Megane Cup 250 vs 265
Discussion
Short version - asides the obvious (
) what's the differences between these two models, in particular the sound they make? Ta 
Slightly longer version...
Going to be looking at a Megane 265 Cup next week, now whilst I could afford a new one (quite tempting with the 0% they're offering atm), I'd rather spend the money on things like house stuff, mortgages etc. etc. if possible. Plus I want to minimise depreciation costs (then again, at £15k even the cheapest 250 cup would have a lot of deprecation still to go, non?)
Anyway, looking at the reviews it seems that both have class leading handling, and I suspect a remap would easily bring a 250 model up to 265 power and beyond.
In addition to nimble handling another thing I appreciate is how the car sounds. Now obviously an inline 4 turbo isn't a good start and this seemed to be a criticism of the 250 model, and suspect could put me off one. However in ECOTY 2011 it was mentioned that the 265 Trophy had 'found it's voice' and seems the regular 265 also sounds good given Evo have been giving it 5 stars rather the umming & arring 4.5 for the 250 (although this could be all part of the pathetic GT86/BRZ bashing recently)
Is there a way a 250 could be made to sound like a 265 or better? Anything that can be done; induction growl (are they any good intake kits?), sound pipe mods, turbo wooshing, blowoff valve sneezing, exhaust bark etc.
Cheers
) what's the differences between these two models, in particular the sound they make? Ta Slightly longer version...
Going to be looking at a Megane 265 Cup next week, now whilst I could afford a new one (quite tempting with the 0% they're offering atm), I'd rather spend the money on things like house stuff, mortgages etc. etc. if possible. Plus I want to minimise depreciation costs (then again, at £15k even the cheapest 250 cup would have a lot of deprecation still to go, non?)
Anyway, looking at the reviews it seems that both have class leading handling, and I suspect a remap would easily bring a 250 model up to 265 power and beyond.
In addition to nimble handling another thing I appreciate is how the car sounds. Now obviously an inline 4 turbo isn't a good start and this seemed to be a criticism of the 250 model, and suspect could put me off one. However in ECOTY 2011 it was mentioned that the 265 Trophy had 'found it's voice' and seems the regular 265 also sounds good given Evo have been giving it 5 stars rather the umming & arring 4.5 for the 250 (although this could be all part of the pathetic GT86/BRZ bashing recently)
Is there a way a 250 could be made to sound like a 265 or better? Anything that can be done; induction growl (are they any good intake kits?), sound pipe mods, turbo wooshing, blowoff valve sneezing, exhaust bark etc.
Cheers
GrumpyTwig said:
Buy the 250 and get a remap then enjoy not getting pulled into Renaults lame and obvious marketing exercise while enjoying the extra 20-30bhp.
But... will it sound as nice as a 265? Or the same? 
I'm leaning towards a 250 though... after hearing this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBz70_9GkVs&fea...
There is nothing wrong with the 250 - I have just bought one rather than going for the 265. At the end of the day,a 10k saving over new is a lot of depreciation pain to avoid for a loss of just 15 bhp and with only 8k on the clock!
My previous 2nd car was an E92 M3 - and the 250 puts as much of a grin on my face as the M3. The sound is fine - not the V8 bark that I had with the M3 but not rough and tinny either. And the handling is awesome - I cannot see that he M3 would have lost the 250 over a B road blast.
Whichever you choose you won't regret it
My previous 2nd car was an E92 M3 - and the 250 puts as much of a grin on my face as the M3. The sound is fine - not the V8 bark that I had with the M3 but not rough and tinny either. And the handling is awesome - I cannot see that he M3 would have lost the 250 over a B road blast.
Whichever you choose you won't regret it
Had a go in a 265 last week. Incredible.
I was spurred to have a go in it after a lukewarm drive of a GT86 (see here)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I was spurred to have a go in it after a lukewarm drive of a GT86 (see here)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
MarkRSi said:
(another long post... sorry! 
