Renault Sport Megane 300 Trophy | PH Fleet

[HarveyMushmanDC2]

Ultrafunkula said:

I like these, how is the manual? I remember it was criticized at launch. Also, is there a way to deactivate the 4ws as I think that might be annoying,,,,

I went from an Audi S3 to a Porsche Cayman, I think this might be a good middle ground.

The gearchange is fine, it's not like a b series or K20 Honda, but it has to handle some torque compared to those. Miles better than an Elise in my experience. Damning with faint praise it just does the job, you don't really notice it.

I can't honesty say the 4ws is an issue on the road. You can't turn it off, but it's only in race mode that it keeps turning opposite way upto 62mph. It just feels agile, without unsettling the car. In contrast to my slightly lowered Integra, which can feel a bit edgy due to the steering response.

Tracked and commuted in a Clio RS200 which is meant to be the bees knees, much prefer the Megane. Driving position and everything else much better for a road car. Doesn't feel as over specified in the brake department though.

Have a test drive. As always only way to see if it suits. Can be reasonably economical too if that matters.

[nickfrog]

HarveyMushmanDC2 said:

Doesn't feel as over specified in the brake department though.

True, for track use they need a pad and fluid upgrade and perhaps a little care beyond the 5th lap or so...

[Ultrafunkula]

Sounds good, more interesting than all the other hot hatches around at the moment IMO. I actually love the interior too!

[FA57REN]

[quote]The whole point of this fouth-generation Megane was to better target the Golf, because the reality is that the VW better represents the kind of hot hatch people actually purchase. [/Quote]

Complete tosh

That might have been Renault's objective.

But Renault Sport have never given a second thought to what mainstream purchasers want.

RS' mission is to make the most driver-engaging version of current Renault platforms. If they get out-sold 10 to 1 by the Golf R who cares so long as RS make a profit.

[nickfrog]

That's very true. If you're after a Golf R type driving experience (absolutely nothing wrong with that) then the Megane RS won't do.