Tell me about Megane 225s

[mikehiow]

I've had my Clio 182 FF for a little over two years now and I've loved almost every minute of it, despite spending a fortune on a suspension refresh, cambelts etc. it's been generally pretty damned reliable - even a day thrashing it around Silverstone GP with almost no breaks, showed no signs of giving up - it's now on 152k miles.

It's great fun when I fancy a spirited drive, but it's getting a little long in the tooth for pottering around in. I want something a bigger, a little more grown up and a little more comfortable.

I've looked at loads of B7 A4s, E46 330s etc. but I find it hard to get excited about them - whilst I want something more comfortable, I can't help but think I'd miss the handling of the Clio.

So does the Megane fit the bill? It seems I need an R26 if I want LSD - is this the model to go for?

I'd be grateful for any information or opinions

[roystinho]

The R26 is the one to go for, I didn't think much of my 225. Great for cruising on motorways, but I like going on B road blast and it was a bit wobbly, felt heavy and a bit numb. Mine made was for a 182 Trophy. R26, like you say, has a LSD and a much better suspension set up.

[mikehiow]

What improvements are there to the R26 other than the LSD?

[keo]

mikehiow said:

What improvements are there to the R26 other than the LSD?

I arent sure if there is anything else but i think, 230bhp and recaro bucket seats

[harrisp]

Ive got a e46 330 and looking at picking up a cheap 172/182 as I'm hoping they will be more fun to drive, although I don't find mine boring to drive.

[mikehiow]

I don't think you'll find much more fun than a well sorted 172/182.

The only thing that hasn't disappointed me since having my 182 is a MK1 MX5, but I didn't find the MX5 inspired confidence like the Clio does, so being nervous as hell at anything over 70MPH takes something away IMO.

[roystinho]

keo said:

mikehiow said:

What improvements are there to the R26 other than the LSD?

I arent sure if there is anything else but i think, 230bhp and recaro bucket seats

Better suspension also. Little changes but big difference

[vsabljic]

regular F1 has very firm suspension, R26 is quite soft but great handling. LCD is good, but not the most important improvement. It's not just different setup of springs and shocks, but different geometry, completely different suspension in the back...

[mikehiow]

So is the F1 model simply a stiffer, slightly more focussed R26? Are all F1s R26s?

[shoestring7]

mikehiow said:

- even a day thrashing it around Silverstone GP with almost no breaks

Sadly, I no longer know what this means.

SS7

[longdogger]

We bought a megane 225 to replace our ep3 type R and hated it. It had the most intrusive traction control system I've ever come across. You can turn it off but it reactivates when you go over 30mph.
I think they sorted it on cup and trophy models

[mikehiow]

shoestring7 said:

Sadly, I no longer know what this means.

SS7

Not sure what you're getting at here, but just to clarify I really mean no breaks rather than no brakes.

[kayzee]

I'm in a similar situation to you, but I can't get past the rear of the Megane it's just so damn ugly.

So I've been considering a MCS or CTR as a next car... or possibly a 330Ci Sport or Audi TT 225 to go a completely different route.

[roystinho]

mikehiow said:

So is the F1 model simply a stiffer, slightly more focussed R26? Are all F1s R26s?

All R26s are the same. A 225 F1 came out before which was just a 225 cup with a nice interior.

The full title for the R26 is something like Renaultsport Megane 230 F1 team R26