)
Sooo the Megane 265 Cup, you've probably heard a couple of things about it such as
"Rips you out of bends..."
"It's the GT3/GT2 of hot hatches..."
"Nothing faster down this road than a well driven 265..."
"It's a bit of a weapon..."
etc.
Now, I've never driven anything quicker than a Civic FN2, although I've been in some very nice machinery (Mark's Noble, F430, 996 Turbo, modified 200SX) and have got a sports bike (Street Triple, previously Daytona 675). Well after a test drive of a 265 Cup today, I'd have to say...
It's all true.
Like the GT86 its got a nice up to date interior and brilliant figure hugging seats. For the first time ever I actually have to raise the seat from it's lowest position, the driving position is faultless. The only way I can see the Germans bettering this is providing a hot blonde German girl to give you a massage while driving with every new Audi.
Driving through town, clutch bite point is quite far down making smooth shifts tricky. It's rather firm too (bit more so than my FN2 Civic was) on the 19s with cup suspension, even the dealer said it would be better with the standard 18s. Otherwise the controls are good, steering, gearshift (best french one I've used!). Flooring it at 2000rpm, not much happens first then the turbo spools up and flutters as I shift up at 30.
The sales guy is with me and suggests a route down the A9 dual carriageway first, and the Megane gets up to speed effortlessly in 6th and it's very comfortable (ride aside), quiet and rather pedestrian. 70 equates to 2500rpm, very long! At this point I'm starting to wonder what all fuss is about...
With the turn off coming up I slot it into 5th. Despite only pulling a few rpm more at just over 3000 rpm it pulls much harder and roars past a 4x4 with plenty of room to spare before the turn off. Interesting...
Take turn off the A9 onto the B9154 (if anyone knows it) which is a long 180 deg left hander. I floor it in third...
Holy crap!
If anyone thinks a FWD cannot comfortably handle more than 200bhp (like I did) seriously needs to try this Megane. I was actually hoping it would be wet so see if it could still get it's power down, but you can definitely tell the LSD works in the dry.
The next few minutes could only be described like I'd recorded myself hooning down the same road in my MR2, then replayed it in fast forward. Despite trying to keep it sensible (ensuring I can stop in the distance I can see) the pace was almost comical...
I'm not sure 'smooth' is the word to describe the engine. I think 'brutal' is more accurate. In sport mode it feels at least 265 bhp, but above 3000rpm the turbo (or it that an afterburner? it feels like one) is very on/off, which whilst amusing I suspect might get annoying so wouldn't hesitate speccing the RS monitor just to adjust the throttle mapping to make it less extreme. Torque steer was minimal just a minor tug here any there while flooring it round a lumpy corner.
Although it wasn't too bad in town, like the GT86 there doesn't appear to be a flywheel fitted with the way the revs rise and fall too quickly when shifting gear, I again I tried to heel & toe but was foiled by the very sharp brakes and thottle mapping electronic wotsits. It also made selecting 2nd gear rather difficult...
Where the gears seem too long on the 86, they seem almost too short on the Megane despite the leggy 6th. Flooring it in 2nd will see the beeper very quickly (didn't have time to note the speed!). 3rd/4th gear use might see 100+ leptons (and the next corner) quicker than you anticipated.
And the noise! Like rev9o9 says its quiet below 3500, particularly in 6th. But above 3000 and below 5th gear (and presumably with sport enabled, didn't turn it off), it certainly sounds like an afterburner has been ignited as well as feeling like one
Admittedly I've heard better noises from 6-cylinder cars, but its still addictive. This could prove costly for my wallet in fuel. And front tyres. And brakes. And my license...
Turn it down a few notches and it's still fun and alert, the electric steering seems to be full of feedback. Keep it below 5th and the engine is still rorty and pulls well between 3000-4000rpm.
Luckily the road was empty, asides from a single car that was easily dispatched, while in my MR2 being lower powered I might have had to be more... erm... ambitious (I call it the 'Curry Burns' effect
) Although don't think you can just mash the throttle at any rpm, you still need to work the gearbox to get the power like the GT86.
