Is an RS Megane 280/300 the answer?
Discussion
Hi all,
For a few years now I've done a lot less driving, but when I do it tends to be longer journeys (around 100 mile round trip once or twice a week on average). I have a 2020 Polo GTI that copes with the job, but you can tell it's a small sporty car and it's also not special enough to make the compromises worth it, so I'm looking at something both bigger and a bit more powerful/special. As a serial Renault owner, Megane was my first thought and I test drove a 2021 300, I liked it, and then whilst I was thinking about it overnight, it sold! I then realised they're pretty tough to find in a good colour/spec so turned my attention to the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Golfs etc. but realised they aren't any more interesting than the Polo, just a bit more powerful and plusher inside. Also, my research turned up the rate most of these premium German hatches get nicked at.
I'm now resigned to waiting for the right one and/or trekking across the country, but in the meantime I wanted to ask if I might be missing an option, even if it's a bit different or if the Megane is really the one? I've read many of the threads on here about people wanting hot hatches and feel like I'm familiar all the options, and I am considering an i30N as they seem the closest to what Renaultsport used to do so well, but I've heard a few reports of these getting stolen too - I guess if you look hard enough most stuff get's taken no matter what it is. Still, I'd like to keep the threat relatively low as I've never worried about the Polo beyond putting the keys in a faraday box.
Ideally, it would be good if it could be newer and found at a dealer with a warranty or the balance of a manufacturers one left (I know both Hyundai and Renault offer/offered 5 year ones from new), purely because my journeys are longer and I can't deal with getting stranded or having a problem miles from home and then having a big bill on top. Having said that, if anyone has a good suggestion for an equally good alternative I can get for sub 10 grand and have a bit of a self-warranty fund, I'm open to it! (I imagine a mk3 RS Megane may get suggested
).
For a few years now I've done a lot less driving, but when I do it tends to be longer journeys (around 100 mile round trip once or twice a week on average). I have a 2020 Polo GTI that copes with the job, but you can tell it's a small sporty car and it's also not special enough to make the compromises worth it, so I'm looking at something both bigger and a bit more powerful/special. As a serial Renault owner, Megane was my first thought and I test drove a 2021 300, I liked it, and then whilst I was thinking about it overnight, it sold! I then realised they're pretty tough to find in a good colour/spec so turned my attention to the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Golfs etc. but realised they aren't any more interesting than the Polo, just a bit more powerful and plusher inside. Also, my research turned up the rate most of these premium German hatches get nicked at.
I'm now resigned to waiting for the right one and/or trekking across the country, but in the meantime I wanted to ask if I might be missing an option, even if it's a bit different or if the Megane is really the one? I've read many of the threads on here about people wanting hot hatches and feel like I'm familiar all the options, and I am considering an i30N as they seem the closest to what Renaultsport used to do so well, but I've heard a few reports of these getting stolen too - I guess if you look hard enough most stuff get's taken no matter what it is. Still, I'd like to keep the threat relatively low as I've never worried about the Polo beyond putting the keys in a faraday box.
Ideally, it would be good if it could be newer and found at a dealer with a warranty or the balance of a manufacturers one left (I know both Hyundai and Renault offer/offered 5 year ones from new), purely because my journeys are longer and I can't deal with getting stranded or having a problem miles from home and then having a big bill on top. Having said that, if anyone has a good suggestion for an equally good alternative I can get for sub 10 grand and have a bit of a self-warranty fund, I'm open to it! (I imagine a mk3 RS Megane may get suggested
).The latest RS Megane is seriously underrated!
I test drove one along with all the other hot hatches 2 years ago.
Biggest issue is that M2 prices have dropped down to the £25k mark as well so I’d suggest having a look at the N55 M2 they are seriously reliable cars (especially compared to RS Megane) and apart from insurance won’t cost you much more than an RS Megane to run. Can get extended warranty if you feel you need it but 90% of owners don’t bother with the N55 M2, S55 M2 Comp definitely get a warranty!
Also the M2 isn’t on a thieves radar as it draws to much attention, requires a high skill level to drive fast and being a coupe with electric seats means it’s useless for any illegal activities!
If staying with hot hatches I’d go the RS Megane in Flame Red.
Peugeot 308 GTI is quicker on track and better to daily than the RS Megane so another option. Don’t think it’s anywhere as near good looking but.
I test drove one along with all the other hot hatches 2 years ago.
