Megane 250 Questions
Discussion
Hi all,
I've had my mind set on a Mk3.5 Mx5 however I didn't realise for the same money I could pick up a Megane 250! Been doing a fair bit of research but I'm still confused as what the options are and how they are worded in ad titles/how to check when looking at a car.
I obviously want the cup chassis but would also like all the other extras. Would I be right in thinking I'd be looking at a sport but speced with the cup chassis?
The recaro seats look great, are they worth it over the standard seats? I'd like leather on either one but the recaros seem to be thin on the ground.
Also what are the running costs like in general, is it mostly wear and tear items and nothing major? I read about the ball joints being an issue, are these expensive to sort?
Thanks for any advice, it would be much appreciated!
I've had my mind set on a Mk3.5 Mx5 however I didn't realise for the same money I could pick up a Megane 250! Been doing a fair bit of research but I'm still confused as what the options are and how they are worded in ad titles/how to check when looking at a car.
I obviously want the cup chassis but would also like all the other extras. Would I be right in thinking I'd be looking at a sport but speced with the cup chassis?
The recaro seats look great, are they worth it over the standard seats? I'd like leather on either one but the recaros seem to be thin on the ground.
Also what are the running costs like in general, is it mostly wear and tear items and nothing major? I read about the ball joints being an issue, are these expensive to sort?
Thanks for any advice, it would be much appreciated!
From a 275 Nav owner....
They are a 10/10ths car. I would test drive one..... properly. I sometimes wonder why I bought mine as they are uneventful as a commuter car and maybe not all that in a straight line due to the way the power is delivered. Its only when I give the thing absolute death round some twisties I realise why.
RS monitor is essential. I dont have it on my 275 and the aggressive throttle response in sport mode is quite irritating, and in normal mode its not responsive enough. I believe you can alter all the stuff in each mode with the rs monitor.
Recaro sportsters are nice but torture on a long drive. After 2 hours they get uncomfy but these journeys are rare so suit me fine the rest of the time. I wouldnt say they were essential but I wanted them in mine. If I didnt get sportsters I would retrofit recaro pole positions.
Get the Cup chassis if you can. If not then the traction control in mine is excellent and does a good job of limiting power round a corner without being intrusive.. (I have cup chassis as well). Not sure its essential and I wouldnt worry about the firmer ride.
Cant comment on reliability really. Gearboxes sound like train signal junction boxes (another PHers comment not mine) but I understand they are generally reliable. Running costs, 42mpg on a run, I average 260 miles to a tank (£65 of vpower??) and the computer says I average 21mpg. I like to open the thing up frequently. I dont think there are any serious costs involved. £550 a set of tyres for 18" 245 Supersports. Brakes on the cup chassis maybe a little more expensive than I would like.
They are a 10/10ths car. I would test drive one..... properly. I sometimes wonder why I bought mine as they are uneventful as a commuter car and maybe not all that in a straight line due to the way the power is delivered. Its only when I give the thing absolute death round some twisties I realise why.
RS monitor is essential. I dont have it on my 275 and the aggressive throttle response in sport mode is quite irritating, and in normal mode its not responsive enough. I believe you can alter all the stuff in each mode with the rs monitor.
Recaro sportsters are nice but torture on a long drive. After 2 hours they get uncomfy but these journeys are rare so suit me fine the rest of the time. I wouldnt say they were essential but I wanted them in mine. If I didnt get sportsters I would retrofit recaro pole positions.
Get the Cup chassis if you can. If not then the traction control in mine is excellent and does a good job of limiting power round a corner without being intrusive.. (I have cup chassis as well). Not sure its essential and I wouldnt worry about the firmer ride.
Cant comment on reliability really. Gearboxes sound like train signal junction boxes (another PHers comment not mine) but I understand they are generally reliable. Running costs, 42mpg on a run, I average 260 miles to a tank (£65 of vpower??) and the computer says I average 21mpg. I like to open the thing up frequently. I dont think there are any serious costs involved. £550 a set of tyres for 18" 245 Supersports. Brakes on the cup chassis maybe a little more expensive than I would like.
