Sunday 7th April 2019

Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy: PH Trade-Off!

The Trophy rights some of the Megane's wrongs - but can we find a similarly focussed hot hatch for half its cost?

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It should come as no surprise, really. In fact, hasn't it (almost) always been the way with Renault Sports that, shortly after the arrival of a new model that hasn't been met with complete approbation, a Trophy version turns up that cures most, if not all of the issues?

So the fact that the new Megane Trophy delivered a decisive smiles-per-mile win over the Volkswagen Golf TCR in our latest twin-test this week is, really, business as usual.

"The Golf is the more complete car, and therefore the one to recommend to 80 per cent of people who ask your opinion on 'buying a hot hatch' because it possesses that uncanny ability to just sort of do everything well," explained Mr Bird.

"But as enthusiasts - and representing the 20 per cent that rate thrill over contentment - the Megane takes it. There are flaws, of that there can be little doubt, but there's a greater level of intrigue, challenge and reward, too."

Sounds rather closer to the familiar Megane formula of driving enjoyment than before, which is splendid news for anyone who can stretch to the Trophy's £31,810 asking price. But what if you can't? Well that, dear reader, sounds like a job for the PH Trade-Off!

For our half-price budget, the obvious solution would be 'an older Megane'. An excellent suggestion, of course, but as is the Trade-Off way, we're not going to settle for the obvious solution. Instead, how about this SEAT Leon Cupra 290?

It's on for the distinctly agreeable price of £15,698, though there's a catch, which is the mileage. Some lucky soul's managed to cover 47,000-odd miles in this Cupra in the last three years which, let's face it, rather sticks it to everyone else trundling up and down the M1 in their diesel Insignias.

Immense grip and phenomenal power come as standard, of course - the Cupra will match our Megane to 62mph despite being down 10hp. But... well, is the Leon Cupra really good enough to provide an alternative to the Megane Trophy? Hmm. Given its ever-so-slightly remote steering and ever-so-slightly staid chassis setup, perhaps not.

So let's take a suggestion from well out of left-field instead. They say they don't make 'em like they used to, and that's certainly true of cars like this Lancia Delta Integrale 16v.

It rather goes without saying that this will, of course, provide a vastly different driving experience to the Megane, with four-wheel drive, hydraulic power steering, and a rally-bred rather than track-focused chassis setup, making it a little softer around the edges but just as agile - and of course, no less able to cover ground at a staggering rate.

What's even more astounding is that the Delta should make a pretty good fist of keeping up with the Megane, despite being 30 years its senior and 100hp down on power, hitting 60mph in anywhere between 5.7 and 6.0 seconds, depending on who you believe. If you're bored of modern hot hatches with their chunky plastics, layers of sound-deadening and vaguely artificial air, this could be the perfect antidote.

Of course, it's also a 1989 Lancia, and as such, it's probably not the kind of car that's going to appeal to someone in the market for a 2019 Megane Renault Sport. So let's see if we can find something a little more realistic, shall we?

Ah, here we go. This Peugeot 308 GTI by Peugeot Sport should do the trick. The by Peugeot Sport was Peugeot's attempt to pull off the same trick as Renault did with the Megane Trophy, adding more whoomph to a car that was derided as disappointingly lacking in... well, whoomph. It was so well received, in fact, that by the time the 2017 facelift came along, the standard car was dropped altogether, leaving this 270hp version as the only model in the range.

It can't quite keep a Megane honest in a straight line but in the twisty bits, the 308 GTI should do a decent job. It's far more entertaining to drive than its reputation would have you believe, and while its diff isn't quite as aggressive nor its nose quite as bite-y, it'll still flow along a sinuous B-road in just as satisfying a manner.

The biggest reason it's here, though, is value. This is a 2017 example - judging by the reg plate, it could be an early press car, though whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is subject to debate - that's covered just 21,000 miles, and would have cost around £30,000 when it was new; more, in fact, if you take into account options and that sure-to-be-fondly-remembered-one-day Coupe Franche paintwork. Yet today you can buy this very car for just £15,691.

And while it gives away a degree of sharpness to the Megane, it should still be just as much fun 99 per cent of the time despite that fact. Given how comparatively cheap it is, would you really quibble over the extra 1 per cent?