While I was very much 'meh' after the GT86 drive I was still buzzing for a couple of hours afterwards, something I'd only experienced after test riding motorbikes. I've driven S2000s and 3.0l Z4s and not felt the same despite rocking up in a 1.1 205. And yet this is something which will seat 4 adults and has a massive boot.
So is the Megane a 'better' car?
Well... you could argue an Aygo is 'better' than a 265 since it's cheaper to buy, cheaper tax/fuel /insurance/service, it can exceed the fastest legal speed in the UK, yet also seats four people and has a boot etc. etc. Wet empty roundabout? 86 for me please. 86 looks nicer IMO. And I like convertibles
And it's not perfect, I'd prefer if the engine had more inertia like my MR2, I think the K20 was perfect in this regard. The sport throttle mapping is too extreme. I haven't mentioned much about the handling, because it'snear as dammit perfect
got tons of grip boring. I wish was something other than a inline 4 for sound. It will depreciate like a stone. It's french. And it's just a Megane, a common 3-door hatchback.
However give me 25k to spend on a new car now, and it might just be a french one...
Now all I need to do is have a go in a 250...)Sooo the Megane 265 Cup, you've probably heard a couple of things about it such as
"Rips you out of bends..."
"It's the GT3/GT2 of hot hatches..."
"Nothing faster down this road than a well driven 265..."
"It's a bit of a weapon..."
etc.
Now, I've never driven anything quicker than a Civic FN2, although I've been in some very nice machinery (Mark's Noble, F430, 996 Turbo, modified 200SX) and have got a sports bike (Street Triple, previously Daytona 675). Well after a test drive of a 265 Cup today, I'd have to say...
It's all true.
Like the GT86 its got a nice up to date interior and brilliant figure hugging seats. For the first time ever I actually have to raise the seat from it's lowest position, the driving position is faultless. The only way I can see the Germans bettering this is providing a hot blonde German girl to give you a massage while driving with every new Audi.
Driving through town, clutch bite point is quite far down making smooth shifts tricky. It's rather firm too (bit more so than my FN2 Civic was) on the 19s with cup suspension, even the dealer said it would be better with the standard 18s. Otherwise the controls are good, steering, gearshift (best french one I've used!). Flooring it at 2000rpm, not much happens first then the turbo spools up and flutters as I shift up at 30.
The sales guy is with me and suggests a route down the A9 dual carriageway first, and the Megane gets up to speed effortlessly in 6th and it's very comfortable (ride aside), quiet and rather pedestrian. 70 equates to 2500rpm, very long! At this point I'm starting to wonder what all fuss is about...
With the turn off coming up I slot it into 5th. Despite only pulling a few rpm more at just over 3000 rpm it pulls much harder and roars past a 4x4 with plenty of room to spare before the turn off. Interesting...
Take turn off the A9 onto the B9154 (if anyone knows it) which is a long 180 deg left hander. I floor it in third...
Holy crap!
If anyone thinks a FWD cannot comfortably handle more than 200bhp (like I did) seriously needs to try this Megane. I was actually hoping it would be wet so see if it could still get it's power down, but you can definitely tell the LSD works in the dry.
The next few minutes could only be described like I'd recorded myself hooning down the same road in my MR2, then replayed it in fast forward. Despite trying to keep it sensible (ensuring I can stop in the distance I can see) the pace was almost comical...
I'm not sure 'smooth' is the word to describe the engine. I think 'brutal' is more accurate. In sport mode it feels at least 265 bhp, but above 3000rpm the turbo (or it that an afterburner? it feels like one) is very on/off, which whilst amusing I suspect might get annoying so wouldn't hesitate speccing the RS monitor just to adjust the throttle mapping to make it less extreme. Torque steer was minimal just a minor tug here any there while flooring it round a lumpy corner.
