Discussion
Just curious. But what type of person owns these cars and what do you use them for? I'd also be interested in knowing what made you say yes to such a car over more conventional 2 seater performance car options?
BTW - not having a dig, just genuinely interested and fascinated. I know these things are flippin quick! But I'm curious how many are dailys or a persons only vehicle, compared to those that simply bought them as toys and in either case what was it that made you say yes it's a better bet than a Caterham, older NSX, Evo, 996 or even a Focus RS that has far more added practicality if it is a daily.
Cheers.
BTW - not having a dig, just genuinely interested and fascinated. I know these things are flippin quick! But I'm curious how many are dailys or a persons only vehicle, compared to those that simply bought them as toys and in either case what was it that made you say yes it's a better bet than a Caterham, older NSX, Evo, 996 or even a Focus RS that has far more added practicality if it is a daily.
Cheers.
They're a much more interesting option compared to the less exciting 'performance' cars like an Elise or whatever. They're a bit more raw than most hot hatches and they're very exclusive. I would have one if the wife had a fast, comfortable saloon I could borrow! They will no doubt be considered classics in years to come. French hot hatches have always been great, after all.
Baryonyx said:
They're a much more interesting option compared to the less exciting 'performance' cars like an Elise or whatever.
How are they more interesting, in what way?How is an Elise or whatever less exciting, what exactly are you meaning?
Baryonyx said:
They're a bit more raw than most hot hatches and they're very exclusive. I would have one if the wife had a fast, comfortable saloon I could borrow!
So what would be the rational for buying one?Just because it's hatched shape doesn't mean it's really a hot hatch. It's a 2 seater isn't it and fairly impractical?
I don't have anything against them. I'd just like to know what the reason is for saying yes instead of maybe a Caterham if it's just for track use or if its a weekend car why you'd get one over something like a BMW Z4MC.
MSTRBKR said:
I don't have 4 seats in my car because I need them, they're just there. I could get by with just the 2 but it wouldn't make me buy a 2 seater sports car instead.
Can I ask why?MSTRBKR said:
I think a lot of it is to do with the exclusivity of it
I know its rare and there aren't many. But exclusive? Not so sure, you'd have to be a total geek and likely a Renault nut to easily spot one. To most people they just look like a slightly tricked out Renault hatch and nothing out of the ordinary.I admit I actually don't mind how they look, but then as my partner often reminds me, I am a geek!
MSTRBKR said:
and that it still has a boot.
So does a TVR?Baryonyx said:
They're a much more interesting option compared to the less exciting 'performance' cars like an Elise or whatever. They're a bit more raw than most hot hatches and they're very exclusive. I would have one if the wife had a fast, comfortable saloon I could borrow! They will no doubt be considered classics in years to come. French hot hatches have always been great, after all.
More exciting than a Elise? Im surprised you say that.I am guessing that the folk who like hot hatches would be attracted by the idea behind it, it's obviously been done who like their motorsport and because of this it seems like the full fat hot hatch experience. Perhaps even more so than the Ford RS etc.
They seem to sell well in the PH after a glance in there. There is one up with 270bhp, in a car that weighs 1230kg that is not too shabby.
If it wasn't for all those badges then it would be a proper Q car.
Interesting thread, thanks for posting, I will see what the R26R owners actually say, there are not too many of them
They seem to sell well in the PH after a glance in there. There is one up with 270bhp, in a car that weighs 1230kg that is not too shabby.
If it wasn't for all those badges then it would be a proper Q car.
Interesting thread, thanks for posting, I will see what the R26R owners actually say, there are not too many of them
RobCrezz said:
More exciting than a Elise? Im surprised you say that.
Well, I don't find the Elise particularly interesting, inspiring or original. They're nothing special and seem to really be the default choice for someone who wants to buy something that looks a bit sporty. Whereas this is a wild super hatch. The weight saving efforts are marvellous, in a way this Megane reminds me of a rally car for the road. It looks fantastic and, being a Renault effort I can imagine it is quite superb to drive. It's something a bit different and all the better for it. My rationale for wanting one? Because they look like good fun.
300bhp/ton said:
Can I ask why?
Well I can't speak for everyone or anyone that actually has an R26R so it's tricky. I see what you're saying, for the money you could get many other cars. When I got my car it was probably the most capable car I could get for the money so it was a different buying decision, but I know I didn't get it with practicality in mind.I don't think that just because it has 2 seats means that a sports car should be bought instead, some people just like the look of a hatch.