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SPECIFICATION - RENAULT SPORT MEGANE 300 TROPHY

Engine: 1,798cc 4-cyl, turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@2,400rpm
0-62mph: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 162mph
Weight: 1,494kg (with 75kg driver)
CO2: 183g/km
MPG: 34.9 (WLTP Combined)
Price: £31,810

SPECIFICATION - PEUGEOT 308 GTI 270 BY PEUGEOT SPORT

Engine: 1,598cc, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 270@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 243@1,900-5,500rpm
0-62mph: 6.0sec
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,280kg (with driver and fluids)
MPG: 39.2 (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 139g/km
Price: £29,405

[Save the manuals]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 07 April 2019 at 06:45

[Itsallicanafford]

No, the answer really is a mk3 megane, it’s sure the pug is good but I’d be astonished if it performed like a mk3 when you are running at 9/10ths and above, the mk4 seems to share this trait.

[sideways man]

Integrale for me please, I’ll keep my Volvo for when the Lancia breaks down...

[SteA]

I wouldn’t discount the Cupra for certain buyers. Yes it is a very comfortable and pleasant family car, so might not feel as “involved” as some on the road, but it’s also very quick on track and great fun too. That new Megane looks fun though...

[Burgerbob]

Had my 308 GTi for two years now, bought for a cracking price when it was one year old. You have to drive it hard to get the best out of it, but it has proved a fabulous all round car whether it's going to the tip, on a school run, my daily commute, or a country road blast. Is also been a blast on the track days I've taken it on.

It's been reliable with a couple of small niggles sorted no questions by the dealer, and being a 1.6 it's not even bad on fuel.

Two years is about all I normally keep a car for, but I genuinely wouldn't know what to replace it with that would be such a good all rounder.

[NickWeston]

I recently bought a Cupra 280 as needed a five door hatch as my Megane 250 (and 265 before that) just weren’t practical enough.
Although it doesn’t quite have the chassis of the Megane it’s not too far behind and great fun. It’s way more practical too and much more comfortable for daily pottering.

[GibsonSG]

Burgerbob said:

Had my 308 GTi for two years now, bought for a cracking price when it was one year old. You have to drive it hard to get the best out of it, but it has proved a fabulous all round car whether it's going to the tip, on a school run, my daily commute, or a country road blast. Is also been a blast on the track days I've taken it on.

It's been reliable with a couple of small niggles sorted no questions by the dealer, and being a 1.6 it's not even bad on fuel.

Two years is about all I normally keep a car for, but I genuinely wouldn't know what to replace it with that would be such a good all rounder.

A few questions if I may? I have a RS Megane Cup S and will probably change in out in a year or so as it's my business car and I do a lot of miles. The 308 GTI is a tempting and slightly left field replacement choice.

Is the engine the same as the THP lump that seems to have quite a few intrinsic issues?

Are the dealers used to this model when it comes to servicing as it's a bit niche in the Peugeot range? For reference, every bloody Renault dealer I've used has not stocked key consumables for the RS and therefore I have to budget for it to be off the road for 2 days (once it was three!) just for standard servicing. I now use RS Four Ashes and they are a brilliant independent.

Have you had front discs and pads yet? I heard somewhere it was over £1500 for those Alcon discs and pads to be replaced.

Thanks in advance

[NickWeston]

GibsonSG said:

Burgerbob said:

Had my 308 GTi for two years now, bought for a cracking price when it was one year old. You have to drive it hard to get the best out of it, but it has proved a fabulous all round car whether it's going to the tip, on a school run, my daily commute, or a country road blast. Is also been a blast on the track days I've taken it on.

It's been reliable with a couple of small niggles sorted no questions by the dealer, and being a 1.6 it's not even bad on fuel.

Two years is about all I normally keep a car for, but I genuinely wouldn't know what to replace it with that would be such a good all rounder.

A few questions if I may? I have a RS Megane Cup S and will probably change in out in a year or so as it's my business car and I do a lot of miles. The 308 GTI is a tempting and slightly left field replacement choice.

Is the engine the same as the THP lump that seems to have quite a few intrinsic issues?

Are the dealers used to this model when it comes to servicing as it's a bit niche in the Peugeot range? For reference, every bloody Renault dealer I've used has not stocked key consumables for the RS and therefore I have to budget for it to be off the road for 2 days (once it was three!) just for standard servicing. I now use RS Four Ashes and they are a brilliant independent.

Have you had front discs and pads yet? I heard somewhere it was over £1500 for those Alcon discs and pads to be replaced.