Although it wasn't too bad in town, like the GT86 there doesn't appear to be a flywheel fitted with the way the revs rise and fall too quickly when shifting gear, I again I tried to heel & toe but was foiled by the very sharp brakes and thottle mapping electronic wotsits. It also made selecting 2nd gear rather difficult...
Where the gears seem too long on the 86, they seem almost too short on the Megane despite the leggy 6th. Flooring it in 2nd will see the beeper very quickly (didn't have time to note the speed!). 3rd/4th gear use might see 100+ leptons (and the next corner) quicker than you anticipated.
And the noise! Like rev9o9 says its quiet below 3500, particularly in 6th. But above 3000 and below 5th gear (and presumably with sport enabled, didn't turn it off), it certainly sounds like an afterburner has been ignited as well as feeling like one
Admittedly I've heard better noises from 6-cylinder cars, but its still addictive. This could prove costly for my wallet in fuel. And front tyres. And brakes. And my license...Turn it down a few notches and it's still fun and alert, the electric steering seems to be full of feedback. Keep it below 5th and the engine is still rorty and pulls well between 3000-4000rpm.
Luckily the road was empty, asides from a single car that was easily dispatched, while in my MR2 being lower powered I might have had to be more... erm... ambitious (I call it the 'Curry Burns' effect
) Although don't think you can just mash the throttle at any rpm, you still need to work the gearbox to get the power like the GT86.While I was very much 'meh' after the GT86 drive I was still buzzing for a couple of hours afterwards, something I'd only experienced after test riding motorbikes. I've driven S2000s and 3.0l Z4s and not felt the same despite rocking up in a 1.1 205. And yet this is something which will seat 4 adults and has a massive boot.
So is the Megane a 'better' car?
Well... you could argue an Aygo is 'better' than a 265 since it's cheaper to buy, cheaper tax/fuel /insurance/service, it can exceed the fastest legal speed in the UK, yet also seats four people and has a boot etc. etc. Wet empty roundabout? 86 for me please. 86 looks nicer IMO. And I like convertibles
And it's not perfect, I'd prefer if the engine had more inertia like my MR2, I think the K20 was perfect in this regard. The sport throttle mapping is too extreme. I haven't mentioned much about the handling, because it's
However give me 25k to spend on a new car now, and it might just be a french one...
250 owner here.
There's not a huge difference between them in all honestly. 15bhp isn't going to be that noticeable when you're already running 250bhp.
I'm a member at MeganeSport and I've not heard anyone mention any exhaust changes on the 265 even though Renault have mentioned them. The only difference one person pointed out was that the insulation around the air intake had been removed in the 265 which gives you more induction noise - a mod that a lot of people have already made to the 250. To be honest, I think a lot of the stuff in the press has just been following that Renault have said they've improved, even though they might not have done anything major
In regards to the noise, I really like it. It's throaty but not too loud. On trackdays I tend to take the parcel shelf and spare wheel cover out. The wooshing noise when you're really on it is fantastic!
I've got a year left in my 250 before deciding what to do with it, and I'm half and half on either keeping it, or switching it in for the new Clio R.S. when that's finally released (depending on reviews and test drive of course!).
You certainly wouldn't feel disappointed with the 250 compared to the 265. Apart from the extra power and a few decorative changes they're the same car with identical suspension and feel. And you'll save yourself some cash too!
There's not a huge difference between them in all honestly. 15bhp isn't going to be that noticeable when you're already running 250bhp.
I'm a member at MeganeSport and I've not heard anyone mention any exhaust changes on the 265 even though Renault have mentioned them. The only difference one person pointed out was that the insulation around the air intake had been removed in the 265 which gives you more induction noise - a mod that a lot of people have already made to the 250. To be honest, I think a lot of the stuff in the press has just been following that Renault have said they've improved, even though they might not have done anything major
In regards to the noise, I really like it. It's throaty but not too loud. On trackdays I tend to take the parcel shelf and spare wheel cover out. The wooshing noise when you're really on it is fantastic!