MikeGoodwin said:
From a 275 Nav owner....
They are a 10/10ths car. I would test drive one..... properly. I sometimes wonder why I bought mine as they are uneventful as a commuter car and maybe not all that in a straight line due to the way the power is delivered. Its only when I give the thing absolute death round some twisties I realise why.
RS monitor is essential. I dont have it on my 275 and the aggressive throttle response in sport mode is quite irritating, and in normal mode its not responsive enough. I believe you can alter all the stuff in each mode with the rs monitor.
Recaro sportsters are nice but torture on a long drive. After 2 hours they get uncomfy but these journeys are rare so suit me fine the rest of the time. I wouldnt say they were essential but I wanted them in mine. If I didnt get sportsters I would retrofit recaro pole positions.
Get the Cup chassis if you can. If not then the traction control in mine is excellent and does a good job of limiting power round a corner without being intrusive.. (I have cup chassis as well). Not sure its essential and I wouldnt worry about the firmer ride.
Cant comment on reliability really. Gearboxes sound like train signal junction boxes (another PHers comment not mine) but I understand they are generally reliable. Running costs, 42mpg on a run, I average 260 miles to a tank (£65 of vpower??) and the computer says I average 21mpg. I like to open the thing up frequently. I dont think there are any serious costs involved. £550 a set of tyres for 18" 245 Supersports. Brakes on the cup chassis maybe a little more expensive than I would like.
That's my small worry, I liked the idea of being able to exploit the MX5 at low speed but the lack of power when I want it puts me off slightly. Where the reverse is going to be true for them 250, it will be a lot of fun when stretching it but mundane on a commute. However I sort of like the Jekyll and Hyde nature as you can potter around when you're tired, quite common after my 12 hour shifts, but give it a real blast when not. They are a 10/10ths car. I would test drive one..... properly. I sometimes wonder why I bought mine as they are uneventful as a commuter car and maybe not all that in a straight line due to the way the power is delivered. Its only when I give the thing absolute death round some twisties I realise why.
RS monitor is essential. I dont have it on my 275 and the aggressive throttle response in sport mode is quite irritating, and in normal mode its not responsive enough. I believe you can alter all the stuff in each mode with the rs monitor.
Recaro sportsters are nice but torture on a long drive. After 2 hours they get uncomfy but these journeys are rare so suit me fine the rest of the time. I wouldnt say they were essential but I wanted them in mine. If I didnt get sportsters I would retrofit recaro pole positions.
Get the Cup chassis if you can. If not then the traction control in mine is excellent and does a good job of limiting power round a corner without being intrusive.. (I have cup chassis as well). Not sure its essential and I wouldnt worry about the firmer ride.
Cant comment on reliability really. Gearboxes sound like train signal junction boxes (another PHers comment not mine) but I understand they are generally reliable. Running costs, 42mpg on a run, I average 260 miles to a tank (£65 of vpower??) and the computer says I average 21mpg. I like to open the thing up frequently. I dont think there are any serious costs involved. £550 a set of tyres for 18" 245 Supersports. Brakes on the cup chassis maybe a little more expensive than I would like.
Ah ok I'd like to get the RS monitor as the SAT NAV will be of zero use to me.
I'd fear that about the Recaros, the last thing I'd want is an uncomfy seat on a longer journey. For me the Recaros look great and add that sporty feel while the regular seats look hideous. However I can imagine the leather seats with heating being comfortable without losing much other than looks, am I right in thinking this? Certainly will have to try each out.
According to the site I'm looking at the 18"s are 235 for the 250 and I wouldn't want the 19"s as they look naff and certainly will ruin the ride. Any idea the price on brake items, everywhere keeps mentioning expensive but no figures quoted. I paid £50 per disc and £40 for pads on my 330ci which I thought was fine, but I'm guessing the 250 with cup will be a lot more?