Thanks in advance

I was in a similar boat when I replaced my Meg 250 for the Cupra. I looked at the 308 but the rear has very limited leg room to make it work for me. I would also suggest you look at the i30N. Of all the cars I drove, and I tried a lot, that was the closest in feel to the Meg but was just too much above my budget unfortunately. Brilliant car though.

[GibsonSG]

NickWeston said:

I was in a similar boat when I replaced my Meg 250 for the Cupra. I looked at the 308 but the rear has very limited leg room to make it work for me. I would also suggest you look at the i30N. Of all the cars I drove, and I tried a lot, that was the closest in feel to the Meg but was just too much above my budget unfortunately. Brilliant car though.

Thanks Nick, the Cupra and the i30N would both be on my list. I confess that it's the comparatively low purchase cost of the 308 that appeals as well. I get an allowance for my business use and naturally I try and get the best bang for my buck while staying away from diesel drudgery!

[Hairymonster]

What's wrong with 47k on the Seat? At least it's been driven and, hopefully, serviced properly.

That Integrale looks astoundingly cheap - a good one of those is usually north of £50k. I'd want to get some expert eyes on it, but I'd grab it with both hands if it checked out OK.

[Burgerbob]

GibsonSG said:

A few questions if I may? I have a RS Megane Cup S and will probably change in out in a year or so as it's my business car and I do a lot of miles. The 308 GTI is a tempting and slightly left field replacement choice.

Is the engine the same as the THP lump that seems to have quite a few intrinsic issues?

Its the prince engine co-developed with BMW so its been around for a while. When it first went into production in 2006 there was issues but it has been refined over the years. Peugeot first used it this version with 270 HP in the RCZ R in 2014 and then tweaked it slightly in the 308 so it is tried and tested. Its been well put together with forged pistons etc and you don't hear of issues with the engine. I've done 20k in mine and the engine hasn't had any problems or used a drop of oil.

GibsonSG said:

Are the dealers used to this model when it comes to servicing as it's a bit niche in the Peugeot range? For reference, every bloody Renault dealer I've used has not stocked key consumables for the RS and therefore I have to budget for it to be off the road for 2 days (once it was three!) just for standard servicing. I now use RS Four Ashes and they are a brilliant independent.

Servicing wise the only non-standard consumable parts are the plugs, which are meant to be changed every service due to the heat the engine creates. They have an 8 heat range and I think a dealer only part (although the aftermarket sellers sell a plug with a 7 heat range with no issues)

I've use Robins & Day in Derby and can't fault them

GibsonSG said:

Have you had front discs and pads yet? I heard somewhere it was over £1500 for those Alcon discs and pads to be replaced.

The brakes are a bit unnecessary for a road car, but work very well on a track. There are various pads available from £40 ish upwards as the same pad was used in a Jaguar XKR. The Alcon discs are expensive and only available from Peugeot. You can now get a few aftermarket alternatives (e.g Tarox + MTEC) which are slightly cheaper and are two piece which will save more when the rotors need replacing.

Being quite rare there isn't a massive amount of owners support. Peugeot forums is very good for general issues and there are a few helpful dedicated GTi facebook pages. Comkotes is best for tuning. https://www.comkotes-tuning.co.uk/308-gti-ii/

They get mixed reviews and the main drawbacks cited are the driving position. I like it but suggest a long test drive to make sure it works for you and to get past the first impression. The touchscreen, which again I find fine. And the lack of HVAC buttons which are embedded in the touchscreen. But with climate control I never change the settings. Some reviewers have complained about the long throw gearbox, but if that is an issue comkotes have a couple of options from around £70. The gearing itself is close ratio which is great for A + B roads but 6th could do with being a bit higher for motorway cruising.

It's simpler than most of its competitors with no different suspension settings etc to play with. Instead, its been well set up by Peugeot Sport to be slightly too firm for most driving, but genuinely thrilling to drive fast on a good twisty road.

It is a road car which is why Peugeot have never entered the Nurburgring one upmanship. However, Bradley Philpot (who races 308's in the VLN Endurance Championships and privately owns a GTi) reckons he could get it round in 7:50 / 7:55

[GibsonSG]

Thanks very much for the comprehensive reply on this, definitely on my list for the future

[Nerdherder]

SOMEONE GO GET THAT INTEGRALE. :drool: