]

I was giving serious consideration to an R26 F1 a while back, although in a slightly more subtle colour.
Ended up keeping my daily driver (focus) and adding a 182 Trophy.
Having driven the trophy on some amazing Manx roads, I don't regret the purchase - but a comfortable daily driver it isn't.
Horribly noisy on a motorway run. Also feel that any non-fun mile is just a waste.

But now you've got me thinking that a megane could be a viable daily...
Tempting.
How many bikes can you get in the back of an R26?

[ZX10R NIN]

I've always liked the way these drive

[Kosy]

Nice work Ben, enjoyed reading that. The RS bug has bitten bad!

Get the R26 along to Paul at RS Tuning in Leeds for a remap. I guarantee it will feel different league quick compared to the Clio after that. It won't make a big headline figure (around 255-260bhp) but the driveability and pick up is like night and day. You'll swear it has 300bhp.

Be prepared to lose the unique turbo rasp if you change exhaust though.

[GibsonSG]

madmatteo said:

One small recommendation with this car is to drop the back seats which totally changes the noise inside the cabin. By doing this, you free up a little more of the turbo whistle noise at lower revs and the almost jet type noise at higher revs. It really is worth trying out if/when not carrying passengers.

Also, worth thinking about an R26R spoiler being added at the back - I had one as I thought it helped complete the side profile of the car.

I'm glad it's not just me that's noticed this! I've got a 275 Cup-S and thankfully had to shift some kit with the seats down a week after I bought it. Now the seats are only up if my pesky kids have to be in the back. As soon as they are out the seats are back down.....

Makes a heck of difference, and it's not unpleasant for motorway hauling either - which is what mine does 75% of the time.

[John D.]

I'll have to try folding the back seats down in my 275. Used to run my 172 Cup sans parcel shelf as it made the exhaust note a bit louder in the cabin. Not much between you and the exhaust with not even a spare wheel in the wheel well!