RE: Renault Sport Megane 280 vs. Hyundai i30 N

[FN2TypeR]

Ahbefive said:

FN2TypeR said:

I'd take the Civic over either of them, for what it's worth.

Likewise I'd take the Focus RS over either of these or the Civic but I don't think anyone would be disappointed with just about any modern hot hatch on sale.

I think I have only seen 2 I30N's on the road and yet to see a megane.

I haven't seen one on the road yet,

I've half a mind to sniff out a Hyundai dealership so that I can see one in the flesh!

Agreed about the hot hatch market at the moment, it's excellent.

[Frimley111R]

bimbeano said:

Your current Megane RS will always feel more 'real' than this new Mégane 4 RS.

Exactly. Don't blame Renault, they are all like this. All are getting bigger, more comfy and less connected. You need to go down to a Fiesta or Clio etc to get the same type of handling and fun.

On a full day hoon last year a friend stepped out of his Golf R looking like he'd just driven to the shops. In my R26 I was knackered. His car was quicker but I had all the fun of actually driving it.It wolud be the same if he was in any of these mega hatches.

[nickfrog]

For me making them a bit more comfy / civilised just enhances their versatility. Considering the new Megane is no heavier than the old one despite rear wheel steer, I have a feeling that a Cup will still be a trackable daily proposition. Personally I don't have fun on the busy potholed network of public roads so more comfort on the way to the track sounds good.

[RemaL]

Having helped my 61yo mother into looking for her next car in the Spring she bought a i30N and loves it. I've driven it a few times and it's a very capable car.
I also test drove the new golf and while the interior was better quality the money difference and warranty length swayed her to for the the i30N.

it drives well, handles great and sounds amazing for a stock exhaust. And she can't get used to the amount of people taking notice of it when she drives it

I need to upgrade the GT86 now as mum has a faster car

[Baron Greenback]

To me nethier are great looking cars, some bit of both have good angles. As most of the time you are inside driving that car the Renault to me the interior grates on me.

[Track_Cit]

I think the RS looks cracking, the bigger wheels work much better too imo. I’m pleased the review is positive, the topgear one was pretty damming in comparison so I suppose it’s down to the interpretation of the individual reviewer there...

I hope renault do the trophy version but then also a ridiculous ‘R’ version too, same principles as the previous gen R. I have one and it’s just epic, and even coming from a regular trophy the R is quite a step up still. Weight reduction makes a massive difference to how a car feels on the road. Fingers crossed!

I wasn’t keen on the Hyundai previously, it does remind me of a Volvo for some reason, but having seen a couple on the road my mind is changed. It’s a nice looking car and it must be great to drive also!

[rob.e]

Matt Bird said:

Thanks! 308 comes very highly recommended too, really like those.

i hated the 308. Cramped cockpit, no rear leg room, small steering wheel set weirdly low, but still managed to block the view of the instruments.

[rob.e]

Ahbefive said:

FN2TypeR said:

I'd take the Civic over either of them, for what it's worth.

Likewise I'd take the Focus RS over either of these or the Civic but I don't think anyone would be disappointed with just about any modern hot hatch on sale.

I think I have only seen 2 I30N's on the road and yet to see a megane.

It's a great situation to be in that there are lots of great cars in this bracket to choose from.

I've driven the new megane RS and civic type R a few weeks back. Overall i'd say the civic is the better car and if they were the same money that's what i'd have, but the price difference is too much to ignore, so although it's not quite as good i've ordered a megane (non-cup though).

[WCZ]

FN2TypeR said:

A great read and two superb cars; I'd take the i30N personally, it intrigues me and I think that it looks great, plus it's a little different/left field, I wouldn't blame anybody for choosing the Megane instead, though, what a car.

I'd take the Civic over either of them, for what it's worth.

I think the i30n is cool because I think no one knows what it is and that it's fast

[dbs2000]

Jesus, that etchasketch on the renault dash is hideous

[Mouse1903]

As a 275 Trophy owner for 3 years from new I'm looking forward to driving the Meg. A couple who have driven the Trophy say this is better. It doesn't look as good but for a 5 door it's arguably the best looking 5 door hot hatch on sale. Interior isn't Renault's strong point, my Trophy is behind VAG quality but ergonomically sound with decent kit. The new Megane dash does look like an afterthought, but I've sat in a GT model and it's not as bad in the flesh and a step up in quality from the Mk3. I'd see myself saving for a run out model of the Mk4 to replace my 275.

I personally love the Hyundai too and great to see people buying it, it deserves recognition.

[Steve_F]

Is there actually a bad hot hatch out there at the moment? One that gets properly bad reviews?

I'd be delighted with either of these two, have the Leon Cupra 300 ST at the moment as it came up in a cheap lease deal but genuinely can't think of a hot hatch (know mine is an estate!) that I wouldn't have been tempted by at the right price.

[nickfrog]

No there is something for everyone unless you're very precious...

[MissChief]

Have to say I think the i30N looks way better in that colour than it does in the light blue the press car had previously. IMO of course!

[Onehp]

Baron Greenback said:

To me nethier are great looking cars, some bit of both have good angles. As most of the time you are inside driving that car the Renault to me the interior grates on me.

I disagree with your conclusion. Yes you sit inside the car, but you're, if all is well with your driving skils, looking out through the windows 99% of the time. As such, the outside is more important, or more specifically the view out, aka visibility. Interiors aesthetics are overrated...

[greenarrow]

Steve_F said:

Is there actually a bad hot hatch out there at the moment? One that gets properly bad reviews?

I'd be delighted with either of these two, have the Leon Cupra 300 ST at the moment as it came up in a cheap lease deal but genuinely can't think of a hot hatch (know mine is an estate!) that I wouldn't have been tempted by at the right price.

Actually, I'm trying to remember the last hot hatch to get a bad review tbh.... the market's been strong for a good few years now.

[krismccloy]

MissChief said:

Have to say I think the i30N looks way better in that colour than it does in the light blue the press car had previously. IMO of course!

Couldn't agree more.

And also, Really enjoyed the article, more so than I have done on PH in a while.

Echo the comments of others too, All segments seem crammed with good performance alternatives.

[Frimley111R]

dbs2000 said:

Jesus, that etchasketch on the renault dash is hideous

I agree. We are used to seeing screens with tiny edges now and it just looks dated with the massive bezel around it even though it is part of the dashboard. Its the one part that really puts me off, well that and the sheer size of it

[Frimley111R]

CrippsCorner said:

It's funny everyone saying how much choice we have these days when it comes to hot hatches! You're absolutely right... but for me, I only want a 3 door, so there's less choice than ever lol. I think I only have the Fiesta ST, MINI JCW and Golf GTI/R left?

Golf R 3 door is being ditched, so even less than you thought (and its manual box). Maybe the GTI too.

[FN2TypeR]

There is the Peugeot 208gti too if small and or three door is what you desire and that is a great, great car.