I definitely will go for a Cup chassis as it seems rather pointless without one in my opinion, coupled with 18"s, RS Monitor and xenon's/parking sensors would be my must haves.
Thanks for the reply
Every commute is mundane, no matter what you are driving.
When you want to drive though the Megane is absolutely exhilarating, the perfect set up.
I've had a 250 and now, four years after I parted company with the 250, have a 275 Cup-S (my 7th Renaultsport), so I'm a big fan of these cars.
Must have options in the 250 for me are Cup Chasis and Recaro's.
Recaro's are perfect for every day driving, and even better for the B road blast where these cars come alive.
I wouldn't buy one without these two options, the rest I could take or leave. If you have an eye on resale eventually then these options will possibly attract buyers.
When you want to drive though the Megane is absolutely exhilarating, the perfect set up.
I've had a 250 and now, four years after I parted company with the 250, have a 275 Cup-S (my 7th Renaultsport), so I'm a big fan of these cars.
Must have options in the 250 for me are Cup Chasis and Recaro's.
Recaro's are perfect for every day driving, and even better for the B road blast where these cars come alive.
I wouldn't buy one without these two options, the rest I could take or leave. If you have an eye on resale eventually then these options will possibly attract buyers.
AB57 said:
That's my small worry, I liked the idea of being able to exploit the MX5 at low speed but the lack of power when I want it puts me off slightly. Where the reverse is going to be true for them 250, it will be a lot of fun when stretching it but mundane on a commute. However I sort of like the Jekyll and Hyde nature as you can potter around when you're tired, quite common after my 12 hour shifts, but give it a real blast when not.
Ah ok I'd like to get the RS monitor as the SAT NAV will be of zero use to me.
I'd fear that about the Recaros, the last thing I'd want is an uncomfy seat on a longer journey. For me the Recaros look great and add that sporty feel while the regular seats look hideous. However I can imagine the leather seats with heating being comfortable without losing much other than looks, am I right in thinking this? Certainly will have to try each out.
According to the site I'm looking at the 18"s are 235 for the 250 and I wouldn't want the 19"s as they look naff and certainly will ruin the ride. Any idea the price on brake items, everywhere keeps mentioning expensive but no figures quoted. I paid £50 per disc and £40 for pads on my 330ci which I thought was fine, but I'm guessing the 250 with cup will be a lot more?
I definitely will go for a Cup chassis as it seems rather pointless without one in my opinion, coupled with 18"s, RS Monitor and xenon's/parking sensors would be my must haves.
Thanks for the reply
Go test drive one but ask to take it down some back roads that are quiet. Make sure its actually dry as well, now isn't the time of year to discover what the car is capable of.Ah ok I'd like to get the RS monitor as the SAT NAV will be of zero use to me.
I'd fear that about the Recaros, the last thing I'd want is an uncomfy seat on a longer journey. For me the Recaros look great and add that sporty feel while the regular seats look hideous. However I can imagine the leather seats with heating being comfortable without losing much other than looks, am I right in thinking this? Certainly will have to try each out.
According to the site I'm looking at the 18"s are 235 for the 250 and I wouldn't want the 19"s as they look naff and certainly will ruin the ride. Any idea the price on brake items, everywhere keeps mentioning expensive but no figures quoted. I paid £50 per disc and £40 for pads on my 330ci which I thought was fine, but I'm guessing the 250 with cup will be a lot more?
I definitely will go for a Cup chassis as it seems rather pointless without one in my opinion, coupled with 18"s, RS Monitor and xenon's/parking sensors would be my must haves.
