RenaultSport Megane R26 R.
Discussion
I recently had a change of heart..
I sold my much enjoyed Clio 182 Trophy!
I also sold my early MK1 Mini which I planned to Cooperise however on closer inspection was far too original and genuine to mess about with to the extent I would have been happy with it; so I enjoyed its British charm immensely over the summer but ultimately decided to move on to an older gentleman who was perfectly happy with the original little 850 blighter and all its patina as it was!
The idea of the sales were to put the money towards a house deposit which would have been a very amicable decision indeed I hear you say! However this is me; so I decided to push the boat out one last time! I borrowed the difference in hope that when I've paid it off I will move the car on with minimal loss; have more for my deposit and be richer for the experience as well.. Sound like man maths to you? Well.. it is, and while some of you may agree or disagree it works for me!
Which brings me onto the car! The Megane almost seems like natural progression from the Trophy. Both are last run out models and both highly rated by the motoring press at release and to the day. One was a sales success and one was a flop; for various reasons which I will not bore you with!
I had a 182 Cup at age 21 and decided to go all out with the Trophy at 22! It was my weekend toy throughout my ownership and really satisfied me for almost three years; ticked all my boxes but more recently I felt like I needed more; to keep throwing money at it would have seen me make a loss on the purchase price (which I didn't)! So I waved goodbye earlier this month!
The Megane is next level purposeful and while the design brief of the 182 Trophy was along the lines of 205 GTi fun in a more robust package, the Meagne is more track car for the road. The likes of which we may never see again from any manufacturer other than the likes of Porsche or Ferrari; which is what makes the Meg so damn special, it is quite literally a Scuderia or GT3 RS hot hatch (excuse the often used cliche). Which was ('was' being the quite upsetting term) the USP of RenaultSport products. Not concerned by power or electronic wizardry; more concerned by a very clever engineering package. RS engineers very cleverly take a dull mass produced lump and turn it into genius!
So, my particular car! To collect, I took the train from York to London, transferred via tube and continued onto Poole in Dorset where I was met and driven to my hand over! The drive back was brilliant, both me and the partner did not stop smiling (even with numb buttocks)! Safely tucked away in my garage, I now have chance to contemplate on the car..
A brilliant example I must say, with 30k from new (a huge improvement over the nearly 100k Clio), low ownership and impeccable history! Very, very tidy although I am OCD and will find things to improve! And best of all, it's Lunar Grey!
It has the optional Roll Cage which isn't strictly structural but still cool, a radio but no titanium exhaust. I'm not too disappointed by this fact as the price point would have been higher had it come with the TI exhaust! Modifications are just a K-Tec exhaust and Re-Map (A healthy 262BHP).
So my plans for this hardcore french hatch? Euro road trip for sure! Isle of Man definitely. I'm close enough to Cadwell Park and while I don't want this to be your typical track toy, it would be rude not exploit its talents! May do Nurbürg in the future (cliche but has to be done).
Modification wise, I'm tempted just to leave it alone. If I do, do anything it will have to be bolt on as I'd prefer the car to leave my hands as standard as it came!
I do have another update drafted up and if I have sufficient interest will keep updating you guys with any Megane related progress..
For now I'll leave you with this teaser shots!
Over and out, Danny.
I sold my much enjoyed Clio 182 Trophy!
I also sold my early MK1 Mini which I planned to Cooperise however on closer inspection was far too original and genuine to mess about with to the extent I would have been happy with it; so I enjoyed its British charm immensely over the summer but ultimately decided to move on to an older gentleman who was perfectly happy with the original little 850 blighter and all its patina as it was!
The idea of the sales were to put the money towards a house deposit which would have been a very amicable decision indeed I hear you say! However this is me; so I decided to push the boat out one last time! I borrowed the difference in hope that when I've paid it off I will move the car on with minimal loss; have more for my deposit and be richer for the experience as well.. Sound like man maths to you? Well.. it is, and while some of you may agree or disagree it works for me!
Which brings me onto the car! The Megane almost seems like natural progression from the Trophy. Both are last run out models and both highly rated by the motoring press at release and to the day. One was a sales success and one was a flop; for various reasons which I will not bore you with!
I had a 182 Cup at age 21 and decided to go all out with the Trophy at 22! It was my weekend toy throughout my ownership and really satisfied me for almost three years; ticked all my boxes but more recently I felt like I needed more; to keep throwing money at it would have seen me make a loss on the purchase price (which I didn't)! So I waved goodbye earlier this month!
The Megane is next level purposeful and while the design brief of the 182 Trophy was along the lines of 205 GTi fun in a more robust package, the Meagne is more track car for the road. The likes of which we may never see again from any manufacturer other than the likes of Porsche or Ferrari; which is what makes the Meg so damn special, it is quite literally a Scuderia or GT3 RS hot hatch (excuse the often used cliche). Which was ('was' being the quite upsetting term) the USP of RenaultSport products. Not concerned by power or electronic wizardry; more concerned by a very clever engineering package. RS engineers very cleverly take a dull mass produced lump and turn it into genius!
