Are FN2 type Rs good value for money?
Discussion
Hi,
I’m looking for a daily that’s a bit more fun than my current e90 330i. It’s a great all rounder but, since getting a Clio 172 as a weekend/track car, it just seems dull. I need something that falls between the 2 in terms of practicality, size and refinement.
The nail in the coffin was driving my wife’s gutless 1.4 civic down a decent road and enjoying it more than I would in the BM. The lack of torque, close ratio gears and really liking how it steers (there is no feel or feedback, but the rack is quick and fluid). Based on that I thought a FN2 Type R would be perfect, similar traits but dialed up. My budget is around BM + 4K (so around 7K)
However I can’t get past thinking they seem overpriced for what they are, I thought Clarkson had convinced everyone to hate them! Admittedly I’m looking at either championship whites or lsd’d 2010 onwards. The CWs I’m looking at are 7.5K+ and regular unmolested Rs are £6K+
For similar money (7K+) there are non-cup’d 2012 Megane 250s, which to me seem a big step up. I’ve not driven either so don’t know which would fit me better, but I’m struggling to get past the value issue with the FN2.
Am I wrong in thinking the Megane is the better car? Or are the FN2s I’m looking at on the pricey side? (I have seen the odd one a little cheaper but they tend to get snapped up quickly)
Thanks
I’m looking for a daily that’s a bit more fun than my current e90 330i. It’s a great all rounder but, since getting a Clio 172 as a weekend/track car, it just seems dull. I need something that falls between the 2 in terms of practicality, size and refinement.
The nail in the coffin was driving my wife’s gutless 1.4 civic down a decent road and enjoying it more than I would in the BM. The lack of torque, close ratio gears and really liking how it steers (there is no feel or feedback, but the rack is quick and fluid). Based on that I thought a FN2 Type R would be perfect, similar traits but dialed up. My budget is around BM + 4K (so around 7K)
However I can’t get past thinking they seem overpriced for what they are, I thought Clarkson had convinced everyone to hate them! Admittedly I’m looking at either championship whites or lsd’d 2010 onwards. The CWs I’m looking at are 7.5K+ and regular unmolested Rs are £6K+
For similar money (7K+) there are non-cup’d 2012 Megane 250s, which to me seem a big step up. I’ve not driven either so don’t know which would fit me better, but I’m struggling to get past the value issue with the FN2.
Am I wrong in thinking the Megane is the better car? Or are the FN2s I’m looking at on the pricey side? (I have seen the odd one a little cheaper but they tend to get snapped up quickly)
Thanks
I have the FN2 and i feel they are great car, but from what i have read the Megane has the better chassis out the box and i suspect would be comfortably faster in the real world with a turbo and 50 bhp advantage.
Unless you want the whole N/A,VTEC and wonderful gearbox experience i would be leaning towards the Megane
Unless you want the whole N/A,VTEC and wonderful gearbox experience i would be leaning towards the Megane
I’m not bothered by the power difference, VTEC and a nice gearbox really appeal. The harshness of the ride in the FN2 could be an issue for me but I haven’t tried one yet. I've read that it's anywhere between BMW m sport (which is fine) and completely unbearable.
I was hoping to spend a bit less than 7K, but if that’s what it costs to get a later Civic, the Megane becomes just too appealing in comparison. Only because it’s easier to live with as a daily.
I’m now looking at both and will probably decide by what comes up. Unless a cheaper Type R comes up it’s going to be the Megane.
I was hoping to spend a bit less than 7K, but if that’s what it costs to get a later Civic, the Megane becomes just too appealing in comparison. Only because it’s easier to live with as a daily.
I’m now looking at both and will probably decide by what comes up. Unless a cheaper Type R comes up it’s going to be the Megane.
I had a FN2 which I've recently sold. I would of kept it as it did everything I wanted; engine and gearbox were sweet, as well as the comfort of the seats and the smaller size steering wheel. The seat position was a little too high but the killer for me was the ride quality.