Thanks for the reply
Its easy to unsettle the car if you want and its very adjustable and dynamic, its also got mega grip when you get it loaded up in corners right and without traction control it just hooks up and goes round corners like a bat out of hell (lol srs, it f
king GOES like fk). Another handling thing.... it has -0.5 camber I think which helps with braking stability and torque steer. If I plan to do some serious track work in it I would definitely move to a more aggressive setup - coilovers, top mounts and -2.5 or more. Downside is it eats the outer edge of the tyre as it is. Ive done maybe 4.5k on my PSS so far and you can see its been munching away.... I rekon Ill get 6-8K out the fronts if I am lucky. Mine has 245 18s after swapping from 235 18s. The rear end on PS2 235 I found to be VERY snappy and I can see why the ring sees so many binned there. Once I was on 245 PSS the rear end was much more stable. Theres a hint it wants to step out like it used to but almost immediately the tyres catch it and grip. I dont think I lost any steering finesse with the wider tyre. Steering rack is excellent for electric, no feedback as such like the reviews say but I never feel like I am disconnected or dont know what the car is doing.
There is no problem with torque steer amazingly however it will tram line on an uneven surface. I came from a MK3.1 Focus ST so the Megane is a breath of fresh air compared to that. NO complaints about torque steer.
My comments about the car day to day and being a 10/10ths car.... If you drove a Golf R or Focus ST and liked its broad torque and power delivery and would find that spread useful day to day then the Megane may be disappointing. I found the Golf and Focus produced a nice dose of torque throughout the low/mid range only to get to those last few nuggets to find the power delivery just tapered off, thats OK for day to day. The Megane produces good low/mid but is more laggy (I think the old F4RT spools up at about 3000rpm) and 'doesnt quite' have the mid torque of a newer engine, but the top end is where it really gets going and itll pull strongly right to the redline. Those last few nuggets are excellent and make up a lot of whats good about the car along with hitting the rev limiter which is childish but whatever. My mate owns a golf R and having been in mine he thought it was actually faster, and certainly more fun than his golf. Its not faster than the golf especially into triple figures.
My pre-requisites were recaros, cup and 18s. With hindsight I really wish I had the RS monitor.
Brakes... I will be replacing the standard pads with DS2500s and using either j hook discs or standard. Cant remember the price. Also the brakes are excellent but they are not over-servo'd like a lot of modern cars (thinking back to my Focus ST) so at first you might think they are not really that great but trust me the car will throw and anchor out the boot and youll stop no problem if needed.
Mike and Craig are giving some good advice here.
What I'd like to add is that as a newcomer to a 275 Cup-S and a big MX5 fan (although mine's a lightly tuned Mk1)I'd urge you to try both cars properly before coming to a decision.
The Megane definitely has a Jekyll and Hyde personality and that may suit you or may not. Personally I like that characteristic in my main daily car, but it depends on what balance of fun vs mundane driving you do.
However....I also find the MX5 very enjoyable and exploitable more of the time. Now, you're looking at a Mk3.5 vs a Mk1, so let's assume that you trade some of the "classic" feel of my Mk1 for something that would be objectively better all round in the Mk3.5. I think with some subtle work (a nice but not too loud exhaust and a BBR200 map if you could stretch to it) that would be a great fun car that can also do the daily grind well (assuming you're Ok with the compromises associated with a 2 seat convertible).
Not trying to put you off the Megane at all, as they are superb cars, but the MX is a very different but equally compelling proposition. Regardless of what my daily is, I can still jump in a 25 year old MX and enjoy it massively.
What I'd like to add is that as a newcomer to a 275 Cup-S and a big MX5 fan (although mine's a lightly tuned Mk1)I'd urge you to try both cars properly before coming to a decision.
The Megane definitely has a Jekyll and Hyde personality and that may suit you or may not. Personally I like that characteristic in my main daily car, but it depends on what balance of fun vs mundane driving you do.
However....I also find the MX5 very enjoyable and exploitable more of the time. Now, you're looking at a Mk3.5 vs a Mk1, so let's assume that you trade some of the "classic" feel of my Mk1 for something that would be objectively better all round in the Mk3.5. I think with some subtle work (a nice but not too loud exhaust and a BBR200 map if you could stretch to it) that would be a great fun car that can also do the daily grind well (assuming you're Ok with the compromises associated with a 2 seat convertible).
