Which Renaultsport? Is a 250 worth so much more than a 225?

[LotsOfLaughs]

Decided to try a proper hot hatch, as my Subaru is a bit thirsty. I don't want anything German, the pedals don't work for me, and I don't want a Civic.

Looking around, it seems that the sportiest are the hot Renaults - so my question is, which is the right one to buy? I don't NEED them to do anything other than drive, preferably not cost loads of money and not break/rust.

My shortlist so far:

- Twingo 133 (I've read much good, but they aren't actually fast and the gearing is very short, only a 5 speed)

- Megane RS 175 dCi (Is this a proper hot Megane, does it have the PerfoHub, etc, or is it just a diesel Megane with a bodykit?)

- Megane 225 (The obvious budget choice, but it lacks an LSD, I'm not sure if this matters)

- Megane RS250/265/276 Cup (The car I actually want, but is it worth 3-4 times as much as a 225?)

Also considering Fords and Vauxhalls, but they don't really float my boat.

Thanks!

[Chucky-egg]

The 225 is decent, but ageing now - I have a friend with one and he’s spending a fair bit keeping it going. Mainly things like suspension parts, hub bearings etc.

The R26 is a 225 with LSD, climate, recaros, cup suspension and other tweaks. A much sharper tool than a 225. Not sure where prices lay with these nowadays though.

I’ve had all the hot Meganes from a 225 through to a 2020 300 Trophy, and the R26 was the most raw and fun of them all, but a 250/265/275 (get a cup chassis) is probably the most capable and will almost certainly cost less to run.

[Pixelpeep Electric]

got my ass handed to me in my EP3 civic type R round some challenging B Roads by a 225.. always liked them, never owned one. From what you've said, and what i've read, i would 100% try and make the 250 work. You don't want to buy the 225 and then pull up next to a 250 and be sad. IMO, they're only going to go up in cost for a good one.

[iacabu]

I was looking at the 225 and 250 recently, and was very tempted by a 265 Cup-S that was offered as a swap plus cash for my M3.

I wouldn't say there's much of a gap price wise between them. 225s are £3-6k, with a few outliers. The 250s start at £5k now.

Of course the 265/275s are a jump again, up to £14k or so. Trophy models even more.

[Josemartinez]

If I was single this is where my money would be going. Couple of cosmetic things like the drivers side headlight but should be easy to sort. I think the Clio's and Megane's in this colour look great.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606283...

[sriggers]

Curveball but have you looked at a 308 gti? 250-270 bhp with a great chassis from what I’ve read, can pick up from 6-10k but brakes can cost £1000

[Mike230]

I had an R26 for 5 years, great car and surprisingly well built. If you get one take it to EFI to be mapped, it totally transforms the car.

I considered changing to a 250/265 after but I could never shake the feeling that they were almost too grown up compared to the R26.

[Bradders278]

Looks like you've listed Twingo and Megane, but missed out the Clio? I had an RS197 F1 edition and found it a hoot to drive. The advantage of the circa 195bhp and NA engine meant that it felt like you were going 200mph when you were really doing 60mph.... on UK roads this is actually great as it keeps the speeds down whilst having fun still! Can be had with desirable Recaro seats too.

Scott.

[911Spanker]

Josemartinez said:

If I was single this is where my money would be going. Couple of cosmetic things like the drivers side headlight but should be easy to sort. I think the Clio's and Megane's in this colour look great.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606283...

I thought that would be link to a Mono or something. Why do you need to be single to own that?