So, my particular car! To collect, I took the train from York to London, transferred via tube and continued onto Poole in Dorset where I was met and driven to my hand over! The drive back was brilliant, both me and the partner did not stop smiling (even with numb buttocks)! Safely tucked away in my garage, I now have chance to contemplate on the car..
A brilliant example I must say, with 30k from new (a huge improvement over the nearly 100k Clio), low ownership and impeccable history! Very, very tidy although I am OCD and will find things to improve! And best of all, it's Lunar Grey!
It has the optional Roll Cage which isn't strictly structural but still cool, a radio but no titanium exhaust. I'm not too disappointed by this fact as the price point would have been higher had it come with the TI exhaust! Modifications are just a K-Tec exhaust and Re-Map (A healthy 262BHP).
So my plans for this hardcore french hatch? Euro road trip for sure! Isle of Man definitely. I'm close enough to Cadwell Park and while I don't want this to be your typical track toy, it would be rude not exploit its talents! May do Nurbürg in the future (cliche but has to be done).
Modification wise, I'm tempted just to leave it alone. If I do, do anything it will have to be bolt on as I'd prefer the car to leave my hands as standard as it came!
I do have another update drafted up and if I have sufficient interest will keep updating you guys with any Megane related progress..
For now I'll leave you with this teaser shots!
Over and out, Danny.
Thankyou guys for your comments!
Well day three of ownership and 320 miles down (260 of them for Dorest to Yorkshire)! Averaging 35 MPG which is bizarre as I haven't really been trying!
Enough about fuel economy.. The car is extremely capable as you'd imagine from an RS flagship and has really surprised my friends who previously regarded my Trophy very highly anyway! Fear not, I'm not running running it in winter; the car is now detailed up and snug in my garage. When I say snug I really do mean snug, she's a tight fit in a single garage!
I had the wheels off which while brand new painted had gained 300 + miles of brake dust and general winter badness. What an amazing job, in the original capsicum red they really do look the part and not at all silly as you'd imagine.
While cleaning I took some pictures of defects I'd like to rectify!
Decals looking a bit tired and faded although not so much so that they ruin the look of the car.
Quite a biggie for me, the lacquered finish on the bonnet has tarnished due to engine heat. Lack of an engine cover or any insulation on the underside of the bonnet added with the fact most of the bonnet is single skin; makes this car prone to this! Re-laquering will be required in the future!
Usual expected stone chips are present. These particular ones are on the bottom of corner where the rear quarter meets the (huge) drivers door. Chips also present in the usual Megane place, IE the front of the rear arches. Chip protectors are present however quite unsightly, I may take them off unless they are fitted from factory in which case I will leave. I will be investing in a touch up pen and sanding and blending these marks in rather than a respray which seems awfully fussy!
Todays valet included a snow foam wash, polished paintwork, glass and perspex with the relevant AG products. Bumper and trim gel used in all the girlies which took ages! Sealed with Bilt Hamber finis wax. The paintwork would benefit from a clay and machine polish without a doubt; as light swirls and tar residue is present but that can wait for now!
I removed each wheel and detailed the arches and waxed the wheels etc which was satisfying as can be seen from the above pictures!
Don't have anymore pictures from the valet as I was pressed for time but still got the job done properly!
Enough waffling anyway, here are some quick pictures we got of the wonderful Lunar Grey machine today!
All images taken pre clean!
Thats all for now, Danny.
Well day three of ownership and 320 miles down (260 of them for Dorest to Yorkshire)! Averaging 35 MPG which is bizarre as I haven't really been trying!
Enough about fuel economy.. The car is extremely capable as you'd imagine from an RS flagship and has really surprised my friends who previously regarded my Trophy very highly anyway! Fear not, I'm not running running it in winter; the car is now detailed up and snug in my garage. When I say snug I really do mean snug, she's a tight fit in a single garage!
I had the wheels off which while brand new painted had gained 300 + miles of brake dust and general winter badness. What an amazing job, in the original capsicum red they really do look the part and not at all silly as you'd imagine.
While cleaning I took some pictures of defects I'd like to rectify!
Decals looking a bit tired and faded although not so much so that they ruin the look of the car.
Quite a biggie for me, the lacquered finish on the bonnet has tarnished due to engine heat. Lack of an engine cover or any insulation on the underside of the bonnet added with the fact most of the bonnet is single skin; makes this car prone to this! Re-laquering will be required in the future!
Usual expected stone chips are present. These particular ones are on the bottom of corner where the rear quarter meets the (huge) drivers door. Chips also present in the usual Megane place, IE the front of the rear arches. Chip protectors are present however quite unsightly, I may take them off unless they are fitted from factory in which case I will leave. I will be investing in a touch up pen and sanding and blending these marks in rather than a respray which seems awfully fussy!
Todays valet included a snow foam wash, polished paintwork, glass and perspex with the relevant AG products. Bumper and trim gel used in all the girlies which took ages! Sealed with Bilt Hamber finis wax. The paintwork would benefit from a clay and machine polish without a doubt; as light swirls and tar residue is present but that can wait for now!
I removed each wheel and detailed the arches and waxed the wheels etc which was satisfying as can be seen from the above pictures!