Not trying to put you off the Megane at all, as they are superb cars, but the MX is a very different but equally compelling proposition. Regardless of what my daily is, I can still jump in a 25 year old MX and enjoy it massively.
Thanks for the feedback all, much appreciated. Going to have to go away and think about it and get a test drive when the weather is a bit nicer. I'm drawn mostly towards the Mx5 for cheap motoring fun, the Mk3 can be had for 5k so I might cut my budget and take one of those if I do decide to go for it. The Mk3.5 puts me in direct competition with the 250 which seems like a lot to spend on an Mx5 at the moment.
MikeGoodwin said:
Brakes... I will be replacing the standard pads with DS2500s and using either j hook discs or standard. Cant remember the price. Also the brakes are excellent but they are not over-servo'd like a lot of modern cars (thinking back to my Focus ST) so at first you might think they are not really that great but trust me the car will throw and anchor out the boot and youll stop no problem if needed.
Agreed here. Lots of people think the brakes aren't great, but they're brilliant in reality, they just need a firm press to get the best from them. I despise over servo'd brakes and the Megane really lets you modulate the pedal to balance the car. I had CL5+ pads in mine for a while which were brilliant on trackdays and had lots of cold bite on the road, but I found the squealed too much for daily use so went back to the standard pads. I currently have DS2500 in my Caterham and they'd probably be a good match for the 250 too.Still the best car I've owned. Now in a Clio 220 and it's very similar in feel (though with the obvious addition on the EDC box). My next car will likely be the next RS Megane.
Edited by framerateuk on Monday 9th January 17:18
Owned my 250 Cup for a year.
Common faults and of which I have suffered one.
Snapped gearbox mount/bolt. (This is the only fault I have had)
Swivel hubs
Blocked scuttle panel letting water in the footwell
The suspension/control setup is quite complex and is "where the magic happens" so up keep of this is a good idea. Track rod ends etc.
Mpg average 40mpg on a run.
Pros
Great car, it just is. Drive one properly and you will be thrilled.
Unassuming and really quite subtle don't really see many. If that factor is your thing.
Cons
Cup is a firm chassis
Clutch pedal is on off
Visibility isn't great
Audi equipment is rubbish (although does have BT as standard)
Naff key card thing, which I thing is huge and uncalled for.
My opinion;
My Megane is my main car, does my commute and then at the weekend I'll take it for a blast and it never fails to amaze me. The car has grip for days, it will pull you where you point it.
I'd suggest CUP pack as a minimum, I don't have the RS monitor and I would really ask how often you would use it? The sport button adjusts the map and makes things a bit more lively, even if the button is placed in a stupid location.
Tuning options:
There aren't that many companies that make aftermarket parts for the Megane compared to let's say a Golf Gti or a Focus St. So parts aren't particularly cheap.
Remap will see 290bhp
Midbox chop £50 nicer sounding exhaust
Decat, well you know.....
Intercooler £500
Air filter.
Decent brake pads and discs
Coilovers start around £700
Servicing is pretty simple. Big service with belts and pump is and average of £500.
Find one, drive it properly and go from there. They aren't easy to love like say a Golf R but it's worth it.
Where are you OP? I'd offer you a spin if you were local.
Common faults and of which I have suffered one.
Snapped gearbox mount/bolt. (This is the only fault I have had)
Swivel hubs
Blocked scuttle panel letting water in the footwell
The suspension/control setup is quite complex and is "where the magic happens" so up keep of this is a good idea. Track rod ends etc.
Mpg average 40mpg on a run.
Pros
Great car, it just is. Drive one properly and you will be thrilled.
Unassuming and really quite subtle don't really see many. If that factor is your thing.
Cons
Cup is a firm chassis
Clutch pedal is on off
Visibility isn't great
Audi equipment is rubbish (although does have BT as standard)
Naff key card thing, which I thing is huge and uncalled for.