300bhp/ton said:
I know its rare and there aren't many. But exclusive? Not so sure, you'd have to be a total geek and likely a Renault nut to easily spot one. To most people they just look like a slightly tricked out Renault hatch and nothing out of the ordinary.
I admit I actually don't mind how they look, but then as my partner often reminds me, I am a geek!
There are only about 150 though, Renault or not that is rare and even if no one else knows it, you know you've got a rare car which is nice. Since owning my 172 cup I'm keen to stick with the brand, I can definitely see why people bought them over other stuff.I admit I actually don't mind how they look, but then as my partner often reminds me, I am a geek!
300bhp/ton said:
So does a TVR?
Suppose it does, but you could still get furniture in the back of an R26R!
Baryonyx said:
Well, I don't find the Elise particularly interesting, inspiring or original. They're nothing special and seem to really be the default choice for someone who wants to buy something that looks a bit sporty.
Idiotic comment of the week, and definitely one for this year's Pistonheads Moments book.
MSTRBKR said:
300bhp/ton said:
Can I ask why?
Well I can't speak for everyone or anyone that actually has an R26R so it's tricky. I see what you're saying, for the money you could get many other cars. When I got my car it was probably the most capable car I could get for the money so it was a different buying decision, but I know I didn't get it with practicality in mind.So it really came down to performance then? If you could of had a coupe or soft top version of the Clio for the same money, would you still have gone for the hatch? Just asking out of curiosity not saying either is right or wrong
MSTRBKR said:
I don't think that just because it has 2 seats means that a sports car should be bought instead, some people just like the look of a hatch.
I can understand that, and as a used purchase even more so. I can also see the appeal of a new car with warranty. How much was an R26.r new? The classifieds seem to suggest £16-18k will get you one now. But at that money that still leaves a lot of high HP cars available as alternatives though.MSTRBKR said:
Suppose it does, but you could still get furniture in the back of an R26R!
Can you? I've not been in a modern Megene. But I know you'd not have got much in my Dad's Astra or a friends Ibiza unless you folded the seats down. The boots where tiny on both.Or is there additional space behind the drivers seats between the cage?
EDIT:
Wow, that must be small furniture you have.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 10th June 11:11
Baryonyx said:
Well, I don't find the Elise particularly interesting, inspiring or original. They're nothing special and seem to really be the default choice for someone who wants to buy something that looks a bit sporty. Whereas this is a wild super hatch. The weight saving efforts are marvellous, in a way this Megane reminds me of a rally car for the road. It looks fantastic and, being a Renault effort I can imagine it is quite superb to drive. It's something a bit different and all the better for it.
My rationale for wanting one? Because they look like good fun.
But Elises are sporty. The engine is in the right place, they drive the rear wheels, they are much lighter than this so called lightweight hatch.My rationale for wanting one? Because they look like good fun.
300bhp/ton said:
Yeah sorry, was meaning why wouldn't you have a 2 seater sports car when you said you don't need 4 seats. Rather than asking about the R26r.
So it really came down to performance then? If you could of had a coupe or soft top version of the Clio for the same money, would you still have gone for the hatch? Just asking out of curiosity not saying either is right or wrong
Given the choice between something that looked like an S2000 or the hatch I have no idea what I'd choose. A soft top isn't something I really want at my age, you've got to be much older for that right? So it really came down to performance then? If you could of had a coupe or soft top version of the Clio for the same money, would you still have gone for the hatch? Just asking out of curiosity not saying either is right or wrong
But if there was no hatch and just a soft top I'd have it.A coupé though, I'd probably have that over the hatch given a choice between the two.
300bhp/ton said:
Can you? I've not been in a modern Megene. But I know you'd not have got much in my Dad's Astra or a friends Ibiza unless you folded the seats down. The boots where tiny on both.
Or is there additional space behind the drivers seats between the cage?
Admittedly, I was making quite a big assumption there. On a second look, there's a lot of cage there so maybe smash up whatever your luggage is into small pieces first Or is there additional space behind the drivers seats between the cage?
In answer to your OP, I'm not sure, I would definitely go for something more exotic if it was my money....
There's one across the road from me, when I see the guy I'll ask him, but to be fair he does live in aconverted Pullman carriage, so rational decision making may not be his strong point!
There's one across the road from me, when I see the guy I'll ask him, but to be fair he does live in aconverted Pullman carriage, so rational decision making may not be his strong point!
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