Don't have anymore pictures from the valet as I was pressed for time but still got the job done properly!
Enough waffling anyway, here are some quick pictures we got of the wonderful Lunar Grey machine today!
All images taken pre clean!
Thats all for now, Danny.
daniel-5zjw7 said:
Awesome car Danny and good to see one in readers cars! More pics required!!
Not an R26R but I dipped my toe in this shape of Renaultsport Megane, in the shape of a 5 door 225 lux with xtreme pack, I spent a fortune on it in fault fixing and uprating but unfortunately never got on with it, I hadn't had an RS product before but had held them in high regard, however for me it was a let down even on some basics like throttle response and gearchange (understand the latter is much improved on the R). I expect you coming from clios will be used to/happy to accept the quirks of French cars!
In terms of tours your plans sound great, have you been to the TT before? Trackdays wise it would be rude not to do it but given your effectively driving around in your house deposit I'd consider carefully the implications should it get damaged.
Heres a pic of my old 225
Pictures are up for your viewing pleasure!Not an R26R but I dipped my toe in this shape of Renaultsport Megane, in the shape of a 5 door 225 lux with xtreme pack, I spent a fortune on it in fault fixing and uprating but unfortunately never got on with it, I hadn't had an RS product before but had held them in high regard, however for me it was a let down even on some basics like throttle response and gearchange (understand the latter is much improved on the R). I expect you coming from clios will be used to/happy to accept the quirks of French cars!
In terms of tours your plans sound great, have you been to the TT before? Trackdays wise it would be rude not to do it but given your effectively driving around in your house deposit I'd consider carefully the implications should it get damaged.
Heres a pic of my old 225
In regards to your old one; great looking car and a five door well even rarer! Very sorry to hear you didn't get on with it but French metal is not for everyone and I do understand why! Me, well I'm certainly used to the quirks of French cars and as far as French cars go they don't get any better than this! I think an Italian motor will be next in line; those guys know a thing or two ha ha.
Absolutely, the Isle of Man is a place I've grown up with and will continue to love!
Point taken on the track days; I'm very careful and any decision will be gone through with a fine tooth comb! Technically Nurbürg is a public toll road so may get away with that one!!
Cheers, Danny.
Edited by Willo26 on Monday 31st December 22:32
daniel-5zjw7 said:
Looking very nice indeed! Imo the only colour to have one in. They have to be lairy I think as need to stand out from regular 225/R26 and its just right for the character of the car, much like porsche RS'.
Yes it was a shame with mine as I had high hopes for it and on paper it was the ideal all rounder, very suitable family car one minute, capable on a trackday the next, but unfornately dynamically it dissapointed me from a driving side and the constant issues meant the mrs lost trust in it. I'd like to try one of renaultsports more focused products as expect with different expectations I could appreciate them more.
Great stuff, it is an amazing place.. I'm a huge bike racing fan so its somewhere I hold in high regard! I was only going to say to get a car over there during the TT is not cheap but you'll know that already
Whilst the Nurburgring is technically a toll road at times, unfortunately this doesn't mean your insured as a visitor from the UK, I believe all UK insurance companies exclude it from their policies. I think you can get insurance cover but at a price and high excess.
So its a risk to weigh up and down to the individual ultimately. No different to a UK trackday in many ways.
Thank you, the colour is definitely the stand out choice! Yes it was a shame with mine as I had high hopes for it and on paper it was the ideal all rounder, very suitable family car one minute, capable on a trackday the next, but unfornately dynamically it dissapointed me from a driving side and the constant issues meant the mrs lost trust in it. I'd like to try one of renaultsports more focused products as expect with different expectations I could appreciate them more.
Great stuff, it is an amazing place.. I'm a huge bike racing fan so its somewhere I hold in high regard! I was only going to say to get a car over there during the TT is not cheap but you'll know that already
Whilst the Nurburgring is technically a toll road at times, unfortunately this doesn't mean your insured as a visitor from the UK, I believe all UK insurance companies exclude it from their policies. I think you can get insurance cover but at a price and high excess.
So its a risk to weigh up and down to the individual ultimately. No different to a UK trackday in many ways.
Quite often things can seem a great idea on paper and in practice is often a different story! French cars don’t have a habit of being good all rounders and while your theory is very logical; French metal isn’t which often doesn’t sit well with family members etc when things do go wrong! A more focused RS product with more focused expectations is perhaps a future consideration! I’ve never dailyied an RS product and you definitely have a different relationship with a car you rely on as opposed to one that’s just for fun!
Very expensive indeed, and busy! I usually go out of season now; always stumble across some sort of motorsport event wether it be rallying or events at Jurby!
Track days are a huge risk in any form I suppose it’s nieve to think otherwise; I will not rule a couple out once I know the car better however would minimal even if so!
LaurasOtherHalf said:
Still miss mine, just wonderful, wonderful cars.
Couple of points-why have the facings on your alloy wheels been painted? Big no-no for me that.
Also the decals from Renault are ruinously expensive!
Not sure why people paint contact areas and as you say should probably know better than to do so! I did think exactly the same and if any problems do arise from doing so; I’ll be taking my orbital sander and facing them back up!Couple of points-why have the facings on your alloy wheels been painted? Big no-no for me that.