My opinion;
My Megane is my main car, does my commute and then at the weekend I'll take it for a blast and it never fails to amaze me. The car has grip for days, it will pull you where you point it.
I'd suggest CUP pack as a minimum, I don't have the RS monitor and I would really ask how often you would use it? The sport button adjusts the map and makes things a bit more lively, even if the button is placed in a stupid location.
Tuning options:
There aren't that many companies that make aftermarket parts for the Megane compared to let's say a Golf Gti or a Focus St. So parts aren't particularly cheap.
Remap will see 290bhp
Midbox chop £50 nicer sounding exhaust
Decat, well you know.....
Intercooler £500
Air filter.
Decent brake pads and discs
Coilovers start around £700
Servicing is pretty simple. Big service with belts and pump is and average of £500.
Find one, drive it properly and go from there. They aren't easy to love like say a Golf R but it's worth it.
Where are you OP? I'd offer you a spin if you were local.
Edited by Bowen86 on Wednesday 11th January 22:54
I have to say that i completely disagree with what someone wrote earlier about the recaros being torture after 2 hours. I once spent a whole day sitting in the recaro seats and found them extremely comfortable. I also dont agree about the RS monitor. I have found the throttle to be absolutely fine. Just shows how important a good test drive is for you.
I agree, the recaros are great wouldn't want one without them.
Also mine averages 23mpg as daily + weekend toy.
The most usefull thing about rs monitor is being able to see exactly what your oil and water temps are, so you always know if it's ready to go + the shift beep I find usefull aswell, the other stuff is more to let your passenger see how fast you're really going..
Also mine averages 23mpg as daily + weekend toy.
The most usefull thing about rs monitor is being able to see exactly what your oil and water temps are, so you always know if it's ready to go + the shift beep I find usefull aswell, the other stuff is more to let your passenger see how fast you're really going..
As a lot of people have said, they're a 10/10ths kind of car.
At low speed, in traffic they can become slightly annoying as the ride is VERY firm. But, once you get it out of the town, or on a track, they come alive. I had a facelifted 265 (until commute changed, still miss it now!) which I daily-ed for the year I owned it, and it was an epic car. Quiet enough, comfy enough (once going), went like stink, looks pretty good, and handles like nothing I've ever driven.
If you buy one, stick some track tyres on it and go to a circuit, it's the best thing I ever did with my Megane.
Obligatory picture
At low speed, in traffic they can become slightly annoying as the ride is VERY firm. But, once you get it out of the town, or on a track, they come alive. I had a facelifted 265 (until commute changed, still miss it now!) which I daily-ed for the year I owned it, and it was an epic car. Quiet enough, comfy enough (once going), went like stink, looks pretty good, and handles like nothing I've ever driven.
If you buy one, stick some track tyres on it and go to a circuit, it's the best thing I ever did with my Megane.
Obligatory picture
I like the comment about it not being as easy to love as the Golf R. I agree fully with that. I got my Focus ST and loved it immediately but after a couple of months wasn't as impressed with it. In contrast I want that impressed with the Meg at first, until after a couple of months where I learned to drive it properly and love the thing to bits now.
Good that people have disagreed with my comments as well, shows you need to drive one!
I honestly dont think youll be able to explore the car properly for a while, test drive wont reveal much to you and in fact it might not seem all that great a car. There is NO WAY I would drive it on its limit with someone else in the car especially someone I didnt know. For me I'd had the car a month or so before getting to know it properly so I basically took a gamble on buying the car without knowing how good it was. Paid off though.
I spent a few hours in a VW Caddy yesterday, enough time to get used to it (great van btw). Then got back into the Meg. My god it felt good, the steering rack is brilliant, turn in is so so positive. Its extremely firm I can see that now, feels solid, has heaps of lateral grip even in sub zero temps and is just an absolute hoot to drive. I honestly love this car to bits.
I hope the new Megane RS is as good as this one and doesnt end up being like the Golf R.
Good that people have disagreed with my comments as well, shows you need to drive one!
I honestly dont think youll be able to explore the car properly for a while, test drive wont reveal much to you and in fact it might not seem all that great a car. There is NO WAY I would drive it on its limit with someone else in the car especially someone I didnt know. For me I'd had the car a month or so before getting to know it properly so I basically took a gamble on buying the car without knowing how good it was. Paid off though.I spent a few hours in a VW Caddy yesterday, enough time to get used to it (great van btw). Then got back into the Meg. My god it felt good, the steering rack is brilliant, turn in is so so positive. Its extremely firm I can see that now, feels solid, has heaps of lateral grip even in sub zero temps and is just an absolute hoot to drive. I honestly love this car to bits.
I hope the new Megane RS is as good as this one and doesnt end up being like the Golf R.
Good point about the test drive Mike. I wasn't especially impressed on my first drive, the car is so composed that the kind of driving that any sane person engages with on a test drive just won't scratch deep enough below the surface. I took the plunge as I was convinced it had more to give.
I've only done a couple of thousand miles since I bought it (mid Dec) and the weather conditions are not great for serious driving but I can tell that this is a car whose capabilities show themselves after a period of ownership. I've had a few epic drives already that make me happy that I've made the right decision and that I look forward to piling on more miles, especially in better weather.
What turned you off about the Focus ST - that was my number two choice, largely as my wife has a Fiesta ST Mountune 215 that we both absolutely love for its Jack Russell-on-speed attitude. My fear was the Focus would be a bigger, more cumbersome version of the Fiesta, which would lose the spirit of what I love above the little FiST.
I've only done a couple of thousand miles since I bought it (mid Dec) and the weather conditions are not great for serious driving but I can tell that this is a car whose capabilities show themselves after a period of ownership. I've had a few epic drives already that make me happy that I've made the right decision and that I look forward to piling on more miles, especially in better weather.
What turned you off about the Focus ST - that was my number two choice, largely as my wife has a Fiesta ST Mountune 215 that we both absolutely love for its Jack Russell-on-speed attitude. My fear was the Focus would be a bigger, more cumbersome version of the Fiesta, which would lose the spirit of what I love above the little FiST.
GibsonSG said:
Good point about the test drive Mike. I wasn't especially impressed on my first drive, the car is so composed that the kind of driving that any sane person engages with on a test drive just won't scratch deep enough below the surface. I took the plunge as I was convinced it had more to give.
I've only done a couple of thousand miles since I bought it (mid Dec) and the weather conditions are not great for serious driving but I can tell that this is a car whose capabilities show themselves after a period of ownership. I've had a few epic drives already that make me happy that I've made the right decision and that I look forward to piling on more miles, especially in better weather.
What turned you off about the Focus ST - that was my number two choice, largely as my wife has a Fiesta ST Mountune 215 that we both absolutely love for its Jack Russell-on-speed attitude. My fear was the Focus would be a bigger, more cumbersome version of the Fiesta, which would lose the spirit of what I love above the little FiST.
I had the pre facelift mk3 and the main problem with it was torque steer. It was absolutely horrendous wrestle with the steering wheel type torque steer (imagine my delight in driving the megane). It was like the car had a mind of its own and wanted to spend the night in ditches. Plus the car wasn't really that engaging to drive it just felt disconnected in every way, sat way too high up. It didn't have any nasty handling traits or anything and had loads of grip, the power delivery was good. I've only done a couple of thousand miles since I bought it (mid Dec) and the weather conditions are not great for serious driving but I can tell that this is a car whose capabilities show themselves after a period of ownership. I've had a few epic drives already that make me happy that I've made the right decision and that I look forward to piling on more miles, especially in better weather.
What turned you off about the Focus ST - that was my number two choice, largely as my wife has a Fiesta ST Mountune 215 that we both absolutely love for its Jack Russell-on-speed attitude. My fear was the Focus would be a bigger, more cumbersome version of the Fiesta, which would lose the spirit of what I love above the little FiST.
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