I've got a year left in my 250 before deciding what to do with it, and I'm half and half on either keeping it, or switching it in for the new Clio R.S. when that's finally released (depending on reviews and test drive of course!).
You certainly wouldn't feel disappointed with the 250 compared to the 265. Apart from the extra power and a few decorative changes they're the same car with identical suspension and feel. And you'll save yourself some cash too!
Not bothered by the power at all unless Renault have done some strengthening to the 265's motor (I suspect not given it develops 250 until sport is pressed), otherwise a remap to a 250 will sort that out
Was more interested in the mechanical changes (if any?) and how the sound and feel compares between the two.
Is this the sound insulation 'mod' the 265 uses? Have you tried it yourself?
http://www.meganesport.net/community/showthread.ph...
Was more interested in the mechanical changes (if any?) and how the sound and feel compares between the two.
Is this the sound insulation 'mod' the 265 uses? Have you tried it yourself?
http://www.meganesport.net/community/showthread.ph...
Nah the engine is identical. The main difference is the way the sport button works. In the 250 it changes a bunch of parameters to give you better throttle response. With the 265, it's normal mode is like the 250 normal mode, but pressing sport gives you the extra 15. To be honest, the first thing I do in the car is turn the sport mode on, it would be the same in the 265! The extra response makes a world of difference!
I use the car everyday and wouldn't want more noise to be honest. The car sounds great when you put your foot down anyway so I've felt no need to do anything. It's actually quite loud on the outside, and when in Sport mode pops and bangs on gear changes. It's very well sound-proofed though so unless you stick your foot down it's very quiet.
The mod is said to give more induction noise. Some guys have gone down the exhaust route (Ktec, Miltek ect make exhausts), but it's just not a particularly noisy engine to begin with (unlike say a Duratec or the Volvo 5 pot in the Focus).
Lots of have chopped out the mid silencer to get a bit more noise. Like I said though, I find it perfect as it is.
I use the car everyday and wouldn't want more noise to be honest. The car sounds great when you put your foot down anyway so I've felt no need to do anything. It's actually quite loud on the outside, and when in Sport mode pops and bangs on gear changes. It's very well sound-proofed though so unless you stick your foot down it's very quiet.
The mod is said to give more induction noise. Some guys have gone down the exhaust route (Ktec, Miltek ect make exhausts), but it's just not a particularly noisy engine to begin with (unlike say a Duratec or the Volvo 5 pot in the Focus).
Lots of have chopped out the mid silencer to get a bit more noise. Like I said though, I find it perfect as it is.
Edited by framerateuk on Tuesday 7th August 15:00
Cheers Andy, some good info 
davey68 said:
I've read the 250 regularly put out 260-270 bhp standard. You never know Renault might of just re badged the 265 to quote its real horsepower (and maybe fiddled with the throttle mapping). Maybe i'm just cynical lol
I wouldn't be surprised if the 265 was pushing near 300. It certainly felt like it on the test drive! My 250 out of the box was running at 259bhp. I have had it mapped, put on a bigger intercooler and had a custom Miltek put on it. It is now running at just over 300bhp, sounds great and handles brilliantly. I get more smiles out of driving this car than my previous one, my previous one being a 500+ 996 Turbo.
My only gripe is that on the 19's it can be a little "crashy" however I do have a set of R888 clad 18's for track use which are superb.
My only gripe is that on the 19's it can be a little "crashy" however I do have a set of R888 clad 18's for track use which are superb.
davey68 said:
I've read the 250 regularly put out 260-270 bhp standard. You never know Renault might of just re badged the 265 to quote its real horsepower (and maybe fiddled with the throttle mapping). Maybe i'm just cynical lol
I was the same, which is why i attended an OcUK rolling road day and surprise surprise my standard 250 made 263.
From a performance point of view this pretty much confirmed to me that the 265 is just a marketing excercise. In terms of tweaks the most noticable is the enlarged DRLs on the 265, i think they have 4 or 5 LEDs in the units rather than 3 on the 250? You also get the speedo in white with a red needle, rather than a red needle on a yellow speedo on the 250.