Also the decals from Renault are ruinously expensive!
I haven’t priced any up as yet but have being given a rough idea as to how much it may cost for a set! Having previously had the Trophy there were specific parts which were incredibly expensive and difficult to source; so I am aware of the naff specific parts base and lued pricing attached to a specialist vehicle produced by a mainstream manufacturer!
Danny.
I thought I'd post a small update just to keep this thread current!
While I haven't driven the car since the day after taking it home (so basically I haven't driven it this year!) I have done some small bits!
I took all the wheels off and detailed the arches up, not that they needed much work! The beautifully re finished capsicum red wheels are very satisfying to clean indeed..!
I priced up some decals as I am very faddy and the front ones on this 30k miles car have faded slightly! With the price being around the £550 mark, it's fair to say they are not top of my priority list..
I removed the plates to clean behind them and was greeted by lots of number plate tape which is such a pain to get off! I used lots of AutoGlym tar and glue remover let it set in then got my rotary machine polisher on the job which smudged and eventually melted the numberplate tape off! Quite unorthodox I admit, but it got the job done with absolutely no paintwork damage (in fact its gleaming) with the aid of a compound and some detailing spray! Here's the results!
Using the same method I also removed the rear dealer badge without incident; from the paintwork (why, just why!)
Before.
After.
The car wasn't supplied with mats and this really annoyed me! Founds some genuine Renault mats which have really thick pile, great for stripe'ing' (if that's your thing!) Also bought a carpet boot mat which fits the regular size which the boot would be if it had rear seats! This fits perfectly and protects that bespoke full length carpet fitted in the rear of R26.R's.
First thoughts on the car is it feels like a much more grown up and complete package than that offered by the Trophy! The limited sip differential has to be felt to be believed; it alone transforms the Megane. The shed weight can really be felt, in a good way that is, the car feels very agile and light on its feet much more so than the standard R26. Also the ride is slightly more compliant than a standard R26 and much more so than the Trophy. I always felt the remote reservoir dampers on the T never really came into their own until you were 9/10's (much like the car it's self). The R26.R feels like an expensive all rounded product and with the remap it has ample torque to have a spirited drive without 'braying' it! The sixth gear also makes motorway journeys much more tolerable! Sub 6 seconds to 60 makes the Meg a genuinely quick car which feels very special!
I'm sure I've missed some points but I'll pick it up again next time, hopefully by then I will have used it some more!
For now though, thats me!
Danny.
While I haven't driven the car since the day after taking it home (so basically I haven't driven it this year!) I have done some small bits!
I took all the wheels off and detailed the arches up, not that they needed much work! The beautifully re finished capsicum red wheels are very satisfying to clean indeed..!
I priced up some decals as I am very faddy and the front ones on this 30k miles car have faded slightly! With the price being around the £550 mark, it's fair to say they are not top of my priority list..
I removed the plates to clean behind them and was greeted by lots of number plate tape which is such a pain to get off! I used lots of AutoGlym tar and glue remover let it set in then got my rotary machine polisher on the job which smudged and eventually melted the numberplate tape off! Quite unorthodox I admit, but it got the job done with absolutely no paintwork damage (in fact its gleaming) with the aid of a compound and some detailing spray! Here's the results!
Using the same method I also removed the rear dealer badge without incident; from the paintwork (why, just why!)
Before.
After.
The car wasn't supplied with mats and this really annoyed me! Founds some genuine Renault mats which have really thick pile, great for stripe'ing' (if that's your thing!) Also bought a carpet boot mat which fits the regular size which the boot would be if it had rear seats! This fits perfectly and protects that bespoke full length carpet fitted in the rear of R26.R's.
First thoughts on the car is it feels like a much more grown up and complete package than that offered by the Trophy! The limited sip differential has to be felt to be believed; it alone transforms the Megane. The shed weight can really be felt, in a good way that is, the car feels very agile and light on its feet much more so than the standard R26. Also the ride is slightly more compliant than a standard R26 and much more so than the Trophy. I always felt the remote reservoir dampers on the T never really came into their own until you were 9/10's (much like the car it's self). The R26.R feels like an expensive all rounded product and with the remap it has ample torque to have a spirited drive without 'braying' it! The sixth gear also makes motorway journeys much more tolerable! Sub 6 seconds to 60 makes the Meg a genuinely quick car which feels very special!
I'm sure I've missed some points but I'll pick it up again next time, hopefully by then I will have used it some more!
For now though, thats me!
Danny.
Gary29 said:
Awesome! I ran a 225 Trophy for a few years, absolutely loved that car, this is obviously next level though.
I wish I had the time and inclination to keep a car this clean like I used to when I was younger, looks amazing. My very first thought was 'get rid of that KTEC badge!'
Thank you, very kind! I wish I had the time and inclination to keep a car this clean like I used to when I was younger, looks amazing. My very first thought was 'get rid of that KTEC badge!'
The K-Tec badge had to go; nothing personal just visual clutter!
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I understand it's the middle of winter but c'mon! These cars are for driving, not hoovering stripes into!