It was awful. There is absolutely no need for it to be so stiff, it actually ruined the whole driving experience for me. Glad to see the back of it for that sole reason. Buy one if you want a cheap reliable all round hot hatch but you'll need to accept the dire ride quality; what were Honda thinking!!!
Edit: I actually really wanted a megane 250 cup but couldn't afford it when I was looking so ended up with the FN2. I should of held out for another 6 months and got the megane! I had a passenger drive in a full fat 250 cup, had the leather recaros, and while the interior was low rent the seats were lovely, the ride composed, and the grunt fabulous! Wish I could of had a drive of it!
It was awful. There is absolutely no need for it to be so stiff, it actually ruined the whole driving experience for me. Glad to see the back of it for that sole reason. Buy one if you want a cheap reliable all round hot hatch but you'll need to accept the dire ride quality; what were Honda thinking!!!
Edit: I actually really wanted a megane 250 cup but couldn't afford it when I was looking so ended up with the FN2. I should of held out for another 6 months and got the megane! I had a passenger drive in a full fat 250 cup, had the leather recaros, and while the interior was low rent the seats were lovely, the ride composed, and the grunt fabulous! Wish I could of had a drive of it!
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 24th August 18:48
Megane wins in just about every possible criteria for me personally.
I’d thought the FN2 had come right down in price lately - but shocked to see they are still so strong money wise.
Looks, value, performance, drive....... megane wins every time.
Equipment and maybe build quality I guess you’d give to the civic.
I’d thought the FN2 had come right down in price lately - but shocked to see they are still so strong money wise.
Looks, value, performance, drive....... megane wins every time.
Equipment and maybe build quality I guess you’d give to the civic.
mike74 said:
Re the harsh ride quality, is it still an issue even on very smooth roads (which I'm lucky enough to have for the most part in my area)... or is it still an issue even on the smoothest and most non-pot holed of road surfaces?
It's more at slower speeds on bumpy roads is where they are really bad. Mine is on 18's and the 19's are supposed to be even worse! Motorways/dual carriageways and decent a roads they are fine. They do soon remind you if the surface is not perfect though 
mike74 said:
Re the harsh ride quality, is it still an issue even on very smooth roads (which I'm lucky enough to have for the most part in my area)... or is it still an issue even on the smoothest and most non-pot holed of road surfaces?
It's acceptable on smooth surfaces but any imperfections then spoil the ride. I'm sure it will be acceptable on the roads near you, just make sure you don't ever leave them otherwise the disappointment will set it. Honestly, thinking about it now just makes me angry at how it could of been a great car but was spoiled by the ride. Also to add, the car feels heavy and not particularly nimble. I guess it's a hot hatch thing but that is something else I didn't like. I imagine the megane would also be the same in that regard. Mind you the megane cup is the go to for track people so reanult sport must have nailed it with regards to the handling/power.
You'll find people saying that the ride can be resolved with new tyres/springs/suspension which is probably true, however if you go down that route you should just buy a better car out of the box.
Edit: Also forgot to mention mine was a non-lsd facelift. I wish I held out for the LSD. I was always fighting with the steering wheel when on less than perfect NSL roads.
AJ5641 said:
It was awful. There is absolutely no need for it to be so stiff, it actually ruined the whole driving experience for me. Glad to see the back of it for that sole reason. Buy one if you want a cheap reliable all round hot hatch but you'll need to accept the dire ride quality; what were Honda thinking!!
The non-R doesn't have great ride quality, not stiff but a little crashy. It bucks and rolls when pushed and it seems they fixed it the cheap way.AJ5641 said:
Edit: I actually really wanted a megane 250 cup but couldn't afford it when I was looking so ended up with the FN2. I should of held out for another 6 months and got the megane! I had a passenger drive in a full fat 250 cup, had the leather recaros, and while the interior was low rent the seats were lovely, the ride composed, and the grunt fabulous! Wish I could of had a drive of it!
Ok, you've convinced me!anonymous said:
[redacted]
That's really interesting, it's difficult to find private seller listings so maybe that's why. I saw a CW on for £6.7K and I thought if I could get them down a bit I'd be interested but now it's with a dealer at £7.5K I think, which is too much for me.ESD1711 said:
Looks, value, performance, drive....... megane wins every time.
Those are the bits I'm interested in, though on looks I'd call it a draw, especially against a CW.A mate of mine spent £3300 on a 2008 Fn2 an then a further £3k over a few months by being quite savvy and finding some good second parts and fitting most of the kit himself. He managed coillovers, intake, exhaust, lsd + final drive swap & a Hondata setup to, all added up it's pretty dam good package now.
If you are spending around £10k on a Fn2 you might want to consider the Mugen 200 version which gets you
MUGEN front and rear bumpers with skirts
19-inch alloy wheels in ‘Lightning’ design
MUGEN rear badge
MUGEN Limited Edition number plaque
Limited Slip Differential
Championship White exterior paint
Gloss black door mirrors
If you are spending around £10k on a Fn2 you might want to consider the Mugen 200 version which gets you
MUGEN front and rear bumpers with skirts
19-inch alloy wheels in ‘Lightning’ design
MUGEN rear badge
MUGEN Limited Edition number plaque
Limited Slip Differential
Championship White exterior paint
Gloss black door mirrors
- likely to mean it should be relatively stable price wise compared to regular Fn2s as I do think the Fn2 will start to gain a bit more of a fan base when they are sub £3k cars- which then leads to the better ones being worth more- look at Ep3 prices, those have dipped past the £2k mark briefly which caused a lot to be broken now you need £3500+ to get a half decent one and very good ones pushing £10k
They're good value for money but the Megane is the better car especially if you land a Cup Chassis car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008052...
Actually having had a look the FN2 Type R GT's it seems they're actually similar money to the Megane at which point I'd always buy the Megane.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008192...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008052...
Actually having had a look the FN2 Type R GT's it seems they're actually similar money to the Megane at which point I'd always buy the Megane.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008192...
This is crazy, i had an FN2 Type R GT (modified) and now own a Megane 2 F1 r26
There is no comparison. But i'm amazed at the prices of the FN2 - i bought mine 2 years ago i think for about 3700 with 70k ish on the clock.
It wasn't a stock car by any means and was about as powerful as you could make them without going forced induction.
At the time, i did a lot of research. And everyone warned me off them for their ride and honestly, coming from an Impreza STI on coilovers to the FN2 i didn't find the ride that bad - but for a hothatch - which is supposed to do everything. Yes it was hard and on uneven surfaces it did get a little wayward. However, as you pressed on i found it got better and i didn't really notice all that much difference from a previous ep3 i had the pleasure of being in for a while.
Altogether the vtec was brilliant but you really had to ring the neck out of it to make it feel fast and honestly i don't think i ever got the best out of the car. I didn't manage to get it on track and never really managed to do much more than town driving and so the car was sold.
Looking back. It was cheap to run. Ran everyday, hard, all day and never skipped a beat. I don't think you could probably claim the same of Renault's but honestly, the Renault is the best car i've ever owned. Hands down - and i've had a lot. BOLD statement i know. But nothing, at the money that this costs, has come close.
I don't really care that some may laugh at the comments, but that car seriously makes me happy every time i drive it. It handles superbly. You really feel involved and part of the drive. Like i know i'm no driving god, but it has so much to offer. The turn in is great. The power you can take through the corner is just brilliant and if you get it just right, it really does reward you with a lot of grip and fun. It is smiles per mile for me!
Now, i would expect to pay 5-7k on a good f1 and i'd expect to pay 8-10k for a good mk 3 RS (cup if you can get it) but at that money i wouldn't even consider the FN2 . It just doesn't warrant that price. I would argue that the money for a mugen isn't worth it either.
I guess the fact that the FN2 was Honda's last type r with an N/A engine may be playing a part in this. Just people pushing residuals up for that "heyday" element. IF you were stuck on getting a CTR, then i would pay 3-5k for one a bit longer in the tooth. The engines take the miles and punishment so getting one that has higher miles isn't such an issue. Just make sure its been serviced and you should be good. Alternatively, get an EP3 which makes more sense. As its just better than the FN2 bar the "tech" side.
Alas i cannot comment on the Mk3 RS - they weren't that low in price 6 months ago when i bought my Mk2 but i'm glad i get the F1 R26. Glad doesn't really do it justice. I love driving that thing. In fact now i've talked about it, i'm going to go for a drive - which is what i always find myself doing.
There is no comparison. But i'm amazed at the prices of the FN2 - i bought mine 2 years ago i think for about 3700 with 70k ish on the clock.
It wasn't a stock car by any means and was about as powerful as you could make them without going forced induction.
At the time, i did a lot of research. And everyone warned me off them for their ride and honestly, coming from an Impreza STI on coilovers to the FN2 i didn't find the ride that bad - but for a hothatch - which is supposed to do everything. Yes it was hard and on uneven surfaces it did get a little wayward. However, as you pressed on i found it got better and i didn't really notice all that much difference from a previous ep3 i had the pleasure of being in for a while.
Altogether the vtec was brilliant but you really had to ring the neck out of it to make it feel fast and honestly i don't think i ever got the best out of the car. I didn't manage to get it on track and never really managed to do much more than town driving and so the car was sold.
Looking back. It was cheap to run. Ran everyday, hard, all day and never skipped a beat. I don't think you could probably claim the same of Renault's but honestly, the Renault is the best car i've ever owned. Hands down - and i've had a lot. BOLD statement i know. But nothing, at the money that this costs, has come close.
I don't really care that some may laugh at the comments, but that car seriously makes me happy every time i drive it. It handles superbly. You really feel involved and part of the drive. Like i know i'm no driving god, but it has so much to offer. The turn in is great. The power you can take through the corner is just brilliant and if you get it just right, it really does reward you with a lot of grip and fun. It is smiles per mile for me!
Now, i would expect to pay 5-7k on a good f1 and i'd expect to pay 8-10k for a good mk 3 RS (cup if you can get it) but at that money i wouldn't even consider the FN2 . It just doesn't warrant that price. I would argue that the money for a mugen isn't worth it either.
I guess the fact that the FN2 was Honda's last type r with an N/A engine may be playing a part in this. Just people pushing residuals up for that "heyday" element. IF you were stuck on getting a CTR, then i would pay 3-5k for one a bit longer in the tooth. The engines take the miles and punishment so getting one that has higher miles isn't such an issue. Just make sure its been serviced and you should be good. Alternatively, get an EP3 which makes more sense. As its just better than the FN2 bar the "tech" side.
Alas i cannot comment on the Mk3 RS - they weren't that low in price 6 months ago when i bought my Mk2 but i'm glad i get the F1 R26. Glad doesn't really do it justice. I love driving that thing. In fact now i've talked about it, i'm going to go for a drive - which is what i always find myself doing.
I was a jap car fan for a while having ownen a Celica, MR2 and a 1.8 civic. The civic was okay (family car) but the ride was poor.
When I was changing the civic I really wanted a Type r GT. Looked at and drove quite a few but all were in poor condition and had been neglected or thrashed. I did like the engine though. In the end I went for an E92 325i instead which was altogether a more complete car than the civic. Mine was SE spec so drove very smoothly, best riding car I've ever had. The straight 6 was lovely but as you pointed out with your 330i it's just not actually much 'fun' to drive. It was very capable but in a more grown up way.
I've since looked at Type R's and am surprised to see values going up. Not long ago they were very cheap although the later ones with LSD were more money. I wouldn't go back there now as there are better cars for the money. I've got a mk7 fiesta ST3 now which feels a lot better than the civic. Ride is hard though.
It seems like the Meg is your best option. But for 7k you could maybe also look at a fiesta ST unless you really need a bigger car.
When I was changing the civic I really wanted a Type r GT. Looked at and drove quite a few but all were in poor condition and had been neglected or thrashed. I did like the engine though. In the end I went for an E92 325i instead which was altogether a more complete car than the civic. Mine was SE spec so drove very smoothly, best riding car I've ever had. The straight 6 was lovely but as you pointed out with your 330i it's just not actually much 'fun' to drive. It was very capable but in a more grown up way.
I've since looked at Type R's and am surprised to see values going up. Not long ago they were very cheap although the later ones with LSD were more money. I wouldn't go back there now as there are better cars for the money. I've got a mk7 fiesta ST3 now which feels a lot better than the civic. Ride is hard though.
It seems like the Meg is your best option. But for 7k you could maybe also look at a fiesta ST unless you really need a bigger car.
aka_kerrly said:
A mate of mine spent £3300 on a 2008 Fn2 an then a further £3k over a few months by being quite savvy and finding some good second parts and fitting most of the kit himself. He managed coillovers, intake, exhaust, lsd + final drive swap & a Hondata setup to, all added up it's pretty dam good package now.
If you are spending around £10k on a Fn2 you might want to consider the Mugen 200 version
I think modifying makes more sense if you do it yourself and researching and sourcing bits is satisfying. I don’t have the time anymore, 2 young kids mean I barely have a chance to wash them.If you are spending around £10k on a Fn2 you might want to consider the Mugen 200 version
I see what you’re saying about a Mugen 200, but they don’t add a lot from a diving / performance point of view over the standard CTR, apart from the diff verses a pre 2010.
ZX10R NIN said:
Actually having had a look the FN2 Type R GT's it seems they're actually similar money to the Megane at which point I'd always buy the Megane.
Glad it's not just me.stevekoz said:
I don't really care that some may laugh at the comments, but that car seriously makes me happy every time i drive it. It handles superbly. You really feel involved and part of the drive. Like i know i'm no driving god, but it has so much to offer. The turn in is great. The power you can take through the corner is just brilliant and if you get it just right, it really does reward you with a lot of grip and fun. It is smiles per mile for me!
Not at all, I don't think you really know what car you're going to gel with until you've run it for a while. I had a Monaro VRX for a couple of years, all the reviews said how great it was and I hated it. Ran a Mk1 Fabia vRS at the same time and really enjoyed it, yet no one came over to chat about the Fabia. Maybe I should consider an F1 as it's closer to what I want to spend, just not too keen on how it looks inside and out and prefer the Mk3. Also wanted to go a few years newer than the BMW which is '07. Need to work out if I want to stretch my budget for a mk3.ChrisH72 said:
It seems like the Meg is your best option. But for 7k you could maybe also look at a fiesta ST unless you really need a bigger car.
I really like the ST but I think it's going to be a little too small. Also a bit too close to the Clio. I keep looking at Clio 200s as well but it would make no sense to have 2 Clios.moose116 said:
aka_kerrly said:
A mate of mine spent £3300 on a 2008 Fn2 an then a further £3k over a few months by being quite savvy and finding some good second parts and fitting most of the kit himself. He managed coillovers, intake, exhaust, lsd + final drive swap & a Hondata setup to, all added up it's pretty dam good package now.
If you are spending around £10k on a Fn2 you might want to consider the Mugen 200 version
I think modifying makes more sense if you do it yourself and researching and sourcing bits is satisfying. I don’t have the time anymore, 2 young kids mean I barely have a chance to wash them.If you are spending around £10k on a Fn2 you might want to consider the Mugen 200 version
I see what you’re saying about a Mugen 200, but they don’t add a lot from a diving / performance point of view over the standard CTR, apart from the diff verses a pre 2010.
That said having driven a few Fn2s, I also consider the Renault Megane RS250 a much better car at £7-9k even though I've not driven one! If it wasn't for the absolutely disgusting interior, dubious electrics and that ass the previous generation Megane R26 would be hands down winner over a Fn2 as well.
A possible wild card, have you considered a VW Scirocco R?
Currently own a BMW 130i having come from a Megane RS250 Cup. Main reason for doing so was to save a bit of money but the RS250 Cup was utterly incredible and I would have one again in a heartbeat. I compared it to Civic FN2 at the time and the Megane just utterly wiped the floor with it. I didn't mind the interior and general build of the Megane as it had the Lux pack as well i.e. leather seats, climate, heated seats. It was utterly capable, the power delivery was addictive despite it being turbo and the only car that comes close to the 130i I currently have (and would make me consider swapping the straight-6 for a turbo). The grey Cup listed above looks like a good buy I'd say.
I see this has turned into the usual FN2 bash fest, what a surprise.
I had one for 18 months or so. Not a bad car I think.
It still looks modern, it was a very fun car to thrash, the engine is great and very reliable.
Car itself never went wrong, ever.
Ride quality was firm but what do you expect, its a Type-R, it's not really any worse than most sporty cars I've had. Mine had the standard 18" wheels, I wonder if those complaining had those awful 19" RAGE alloys, which not only don't suit the car, but by all accounts made the suspension feel like it had been replaced with scaffolding pipes. Those 19" wheels are much heavier as well which doesn't help.
Interior was a nice place to be and again looks modern.
If you want a car you can red-line for a bit of fun then there's not much comparison, certainly not a turbocharged Renault. I don't doubt that the Renault is a decent car but it's the complete opposite of a Type-R, and for the sort of driving you said you want in the OP, the Type-R sounds ideal to me.
One thing I will say though is mine was transformed by a Hondata box off ebay. Lower VTEC engagement means you enjoy it more of the time, and at the same time the car feels much livelier and sounds better more of the time. One of the best mods I've done to any car.
I had one for 18 months or so. Not a bad car I think.
It still looks modern, it was a very fun car to thrash, the engine is great and very reliable.
Car itself never went wrong, ever.
Ride quality was firm but what do you expect, its a Type-R, it's not really any worse than most sporty cars I've had. Mine had the standard 18" wheels, I wonder if those complaining had those awful 19" RAGE alloys, which not only don't suit the car, but by all accounts made the suspension feel like it had been replaced with scaffolding pipes. Those 19" wheels are much heavier as well which doesn't help.
Interior was a nice place to be and again looks modern.
If you want a car you can red-line for a bit of fun then there's not much comparison, certainly not a turbocharged Renault. I don't doubt that the Renault is a decent car but it's the complete opposite of a Type-R, and for the sort of driving you said you want in the OP, the Type-R sounds ideal to me.
One thing I will say though is mine was transformed by a Hondata box off ebay. Lower VTEC engagement means you enjoy it more of the time, and at the same time the car feels much livelier and sounds better more of the time. One of the best mods I've done to any car.
It completely depends on the style of driving you want and how much you are wanting to keep it stock or not.
FN2 Type R is going to need to be revved to get the performance from it. There's so much after market that you could buy a cheaper one for around £4k and do what you want to it with the extra cash. 2 of my friends have had them and they are nice cars but not the best for dailys unless you don't mind a hard ride. Of course you don't really buy them with that in mind.
My problem with the FN2 is that you felt like you were sat on top of the car. Seating position felt a bit high. The gearbox is good but for me the standard handle and felt cheap. I'd definitely buy one though as it's more modern than the EP3 which you see everywhere.
Megan is such a good car. It looks good as well. Only downside is reliability and build. Personally only ever seen them from the outside but I knew a bloke at work that had one and he said his Astra VXR felt a bit more premium but never could handle like the Megan. Of course this comes with a turbo so the tuning is there if you want more power.
Alternatives to think about might be worth a look.
Mazda 3 MPS - These are expensive to run but they have LSD as standard and have a decent amount of power. They sound really good.