Edited by SarGara on Thursday 9th August 14:53
Yeah the new 265 has 6 LED's on each side.
They LED's also stay on when the main headlights come on, while they turn off on the 250. That said, a very clever person from the MeganeSport forum has made a wiring kit that fixes it on the 250! So the LED's automatically dim when the main lights come on instead of going off.
I've got the kit ready to fit, I just haven't gotten around to it yet...
They LED's also stay on when the main headlights come on, while they turn off on the 250. That said, a very clever person from the MeganeSport forum has made a wiring kit that fixes it on the 250! So the LED's automatically dim when the main lights come on instead of going off.
I've got the kit ready to fit, I just haven't gotten around to it yet...
I am looking to replace my 250 in the next few weeks. I absolutely love the car but have come to the end of the finance deal and it's not worth me holding on to the car.
I tried a 265, mostly from curiosity to see how different it is. TBH I noticed little difference in performance. The ride in 19 inch wheels is harsher (IMO) compared to the 18's.
In summary, if I was looking for one I would probably save some of the depreciation and go for the older car.
Cheers
Pete
I tried a 265, mostly from curiosity to see how different it is. TBH I noticed little difference in performance. The ride in 19 inch wheels is harsher (IMO) compared to the 18's.
In summary, if I was looking for one I would probably save some of the depreciation and go for the older car.
Cheers
Pete
MarkRSi said:
Less than 190 at the wheels!? I take it those sort of tranny losses are normal?
Out of interest has anyone driven the 250 and 265 back to back?
Not absolutley back to back, but test drove a 250 just before the 265 came out and was persuaded by the salesman to go for the 265. I ordered it the first day it was on Renault's computer system.Out of interest has anyone driven the 250 and 265 back to back?
The 250 test drive was in the sport chassis not the cup. The handling was great and yes, the performance when floored in 3rd was OMG. I have read on some forums that the extra give on the sport suspension can result in slightly better handling on some surfaces. My concern with the sport chassis was not that the suspension was softer but that it didnt have the LSD. On the other hand I slipped two discs a couple of years back, so I had some concerns for my glass back if the suspension was too firm.
In the end I purchased the Sport with the Cup suspension and performance pack. Reason for that was you get all the performance options but you can elect not to have the Recarro's, and settle for the more comfortable leather seats. I hoped that would give the best compromise for my back and throttle foot, but having driven the 265 for best part of 5 months I have no problems living with the suspension (its my daily driver) and would be happy to have the recarro's. On a side note, the leather seats are pretty good, not as sporty but comfortable, good side support, and look good.
As for the performance, the 265 on standard mode (250bhp) feels like the 250 did. I rarely use the sport mode unless I am driving spritidly, but the extra 15bhp, the extra torque, and the more aggresive throttle settings are very noticable immediatly sport mode is activated. Note the sport mode switches off whenever the engine is turned off, so it has to be switched on each time you start the engine.
I have read up and also checked with a relative who works for Renault and my understanding of the power situation is that Renaultsport deliberately under promise and over deliver. The head of Renault Australia publicly admitted this a few months back.
The 250 has typically 260 - 270 bhp. I have been told that no 265 leaves the factory if it makes less than 275, and the typical range is 275 - 285, 280 as the average. The 265 is not just a remap, the intake has been improved as well. Also when you compare the 250 and 265 spec sheets the 265 is quoted as 1320kg, vs the 1386kg for the 250. I am not sure if that is because what is included in the weight calculation has changed or if it really is lighter. The power upgrade and the weight would help to account for the 265's significant improved performance over the 250 at the 'ring though.
As for living with it, I have never once got in the car without smiling. It is easy to drive easy (just keep the revs <2500) comfortable and quiet. But just hold the gear in until you hit the power peak and the cars charachter just changes and you cant seem to get the genie back in the bottle for ages.
The handling is astonishingly good, suspension, steering feedback etc.
I agree that the clutch is sharp (especially first), and you have to concentrate on the clutch for 2nd and 3rd gear changes as well. But after a few more miles than a test drive its no problem, except after driving something else, you do need to acclimatise again. It also has a tendency to be a bit jerky within the first minute of turning on if you are not very careful with the pedals.
Overall though I couldnt be happier with it.
PS
Best moment so far, had a visitor from the USA, and he got into it on a car park. Floored it, lifted off, yanked the wheel and managed a perfect 90deg rear end slide before getting the power down again. His face was a picture, he just couldnt believe you could do that in a FWD
supersarbs,
That's good to know regarding ride quality on 19s vs 18s - the ride on the 19s during the test drive was probably the worst aspect of the car, firmer than my old Civic Type-R FN2!
ant leigh,
Some good info there
If I could have the 'sport' suspension with the LSD I would probably go for that, alternatively can a Cup LSD be fitted to the non-cup car...?
Regarding the clutch and changing gear etc. when test driving it the revs seemed to rise and fall very quickly as if no flywheel was fitted. I suspect this was due to the mapping as you could definitely tell the flywheel was there if you didn't get the revs match - bit embarrassing with the sales guy in the passenger seat who has kindly let you out in their car!
The GT86 and my old Daytona 675 (sports bike) were very similar. In comparison my MR2 roadster (and Street Triple bike) is slower revving and makes it much easier to do smooth gearshifts IMO, although it sounds like something you have got used to or can work around?
At work so might have more notes/questions later
That's good to know regarding ride quality on 19s vs 18s - the ride on the 19s during the test drive was probably the worst aspect of the car, firmer than my old Civic Type-R FN2!
ant leigh,
Some good info there
If I could have the 'sport' suspension with the LSD I would probably go for that, alternatively can a Cup LSD be fitted to the non-cup car...?
Regarding the clutch and changing gear etc. when test driving it the revs seemed to rise and fall very quickly as if no flywheel was fitted. I suspect this was due to the mapping as you could definitely tell the flywheel was there if you didn't get the revs match - bit embarrassing with the sales guy in the passenger seat who has kindly let you out in their car!
The GT86 and my old Daytona 675 (sports bike) were very similar. In comparison my MR2 roadster (and Street Triple bike) is slower revving and makes it much easier to do smooth gearshifts IMO, although it sounds like something you have got used to or can work around?At work so might have more notes/questions later
MarkRSi said:
supersarbs,
That's good to know regarding ride quality on 19s vs 18s - the ride on the 19s during the test drive was probably the worst aspect of the car, firmer than my old Civic Type-R FN2!
ant leigh,
Some good info there
If I could have the 'sport' suspension with the LSD I would probably go for that, alternatively can a Cup LSD be fitted to the non-cup car...?
Regarding the clutch and changing gear etc. when test driving it the revs seemed to rise and fall very quickly as if no flywheel was fitted. I suspect this was due to the mapping as you could definitely tell the flywheel was there if you didn't get the revs match - bit embarrassing with the sales guy in the passenger seat who has kindly let you out in their car! The GT86 and my old Daytona 675 (sports bike) were very similar. In comparison my MR2 roadster (and Street Triple bike) is slower revving and makes it much easier to do smooth gearshifts IMO, although it sounds like something you have got used to or can work around?
At work so might have more notes/questions later
The cup is the basic comfort model with all the performance options fitted (Cup suspension, LSD, Brembo brakes, Recarro's) except the 19" wheels.That's good to know regarding ride quality on 19s vs 18s - the ride on the 19s during the test drive was probably the worst aspect of the car, firmer than my old Civic Type-R FN2!
ant leigh,
Some good info there
If I could have the 'sport' suspension with the LSD I would probably go for that, alternatively can a Cup LSD be fitted to the non-cup car...?
Regarding the clutch and changing gear etc. when test driving it the revs seemed to rise and fall very quickly as if no flywheel was fitted. I suspect this was due to the mapping as you could definitely tell the flywheel was there if you didn't get the revs match - bit embarrassing with the sales guy in the passenger seat who has kindly let you out in their car!