This one made me laugh! Yes granted, my OCD gets the better of me and I get carried away!However; proper usage is on the way. I never quite feel like a cars mine until I've done these little detail jobs and I may as well do them now while the weather is poor! The car is suited for warm, dry conditions and that's how I feel it will be best enjoyed with a bit of heat in the tarmac and minus road salt!
Danny.
st33ly said:
Love the car dude.
I have a replacement centre console if you want it? Mine was all marked from the Sabelt harness bashing off it all the time. Its easy to fit. Email me if you want it for a small fee. craig_490@hotmail.com
Hope you got the numbers book pack with yours.
Cheers
My centre console has been bashed by the harnesses! I'm hoping I can be rather more careful so have been on the casual hunt for an unmarked one and would be interested if yours is so!I have a replacement centre console if you want it? Mine was all marked from the Sabelt harness bashing off it all the time. Its easy to fit. Email me if you want it for a small fee. craig_490@hotmail.com
Hope you got the numbers book pack with yours.
Cheers
Are you referring to the presentation pack? If so then sadly not; always on the lookout however!
Danny.
Trophy Husband said:
I get all the chat. Don't get me wrong the R26R is on my radar. But.. the Clio Trophy has it all and delivers it all at 10/10ths. Whilst I am biased I've driven both and for real driver 'feel' there is not another car that can match the Clio Trophy. Hence it being in Harry's garage. He knows his stuff. I will never sell mine.
The Clio 182 Trophy is such an amazing hot hatch that I had the pleasure of owning and one I will always hold in high regard! 100% of the power is usable and how refreshing it is to drive after anything 'modern'! That very EVO diaries video is what made me have an extra level of want for the Trophy over anything else! I watched a video recently where Henry Catchpole (another ex EVO) described his 182 daily driver as an automotive palate cleanser which sums the car up perfectly! I miss the high revving Clio and its typical RS how the Megane (minus VVT plus a tiny turbo) has the same engine but feels so very different!
One thing I do think Renault missed with the Trophy was a limited slip differential, had it had that and the Sachs, I believe it would be held in even higher regard than it is!
I needed to try a more purposeful R26R while I still can!
Regards, Danny.
Firstly if anyone could advise me on 'Quoting' multiple people on one post rather than multiple I'd be grateful as I know it can be done but other than typing it all out manually can't yet fathom another way.
Anyhow; not an awful lot to report but I thought I'd check in while idle on this miserable day! I don't cope well with being idle and had resorted talking to the cat (no response as of yet) ha!
On another off note; I've been playing Horizon 4 which is amazing; I was disappointed to find none of my current cars are on the game! Shame, I'll just have to settle with the real thing I guess..
I took it for a quick drive last weekend when it felt more like mid spring; oh how I miss spring.
Strapping into the 6 pointer every time makes every outing feel like an occasion before you've even turned the key, or rather inserted the silly plastic card and pressed the start button. The button isn't the easiest to reach when harnessed in I must add!
Pulling up at the fuel station it does turn heads; although I haven't worked out wether that's in a positive way or not. Either way I aren't fussed, not many people 'get' these cars after all! If there is a queue after fuelling up people have an extra level hate for you as you awkwardly clamber over the huge seat bolsters and spend an age re harnessing yourself into your French hatchback! Sounds silly doesn't it..!
On the road you feel hardwired to the running gear and the noise is like nothing else love it or hate it! I feel it lacks induction roar; as for the remedy I suggest you watch this space!
I never realised just how much heat the tyres would need in them to work properly and this soon becomes evident as I have a clear stretch of road to stretch its legs! The car feels infinitely capable but the tyres inspire little confidence as the RPM and speed builds. I should add that this car doesn't have R888's fitted any longer and has similar tread and compound Federal RSR's. I was going to replace with the OE R888's eventually however..
As I will be doing little to no track work; I am considering more road and weather friendly Michelin Cup Sport 2's which are still very focused and best suited to dry but should offer more confidence in less perfect conditions! I plan on taking it to Isle of Man this autumn and I cannot see myself being able to take advantage of the roads over there on the current set up. Any thoughts would be welcome on this matter!
After a tipsy eBay purchase; I decided to fit something that wouldn't usually appeal to me!
Yes, it's fake carbon but they are easily removable and protect the originals!
Plus I've never liked the fact the Renault badges are the only chrome on the whole car. Take a look for yourself before you judge too heavily!
Whilst mine is missing the presentation pack the handbook is full of goodies and I found it particularly amusing that the R26 R came with it's own handbook and safety leaflet thrown amongst the pedestrian version handbook!
I would have loved to picked this car up new; what a brave move during a recession!
That's all for now, stay tuned for more pedantic rambling..
Regards, Danny.
Anyhow; not an awful lot to report but I thought I'd check in while idle on this miserable day! I don't cope well with being idle and had resorted talking to the cat (no response as of yet) ha!
On another off note; I've been playing Horizon 4 which is amazing; I was disappointed to find none of my current cars are on the game! Shame, I'll just have to settle with the real thing I guess..
I took it for a quick drive last weekend when it felt more like mid spring; oh how I miss spring.
