Megane R26 ?

[jackal]

what are they like then ?

how do they compare to the 172/187 clios ?

bigger car ? heavier ?

[ArtVandelay]

jackal said:

what are they like then ?

how do they compare to the 172/182 clios ?

bigger car ? heavier ?

I've got the face lifted Cup which has all the improvements Renault made to the Trophy but lacks the slip-diff that the R26 and about 5bhp. The R26 also has larger rear brakes.

They are larger than the Clio and have a different power delivery due to the turbocharged engine. From roughly 2k rpm onwards is a lot of torque which is great for overtaking on the motorway as the car accelerates fairly eagerly in any gear. The R26 gets bucket seats which were an optional extra on the Cup and they're pretty comfortable although by no means the greatest for any lengthy journeys.

The best bit I find about my car is the brakes. They've got plenty of feel and excellent stopping power, and with the R26 having bigger rear units, I'd imagine it to be even better.

The ride is okay for daily use, it's firm but never annoying to me despite having some awful roads around here. The car has plenty of grip and nicely weighted steering although the traction control can be a bit over eager but it can be turned off. I'm currently running mine on Vredestien Sessanta Ultracs all round which are better tyres than the standard Dunlops.

As the car is larger than the Clio, it is also more practical. During the Christmas period I've used mine as the rubbish hauler to the tip, carrying two large plasma screens in the back and hauling suitcases about and the car has managed everything I've thrown at it.

MPG wise I get between 26-28mpg and that is almost all driving through town. On the motorway you can easily see 35-36mpg and if you're a saint you can get above 40mpg. The lowest I've had is 24mpg average... I found a nice section of empty road and couldn't resist

The R26 is all the Cup is and more.

I've been in two 172s, the older model and the one just before the 182 and the quality of the Megane is far superior. I have heard that the Clio is more fun but as I've never driven one I can't say.