The GT86 and my old Daytona 675 (sports bike) were very similar. In comparison my MR2 roadster (and Street Triple bike) is slower revving and makes it much easier to do smooth gearshifts IMO, although it sounds like something you have got used to or can work around?At work so might have more notes/questions later
The Sport has the comfort options (better climate control, leather seats etc etc)
If you want some of the comfort and performance options, especially if its your daily driver, you have to order the sport and option up the performance. You cant do it the other way around. The basic pack is stiffer suspension, LSD and Brembo brakes, my understanding is you can't get the LSD without the stiffer chassis. Thats why I retained the softer seats and they do take out a lot of the harsher feel of the suspension. I have read a number of opinions on how harsh the suspension is, especially with the 19" rims. My conclusion is it really is personal opinion. I prefer a firm suspension and I have no problems with it, but I can understand those that might. You need to try it, but for me it was something I got more comfortable with over time, not less.
I will say though I have changed my route home to avoid a speed bump alley and I do carefully drive on roads I know well to miss the potholes, even smaller ones
I will also admit on my test drive, got in the car, turned on the engine, slipped the clutch and stalled it. In front of all the sales guys
The salesman in the car said no worries, most of the people we get in these do that first time.
I have got used to the clutch and there is a workaround. Shoes. I find that good fitting thin flexible soled shoes work (not necesarily driving shoes). If I wear anything else I have to really concentrate so I do keep a good pair of shoes in the boot.
To be fair though I should give you a couple of negatives.
First, fuel economy. Dont think you will get close to 34mpg. I reckon 30mpg is the best anyone is going to get. I am around 27mpg
Second, divorce. All I get from the OH is 'your eying up that f...ing Megane out of the window again aren't you.
The clutch deffinately takes some getting used to, i almost stalled it on the forecourt when i went to pull away after completing the purchase but just managed to catch it and recover some degree of pride
30mpg is realistic, ive averaged that over the past 2000+ miles according to the trip computer that i never reset.
30mpg is realistic, ive averaged that over the past 2000+ miles according to the trip computer that i never reset.
I found the clutch like an on/off switch for the test drive and when my car was new. However, a few thousand miles has turned it into one of the most smooth and progressive clutches I've used.
Like Ant, I went for the sport/full fat with the cup pack (the toys you get as standard are great) and I honestly believe you miss the cars greatest aspect if you don't get the LSD. Similarly to Ant, the standard seats are better for me for ride purposes (Also, I sat on a b0ll0ck getting in the recaros).
Another good option is the renaultsport monitor which gives extra gauges (oil temp is v. Useful to know allowing you to know when performance can be enjoyed) as well as a g force meter, lap timer and configurable sport button.
The only other thing people can gripe about is the quality of the stereo. I am not an audiophile and the quality is ok for me.
Probably the biggest concern is the depreciation. A lot of owners went for very good finance deals a couple of years back (dare I say this on PH, but I used it too - lol) this means there are numerous cars coming to the end of deals, and it's more sense for me financially to return the car than buy it outright.
Cheers
Pete
Like Ant, I went for the sport/full fat with the cup pack (the toys you get as standard are great) and I honestly believe you miss the cars greatest aspect if you don't get the LSD. Similarly to Ant, the standard seats are better for me for ride purposes (Also, I sat on a b0ll0ck getting in the recaros).
Another good option is the renaultsport monitor which gives extra gauges (oil temp is v. Useful to know allowing you to know when performance can be enjoyed) as well as a g force meter, lap timer and configurable sport button.
The only other thing people can gripe about is the quality of the stereo. I am not an audiophile and the quality is ok for me.
Probably the biggest concern is the depreciation. A lot of owners went for very good finance deals a couple of years back (dare I say this on PH, but I used it too - lol) this means there are numerous cars coming to the end of deals, and it's more sense for me financially to return the car than buy it outright.
Cheers
Pete
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