Strapping into the 6 pointer every time makes every outing feel like an occasion before you've even turned the key, or rather inserted the silly plastic card and pressed the start button. The button isn't the easiest to reach when harnessed in I must add!
Pulling up at the fuel station it does turn heads; although I haven't worked out wether that's in a positive way or not. Either way I aren't fussed, not many people 'get' these cars after all! If there is a queue after fuelling up people have an extra level hate for you as you awkwardly clamber over the huge seat bolsters and spend an age re harnessing yourself into your French hatchback! Sounds silly doesn't it..!
On the road you feel hardwired to the running gear and the noise is like nothing else love it or hate it! I feel it lacks induction roar; as for the remedy I suggest you watch this space!
I never realised just how much heat the tyres would need in them to work properly and this soon becomes evident as I have a clear stretch of road to stretch its legs! The car feels infinitely capable but the tyres inspire little confidence as the RPM and speed builds. I should add that this car doesn't have R888's fitted any longer and has similar tread and compound Federal RSR's. I was going to replace with the OE R888's eventually however..
As I will be doing little to no track work; I am considering more road and weather friendly Michelin Cup Sport 2's which are still very focused and best suited to dry but should offer more confidence in less perfect conditions! I plan on taking it to Isle of Man this autumn and I cannot see myself being able to take advantage of the roads over there on the current set up. Any thoughts would be welcome on this matter!
After a tipsy eBay purchase; I decided to fit something that wouldn't usually appeal to me!
Yes, it's fake carbon but they are easily removable and protect the originals!
Plus I've never liked the fact the Renault badges are the only chrome on the whole car. Take a look for yourself before you judge too heavily!
Whilst mine is missing the presentation pack the handbook is full of goodies and I found it particularly amusing that the R26 R came with it's own handbook and safety leaflet thrown amongst the pedestrian version handbook!
I would have loved to picked this car up new; what a brave move during a recession!
That's all for now, stay tuned for more pedantic rambling..
Regards, Danny.
Edited by Willo26 on Sunday 10th March 14:08
chrismc1977 said:
Looks proper that. The carbon badge suits as well.
I still wouldn’t swap my DC2 as Im an N/A man & think it’s the absolute pinnacle of hot hatch fun with B18 revs, lack of weight & pin sharp handling. The Honda engineering and focus shades it over the Clio for me
If ever I was to consider something forced induction then an R26 would be on the list for sure however...
DC2’s are a special car to say the least! I’ve always been a naturally aspirated man and more modern classic orientated too! Having a limited slip differential in such an old school car is such a bonus and never will an engine be so naturally revvy again! I still wouldn’t swap my DC2 as Im an N/A man & think it’s the absolute pinnacle of hot hatch fun with B18 revs, lack of weight & pin sharp handling. The Honda engineering and focus shades it over the Clio for me
If ever I was to consider something forced induction then an R26 would be on the list for sure however...
I was looking at various cars the DC2 would have fit the bill perfectly; automotive perfection!
With milder weather comes progress..
First of all; what started out with bulb fitment ended up in a front end detail and here's how!
Being an absolute nutcase for detail, one thing I usually do to my cars is fit these nifty little silver vision bulbs from Phillips.
As illustrated they take away the orange glow from an otherwise neat and clear lamp unit! The illuminated colour on them is bright orange not dull as some of the imitation units can be.
Fitting them to the rear lights required little effort and no tools! Moving swiftly to the front clusters; the ones which had bothered me more and prompted the purchase. I was fooled by the inspection caps on the wheel arch liners and thought it would be easy enough to whip the wheels off and swap them in situ. I was wrong. As with every other Renault from the era; any bulb change seems too awkward and risky to do without removing the front bumper! Not the end of the world as from experience on my Clio; they are easy enough to remove!
What struck me first of all was how little was holding the bumper on! Four clips under the bonnet, two tiny screws in the wheel arch at either side and three bolts underneath shared by the under tray and wham bam were off! The only thing that would be extra on a normal RS Megane would be multi plugs for the fogs and headlamp washers which was not an issue on this poverty model (ha ha). Once off I carefully manoeuvred into my garden and not for the size and shape of the thing I could have lifted it with my little finger!
I do appreciate the less is more approach that Renault apply, you cannot help but feel all of the 1252 KG kerb weight is in the shell because literally everything on this car weighs nothing! After all this is a 5 Star Euro NCAP!!
Three bolts and the headlamps are out. At this stage changing the indicator bulbs are as easy and twist and pop! (Left is before, Right is after on the below picture).
Usually at this stage it would be time to bolt everything back together but I am not usual. Instead I took it upon myself to do a little tidying up behind the bumper!
Starting with some tar remover on the wheel arch liners and the chassis bits I could get to! While soaking in I tried some of this magic stuff on the stained callipers.
It's certainly done something!
Arches looking much cleaner with the front section of the arch liner removed at this stage! Didn't scrub at the factory wax which can be observed oozing out of the bung.
With the arch liner back in and wheel back on at one side!
The headlights even got a the treatment; top is cleaned bottom is not!