Volvo C30 T5
Maybe a DC5 Integra but you can get a DC2 at £7k
FN2 Type R is going to need to be revved to get the performance from it. There's so much after market that you could buy a cheaper one for around £4k and do what you want to it with the extra cash. 2 of my friends have had them and they are nice cars but not the best for dailys unless you don't mind a hard ride. Of course you don't really buy them with that in mind.
My problem with the FN2 is that you felt like you were sat on top of the car. Seating position felt a bit high. The gearbox is good but for me the standard handle and felt cheap. I'd definitely buy one though as it's more modern than the EP3 which you see everywhere.
Megan is such a good car. It looks good as well. Only downside is reliability and build. Personally only ever seen them from the outside but I knew a bloke at work that had one and he said his Astra VXR felt a bit more premium but never could handle like the Megan. Of course this comes with a turbo so the tuning is there if you want more power.
Alternatives to think about might be worth a look.
Mazda 3 MPS - These are expensive to run but they have LSD as standard and have a decent amount of power. They sound really good.
Volvo C30 T5
Maybe a DC5 Integra but you can get a DC2 at £7k
So I thought I was Megane but TameRacingDriver’s comments got me thinking about the CTR again. The only way to figure it out from here is to try them, so I have. Went into Brum to drive the only in budget Megane within 50 miles and then on to a CTR.
Neither drive was great due to being in the middle of a city but the Megane’s was particularly difficult. Got to feel the boost come in once, it felt really punchy. I didn’t get to try out how it goes round corners at all. Other than the acceleration, it didn’t feel that special. The steering was surprisingly light and didn’t have any feel. I couldn’t get a driving position that felt right, I probably lowered the seat a little too much in fairness. It was leather and the seat was a bit polished through wear, found myself sliding about a bit. It was also a bit smaller in the back than I was expecting, not much legroom.
The CTR was the opposite in a lot of ways, driving position a little too high but otherwise perfect. Really grippy and comfortable seats, they felt like they had been tailor made. Steering also had no feel but somehow was a bit more fluid than the Megane. Gearchange was better but wasn’t blown away by it. Performance wise it was nothing like the Megane in a straight line. It was nice to rev it out but wasn’t really aware of VTEC doing it’s stuff. For the big question of the ride stiffness, it didn’t bother me. We went down a road without a great surface at fairly slow speed and it seemed ok. Certainly on the stiffer side, but I didn’t find it unbearable or really notice it when we got on the main road.
I came away feeling the CTR is the right choice over the Megane. If I was going to use it on track it would be the other way around. But for road use, the CTR felt more right and a little more special and the ride quality isn’t an issue for me. I don't need the extra performance the Megane has, the better economy would be nice though.
Just got to find the right one for the money.
Neither drive was great due to being in the middle of a city but the Megane’s was particularly difficult. Got to feel the boost come in once, it felt really punchy. I didn’t get to try out how it goes round corners at all. Other than the acceleration, it didn’t feel that special. The steering was surprisingly light and didn’t have any feel. I couldn’t get a driving position that felt right, I probably lowered the seat a little too much in fairness. It was leather and the seat was a bit polished through wear, found myself sliding about a bit. It was also a bit smaller in the back than I was expecting, not much legroom.
The CTR was the opposite in a lot of ways, driving position a little too high but otherwise perfect. Really grippy and comfortable seats, they felt like they had been tailor made. Steering also had no feel but somehow was a bit more fluid than the Megane. Gearchange was better but wasn’t blown away by it. Performance wise it was nothing like the Megane in a straight line. It was nice to rev it out but wasn’t really aware of VTEC doing it’s stuff. For the big question of the ride stiffness, it didn’t bother me. We went down a road without a great surface at fairly slow speed and it seemed ok. Certainly on the stiffer side, but I didn’t find it unbearable or really notice it when we got on the main road.
I came away feeling the CTR is the right choice over the Megane. If I was going to use it on track it would be the other way around. But for road use, the CTR felt more right and a little more special and the ride quality isn’t an issue for me. I don't need the extra performance the Megane has, the better economy would be nice though.
Just got to find the right one for the money.
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