E46 M3 gone..... Megane RS250 worthy replacement?

[HannsG]

Hi currently have a Panda 100HP as a runaround. Have been thinking I want something faster for myself, practical and reasonable to run. And first and foremost a lot of fun!

I loved the M3 for the experience and noise. Does the newer (2010+ reg) RS250 have a similar sort of 'aura'?

Thanks

Edited by HannsG on Saturday 10th March 10:28

[DanielSan]

The later model RS Meganes are epic, but from the admittedly brief experience I’ve had in the newer shape car, and my old R26 to be fair, they’re a car that only comes alive above 8/10’s effort when you’re going for it.

Day to day therss not the same joy as the M3 in having a quick blast through second and third gears on a quiet dual carriageway, but get them on a twisty road on a proper drive out and they all make sense.

When my M3 gets to a point where using it daily is getting silly it’s high on my list as a likely replacement.

[ZX10R NIN]

I agree with the above the Meganes come into their own after 8/10ths as a daily I'd say go for the 5pot Focus ST it's not a sharp as the Megane but it's not far off.

As a daily the engine is a peach & releasing some aural from the exhaust system makes them (as does replacing the frankly rubbish standard intercooler) a very sweet daily.

[HannsG]

Thanks for the comments.

I went to view and the test drive drive both a Clio 197 and Megane RS250.

The Clio was very endearing, but I felt the Megane was maybe less civilised? Also the practical aspect is a big tick.