The opposite side built up, I drained the screen wash bottle as there was much smelly crud in the bottom!
So four hours later I'd finally re fit the bumper and my bulb change was complete!
Next up for progress.. I decided since the vehicle hadn't had a service since April last year (less than 1k ago mind) to give it a little service!
I got some genuine ELF 5W40 of which the Megane accepts 5.4L of! A genuine filter and plug washer and some 75w80 ELF gearbox oil and a plug washer!
After getting the car suitably warm on the journey; I promptly removed the under tray and dropped the oil piping hot!
Underneath was immaculate as expected. Underneath the bottom arms being the only thing that were disappointingly rusty. The K-Tec Exhaust is very minimal and looks like a blooming drain pipe!
Next up I replaced the oil filter and released the drain plug on the box!
The oil was black, quite metallic coloured and disappointingly the drain plug is not magnetic meaning the metal is left to float around rather than attracted away from the moving parts! Had I had known this fact, I would have got hold of a magnetic plug prior to removal; it's something I will consider next time!
Next I removed the wheels at the front and the arch liner front section at the nearside to locate the filler plug! Very easy to find and a plastic twisty cap which was pleasing! To locate the plug I had to unbolt a plate from the body to the chassis leg. This plate in fact..
As you can imagine this offended me quite a lot.. I promptly removed the offside arch liner and found the other side was in a similar condition! Then this happened..
And this..
While the strengthener plates were being painted I set about filling the gearbox! I used a funnel and some garden hose (yes really!) I'd read that the gearbox accepted 2.1L on a vehicle with the LSD. I lowered the jack so the car was level as if it was on the ground and began to fill. Rule of thumb with a box is fill until a slow trickle is observed from the filler bung.
I re inserted the filler plug, the box had taken 1.7L of oil which I was happy with as it's difficult to drain all the fluid from the diff and box; I will be draining again in the future and inserting a magnetic bung anyway!
I couldn't help but notice my filler pipe matched my car; not intentionally I promise!!
I took the time to give the exhaust a quick polish while underneath but didn't spend ages!
I gave the brakes a quick strip, clean and grease at the front which was so easy it's un real!
With that my plates were dry in the spray booth and ready for fitment!
Much better wouldn't you agree!
With that, I refitted the arch liners replacing a couple of clips; refitted the sump plug, under tray and wheels! The car took a textbook 5.4L of engine oil and started with no incident! I also topped my dead empty screen wash bottle and checked the whole thing for leaks! Overall I'm very impressed with everything and ready to give the car some proper usage!
I spent hardly anything on the service and gave the car a comprehensive job with no compromise which is above the level of a main dealer and probably even a specialist! Just as I was finishing off a parcel arrived which is just the cherry on top really; ultra comfy and look stunning! I'm truly ready..
For now, thats all!
Danny.
First of all; what started out with bulb fitment ended up in a front end detail and here's how!
Being an absolute nutcase for detail, one thing I usually do to my cars is fit these nifty little silver vision bulbs from Phillips.
As illustrated they take away the orange glow from an otherwise neat and clear lamp unit! The illuminated colour on them is bright orange not dull as some of the imitation units can be.
Fitting them to the rear lights required little effort and no tools! Moving swiftly to the front clusters; the ones which had bothered me more and prompted the purchase. I was fooled by the inspection caps on the wheel arch liners and thought it would be easy enough to whip the wheels off and swap them in situ. I was wrong. As with every other Renault from the era; any bulb change seems too awkward and risky to do without removing the front bumper! Not the end of the world as from experience on my Clio; they are easy enough to remove!
What struck me first of all was how little was holding the bumper on! Four clips under the bonnet, two tiny screws in the wheel arch at either side and three bolts underneath shared by the under tray and wham bam were off! The only thing that would be extra on a normal RS Megane would be multi plugs for the fogs and headlamp washers which was not an issue on this poverty model (ha ha). Once off I carefully manoeuvred into my garden and not for the size and shape of the thing I could have lifted it with my little finger!
I do appreciate the less is more approach that Renault apply, you cannot help but feel all of the 1252 KG kerb weight is in the shell because literally everything on this car weighs nothing! After all this is a 5 Star Euro NCAP!!
Three bolts and the headlamps are out. At this stage changing the indicator bulbs are as easy and twist and pop! (Left is before, Right is after on the below picture).
Usually at this stage it would be time to bolt everything back together but I am not usual. Instead I took it upon myself to do a little tidying up behind the bumper!
Starting with some tar remover on the wheel arch liners and the chassis bits I could get to! While soaking in I tried some of this magic stuff on the stained callipers.
It's certainly done something!
Arches looking much cleaner with the front section of the arch liner removed at this stage! Didn't scrub at the factory wax which can be observed oozing out of the bung.
With the arch liner back in and wheel back on at one side!
The headlights even got a the treatment; top is cleaned bottom is not!
The opposite side built up, I drained the screen wash bottle as there was much smelly crud in the bottom!
So four hours later I'd finally re fit the bumper and my bulb change was complete!
Next up for progress.. I decided since the vehicle hadn't had a service since April last year (less than 1k ago mind) to give it a little service!
I got some genuine ELF 5W40 of which the Megane accepts 5.4L of! A genuine filter and plug washer and some 75w80 ELF gearbox oil and a plug washer!
After getting the car suitably warm on the journey; I promptly removed the under tray and dropped the oil piping hot!
Underneath was immaculate as expected. Underneath the bottom arms being the only thing that were disappointingly rusty. The K-Tec Exhaust is very minimal and looks like a blooming drain pipe!
Next up I replaced the oil filter and released the drain plug on the box!
The oil was black, quite metallic coloured and disappointingly the drain plug is not magnetic meaning the metal is left to float around rather than attracted away from the moving parts! Had I had known this fact, I would have got hold of a magnetic plug prior to removal; it's something I will consider next time!
Next I removed the wheels at the front and the arch liner front section at the nearside to locate the filler plug! Very easy to find and a plastic twisty cap which was pleasing! To locate the plug I had to unbolt a plate from the body to the chassis leg. This plate in fact..
As you can imagine this offended me quite a lot.. I promptly removed the offside arch liner and found the other side was in a similar condition! Then this happened..
And this..
While the strengthener plates were being painted I set about filling the gearbox! I used a funnel and some garden hose (yes really!) I'd read that the gearbox accepted 2.1L on a vehicle with the LSD. I lowered the jack so the car was level as if it was on the ground and began to fill. Rule of thumb with a box is fill until a slow trickle is observed from the filler bung.
I re inserted the filler plug, the box had taken 1.7L of oil which I was happy with as it's difficult to drain all the fluid from the diff and box; I will be draining again in the future and inserting a magnetic bung anyway!
I couldn't help but notice my filler pipe matched my car; not intentionally I promise!!
I took the time to give the exhaust a quick polish while underneath but didn't spend ages!
I gave the brakes a quick strip, clean and grease at the front which was so easy it's un real!
With that my plates were dry in the spray booth and ready for fitment!
Much better wouldn't you agree!
With that, I refitted the arch liners replacing a couple of clips; refitted the sump plug, under tray and wheels! The car took a textbook 5.4L of engine oil and started with no incident! I also topped my dead empty screen wash bottle and checked the whole thing for leaks! Overall I'm very impressed with everything and ready to give the car some proper usage!
I spent hardly anything on the service and gave the car a comprehensive job with no compromise which is above the level of a main dealer and probably even a specialist! Just as I was finishing off a parcel arrived which is just the cherry on top really; ultra comfy and look stunning! I'm truly ready..
For now, thats all!
Danny.
CanoeSniffer said:
Cracking looking car. A mate of mine has just bought an R26 (not R) and it's an immensely capable car, great power delivery, ride and handling.
One question though, did Renault address the gearbox and pedalbox for the R? Feeling like I was stirring soup between gears, and not being able to heel'n'toe, sort of spoilt the immersion for me. He's fitting a short shift kit and sorting out the pedal heights, and that really will turn it into a great car.
The R26.R remained unchanged engine and gearbox wise, although I’m sure the gearshift was addressed and as a result has a shorter throw and more positive feel! One question though, did Renault address the gearbox and pedalbox for the R? Feeling like I was stirring soup between gears, and not being able to heel'n'toe, sort of spoilt the immersion for me. He's fitting a short shift kit and sorting out the pedal heights, and that really will turn it into a great car.
As for pedal positioning no different as far as I’m aware! Renault seating positions have a habit of being ridiculously high leaving the driver feeling as if their sat on top of the car rather than in it! The carbon fibre Sabelts drasticly change the driving position in the Megané and I think that may be why the pedal height and positioning feels better in the 26.R.
Heel and toe is no problem; I never downshift without! If your used to French cars you have to adopt a slightly different method..!
Regards, Danny.
C70R said:
This is what put me off buying a boggo R26, and the reason why I ended up with a Mini Cooper S. How are the French, a nation that has been building cars for so long, so terrible at ergonomic design? It's the only fly in the ointment of what is otherwise an excellent car.
I must admit that I don't share the same passion as OP for doing things like polishing exhaust boxes (
), but this looks like a decent example of a rare car.
Agreed, the French must have very strange body shapes judging by the ergonomic design! I must admit that I don't share the same passion as OP for doing things like polishing exhaust boxes (
), but this looks like a decent example of a rare car.Coming from a background of Saxo’s, 106’s Clios etc the Megané is comparably much better in that department! Geargchange is fettled on the 26.R making for a better gear shift but still not lock and load rifle good!
I appreciate most people don’t have the level of enthusiasm when it comes to cleanliness I am like that in every aspect of life so it’s second nature to me!
Regards Danny.
st33ly said:
Don't know if a new centre console would be of interest to you mate?
I bought it for my Number 87 but sold it before fitting. They can get marked with the lower belts hitting of them.
drop me an email if you are interested.
Cheers Craig
That would be of interest as mine had the usual harness rash! I hope to be more careful with mine so a new one would be ideal.. I bought it for my Number 87 but sold it before fitting. They can get marked with the lower belts hitting of them.
drop me an email if you are interested.
Cheers Craig
How much would you be wanting for the console? Regards Danny!
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff