Focus St, Golf Gti or Megane R26?
Discussion
Hi guys,
i know this has probably been done to death but can't find much on the search.
Basically. I'm getting a bit sick f the 17mpg from my S4 and want something newer also. Whilst almost 450bhp is nice, i am looking for something that's going to cost less to run.
I've narrowed it down to these three, but my budget is around 7,000.
I can either get an 05-06 Focus or Golf with around 70-100k for this money, or an 07 plate megane R26 with 50k. I do like the meganes, but the interior and comfort is quite important to me, and was wondering what people think? Is the megane gonig to be a typical french, plasticy rattly thing?
i know this has probably been done to death but can't find much on the search.
Basically. I'm getting a bit sick f the 17mpg from my S4 and want something newer also. Whilst almost 450bhp is nice, i am looking for something that's going to cost less to run.
I've narrowed it down to these three, but my budget is around 7,000.
I can either get an 05-06 Focus or Golf with around 70-100k for this money, or an 07 plate megane R26 with 50k. I do like the meganes, but the interior and comfort is quite important to me, and was wondering what people think? Is the megane gonig to be a typical french, plasticy rattly thing?
Well, I can give a little insight from personal experience. I test drove the Focus ST and Golf GTi back-to-back, the Focus was the clear winner for me, the 5 pot noise, the slightly more agressive stance and look to it were exactly what I wanted.
The Golf was a great all-rounder, but didn't really feel like a hot hatch to me.
I toyed with the Megane, but after owning a standard 1.4 Megane that cost a fortune in repairs, I soon discounted it. I understand the R26 is built in a different place by the performance division and is by most accounts a solid car... Call me silly, but I couldn't get passed the badge.
One thing I will say, the Focus was the best for me at the time, but I only just cleared 20 mpg, all urban driving, which was my eventual reason for moving on. It's quick, and fun, but I suspect not much more frugal than your S4...
The Golf was a great all-rounder, but didn't really feel like a hot hatch to me.
I toyed with the Megane, but after owning a standard 1.4 Megane that cost a fortune in repairs, I soon discounted it. I understand the R26 is built in a different place by the performance division and is by most accounts a solid car... Call me silly, but I couldn't get passed the badge.
One thing I will say, the Focus was the best for me at the time, but I only just cleared 20 mpg, all urban driving, which was my eventual reason for moving on. It's quick, and fun, but I suspect not much more frugal than your S4...
I think if you are used to 450hp and AWD, any of these will be a come down.
I'm also not convinced you're going to reap huge gains in either reliability or running costs. A Focus ST isn't really know for it's great mpg ability.
Out of these 3? Not sure, but not the Golf.
Does it need to be a hatch?
I'm also not convinced you're going to reap huge gains in either reliability or running costs. A Focus ST isn't really know for it's great mpg ability.
Out of these 3? Not sure, but not the Golf.
Does it need to be a hatch?
Rich n Em said:
Well, I can give a little insight from personal experience. I test drove the Focus ST and Golf GTi back-to-back, the Focus was the clear winner for me, the 5 pot noise, the slightly more agressive stance and look to it were exactly what I wanted.
The Golf was a great all-rounder, but didn't really feel like a hot hatch to me.
I toyed with the Megane, but after owning a standard 1.4 Megane that cost a fortune in repairs, I soon discounted it. I understand the R26 is built in a different place by the performance division and is by most accounts a solid car... Call me silly, but I couldn't get passed the badge.
One thind I will say, the Focus was the best for me, but I only just cleared 20 mpg, all urban driving though.
Great advice, go with the focusThe Golf was a great all-rounder, but didn't really feel like a hot hatch to me.
I toyed with the Megane, but after owning a standard 1.4 Megane that cost a fortune in repairs, I soon discounted it. I understand the R26 is built in a different place by the performance division and is by most accounts a solid car... Call me silly, but I couldn't get passed the badge.
One thind I will say, the Focus was the best for me, but I only just cleared 20 mpg, all urban driving though.
(£300 on a remap will see 270bhp out of it too)
Definitely get a drive in the R26. I tested the same cars and ended up with the Megane. It is a solid car, and rides superbly, since you're concerned about comfort. Feels like a proper hot hatch too..I didn't think the ST did. Felt more of a torquey cruiser. Torque biasing diff in the R26 gives it bags of front-end grip as well.
I prefered the drive in the GTi to the ST, but it lacked some character somewhat.
I prefered the drive in the GTi to the ST, but it lacked some character somewhat.
Edited by Arun_D on Wednesday 26th October 10:21
doesn't really need to be a hatch no. Just something newer, still fastish, slightly cheaper on fuel, practical(ish) and comfortable!
I will be getting whatever i get re-mapped, hence leaning towards a turbo. Any other sugegstions then?
Can't believe how shocking the Focus is on fuel! What will the average mpg with a re-map be? mixed driving.
I will be getting whatever i get re-mapped, hence leaning towards a turbo. Any other sugegstions then?
Can't believe how shocking the Focus is on fuel! What will the average mpg with a re-map be? mixed driving.
300bhp/ton said:
I think if you are used to 450hp and AWD, any of these will be a come down.
I'm also not convinced you're going to reap huge gains in either reliability or running costs. A Focus ST isn't really know for it's great mpg ability.
Out of these 3? Not sure, but not the Golf.
Does it need to be a hatch?
why do you say not the golf? I really like the inside of these! Are they a bit uninspiring them? even when mapped?I'm also not convinced you're going to reap huge gains in either reliability or running costs. A Focus ST isn't really know for it's great mpg ability.
Out of these 3? Not sure, but not the Golf.
Does it need to be a hatch?
I know it's going to be a come down frmo a 450bhp twin turbo S4, but it's not even fun having that much power nowadays. Nothing that fancies a blat comes anywhere near keeping up, and it's gettnig on a bit now so things are starting to go wrong. I want somethnig i'm not going to have to spend loads in repairs on!
Tested all 3, bought a GTi. Focus was out on mpg and depreciation, Renault felt a bit too eager all of the time, and the Golf seemed the perfect all-rounder - decent in a cruise, but well able to take a good thrashing on a b-road, and contrary to one or two comments above, I thought it had real character when pressing on.
I've said it elsewhere on PH, but pound for pound, probably the best car I've ever owned.
(I agree though, after 400+bhp, 197, mappable to 240ish, will seem like a come down)
I've said it elsewhere on PH, but pound for pound, probably the best car I've ever owned.
(I agree though, after 400+bhp, 197, mappable to 240ish, will seem like a come down)
I chose the R26, a work colleague the Focus. We had similar commutes- my average was 27.9mpg, he stuggled to reach 23mpg.
You can read my views on the Renault in my profile but as is said above I'd try all three. The Renault is a bit more hardcore than the other two (and the chunky recaros can make getting into the back interesting) but it's still a comfy cruiser and I did 30k trouble free miles in mine. The Focus is fun but I wasn't keen on the high driving position and it didn't feel as sporting as the Renault. It does have better inteior plastics though.
You can read my views on the Renault in my profile but as is said above I'd try all three. The Renault is a bit more hardcore than the other two (and the chunky recaros can make getting into the back interesting) but it's still a comfy cruiser and I did 30k trouble free miles in mine. The Focus is fun but I wasn't keen on the high driving position and it didn't feel as sporting as the Renault. It does have better inteior plastics though.
ok, fuel economy is nt such a huge issue as i only do about 8k a year. I just hoped for better than the Audi!
I didn't realise that the golf only achieved 23mpg in town! That's hardly betetr than the focus, and the only thing swaying towards the golf from the focus was the promise of about 30mpg!!
I think i'm now swaying towards the focus. Being the 2.5 volvo lump. I'm guessing they are pretty reliable? Are they a nice place to be inside though? Think i need to test drive one!
I didn't realise that the golf only achieved 23mpg in town! That's hardly betetr than the focus, and the only thing swaying towards the golf from the focus was the promise of about 30mpg!!
I think i'm now swaying towards the focus. Being the 2.5 volvo lump. I'm guessing they are pretty reliable? Are they a nice place to be inside though? Think i need to test drive one!
nick s said:
why do you say not the golf? I really like the inside of these! Are they a bit uninspiring them? even when mapped?
I know it's going to be a come down frmo a 450bhp twin turbo S4, but it's not even fun having that much power nowadays. Nothing that fancies a blat comes anywhere near keeping up, and it's gettnig on a bit now so things are starting to go wrong. I want somethnig i'm not going to have to spend loads in repairs on!
I don't think there is really anything wrong with the Golf, just doesn't do it for me on any level. Really not keen on the interior look, feel or styling. It just reeks blandness.I know it's going to be a come down frmo a 450bhp twin turbo S4, but it's not even fun having that much power nowadays. Nothing that fancies a blat comes anywhere near keeping up, and it's gettnig on a bit now so things are starting to go wrong. I want somethnig i'm not going to have to spend loads in repairs on!
Not keen on the MPV cum panel van exterior styling either. And from what I can tell it's just too much of a jack of all trades master of none to actually be a car you'll end up being passionate about.
nick s said:
Can't believe how shocking the Focus is on fuel! What will the average mpg with a re-map be? mixed driving.
I'm sure you'll get a wide variety of quotes, but I've done some impartial browsing and I'd say the consensus seems to be 22-24mpg is realistic average. 28-30 on more of a run if you drive gentle and sub 20's quite possible and just as likely if you're having fun.nick s said:
doesn't really need to be a hatch no. Just something newer, still fastish, slightly cheaper on fuel, practical(ish) and comfortable!
I will be getting whatever i get re-mapped, hence leaning towards a turbo. Any other sugegstions then?
What is practical? Not trying to be funny at all, but if 99% of the time you only carry you and maybe one other person and nothing more than a few squishy bags in the back. Then a 2 seater car is just as practical as an estate, in fact a 2 seater car could be seen as "more fit for purpose".I will be getting whatever i get re-mapped, hence leaning towards a turbo. Any other sugegstions then?
If you want a remap, then I guess you're really after turbo power?
And how new does it need to be?
Some left filed thinking.
If you are after reducing fuel cost while still having a fun car, how about considering something like a VX220. The 2.2 is smooth and it's not exactly a slow car, although won't give the same shove as a turbo motor. But it does handle great, doesn't have much to go wrong on it and will easily offer 30-40mpg ability.
Want more comfort, then how about a 350z? Again no turbo, but IMO a far better looking and a far more fun car to own than pretty much any fwd hatchback. MPG won't be massively better than you get now, but would be at least comparable with a Focus ST and offers similar performance to a remapped ST too.
More comfort again, Chrysler Crossfire. 6 speed manual or even an auto if you want and a Merc 3.2 V6. Tiff gave it a good write up on Fifth Gear, more 2 seat GT than sports car though. But from what you say that should be a good thing. 2007 plate should be available for your budget.
Sticking with a saloon theme as per you're S4, an Evo VIII is well within budget. Easily out performs the hatches in stock trim, more practical and likely no worse on fuel than the ST.
And of course BMW's. No turbo's again, but I think a 130i is in budget. Pretty quick though and IMO a better package than the FWD Golf.
Might even find a 120/123d available too, not as quick as some of the hatches, but not hugely slower once remapped, but do offer hugely better mpg.
DanDC5 said:
Another suggestion for you, Astra VXR. I could easily get 30mpg+ out of mine driving normally, plus it's something a bit you don't see as often as the ST, Golf or R26.
No but you do see hundreds and hundreds of 1.9 diesels wearing the VXR body kits and being a look a-like.DanDC5 said:
Another suggestion for you, Astra VXR. I could easily get 30mpg+ out of mine driving normally, plus it's something a bit you don't see as often as the ST, Golf or R26.
Depends where you live. I see far more VXR's than the other three put together.Anyways in regards to choice. My driving past is similar to the OP's in terms of I also had a 1.4 Megane, with it's fair share of faults, but if it came down to it I'd have an R26 every day of the week.
They look a million times nicer than the other two (IMO of course) and they always seemed to get fantastic reviews, IIRC they were always considered a better drive than the GTi and probably not far off (or better) than the ST.
thanks for the other suggestions. I have looked at everythign and as i'm saving for a huose a few of those are out!
I.e the Evo. As much as i'd love one. servicing costs are high, and it's bound to have more go wrong than a modern hot hatch? I just ened something for all round driving really. Including long motorway trips. I like all the mod cons like heate dleather, cruise control etc, which is why i was swaying to a hot hatch really? I def want something turbo powered aswell.
RE the VX220. I used to have a supercharged elise, and whilst i loved it and miss it all the time, they are horrible cars for the morning winter commute!
I.e the Evo. As much as i'd love one. servicing costs are high, and it's bound to have more go wrong than a modern hot hatch? I just ened something for all round driving really. Including long motorway trips. I like all the mod cons like heate dleather, cruise control etc, which is why i was swaying to a hot hatch really? I def want something turbo powered aswell.
RE the VX220. I used to have a supercharged elise, and whilst i loved it and miss it all the time, they are horrible cars for the morning winter commute!
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