Biggest issue is that M2 prices have dropped down to the £25k mark as well so I’d suggest having a look at the N55 M2 they are seriously reliable cars (especially compared to RS Megane) and apart from insurance won’t cost you much more than an RS Megane to run. Can get extended warranty if you feel you need it but 90% of owners don’t bother with the N55 M2, S55 M2 Comp definitely get a warranty!
Also the M2 isn’t on a thieves radar as it draws to much attention, requires a high skill level to drive fast and being a coupe with electric seats means it’s useless for any illegal activities!
If staying with hot hatches I’d go the RS Megane in Flame Red.
Peugeot 308 GTI is quicker on track and better to daily than the RS Megane so another option. Don’t think it’s anywhere as near good looking but.
The RS300 Trophy is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311214...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401165...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311214...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401165...
I had a 300 Trophy for a couple of years. Mega car, not as raw an experience as an R26 (I’ve had multiple RS Meganes too but the MK3 is one I haven’t owned yet), but overall a much nicer place to be and still performed really really well. Sounded decent for a 4 pot too, nice pop-pop-pop on the overrun but not in a chavvy way.
Only issue I had with it was the battery, a common fault but due to Covid there weren’t any available and it spent a month at the dealers until one arrived.
Only issue I had with it was the battery, a common fault but due to Covid there weren’t any available and it spent a month at the dealers until one arrived.
CG2020UK said:
The latest RS Megane is seriously underrated!
I test drove one along with all the other hot hatches 2 years ago.
Biggest issue is that M2 prices have dropped down to the £25k mark as well so I’d suggest having a look at the N55 M2 they are seriously reliable cars (especially compared to RS Megane) and apart from insurance won’t cost you much more than an RS Megane to run. Can get extended warranty if you feel you need it but 90% of owners don’t bother with the N55 M2, S55 M2 Comp definitely get a warranty!
Also the M2 isn’t on a thieves radar as it draws to much attention, requires a high skill level to drive fast and being a coupe with electric seats means it’s useless for any illegal activities!
If staying with hot hatches I’d go the RS Megane in Flame Red.
Peugeot 308 GTI is quicker on track and better to daily than the RS Megane so another option. Don’t think it’s anywhere as near good looking but.
Thanks all.I test drove one along with all the other hot hatches 2 years ago.
Biggest issue is that M2 prices have dropped down to the £25k mark as well so I’d suggest having a look at the N55 M2 they are seriously reliable cars (especially compared to RS Megane) and apart from insurance won’t cost you much more than an RS Megane to run. Can get extended warranty if you feel you need it but 90% of owners don’t bother with the N55 M2, S55 M2 Comp definitely get a warranty!
Also the M2 isn’t on a thieves radar as it draws to much attention, requires a high skill level to drive fast and being a coupe with electric seats means it’s useless for any illegal activities!
If staying with hot hatches I’d go the RS Megane in Flame Red.
Peugeot 308 GTI is quicker on track and better to daily than the RS Megane so another option. Don’t think it’s anywhere as near good looking but.
The original M2 is certainly a realistic "dream car" of mine, but I wasn't sure just how suitable it was as a daily - I'll certainly run it through some man maths and see how it stacks up, could be a good time to get into one. They're certainly easier to find than a Megane!
I'd agree about the Megane being underrated, I'm a big fan of most fast Renault's and certainly found the criticism of it to be not entirely accurate after my test drive. Also agreed on the 308, I probably would consider one if I could find a later model facelift that came with things like CarPlay, but they're even tougher than a Megane to find!
As for comment about Trophy's, I had heard the lighter weight DESS battery can be a problem. There are periods where I might not use it for a couple of weeks and it's not practical to hook it up to the charger/maintainer. Either way, that's pretty much the dream spec you had there chucky egg, although the volcanic orange is really nice too.
I'm a serial Renault sport owner aswell, had all sorts of Clios and Mégane R26 etc but recently picked up a 280. It's fantastic.
Very similar to you, I wanted something like a Golf R but a bit more unique, a bit different from an S3 etc.
They drive really well, and typical RS to own. Don't expect it to be as built as well as your polo but it's very good considering it's a Renault.
Even my wife likes driving it. Tech is fantastic, mine has the sunroof, self park, upgraded stereo etc. I think it was an ex management car so has almost all the options. Only one missing is the Recaros, although don't believe these can be heated?! The standard sport seats are still very good.
I don't think you'd be disappointed if you have previous RS experience, if anything I think you'd be impressed.
Very similar to you, I wanted something like a Golf R but a bit more unique, a bit different from an S3 etc.
They drive really well, and typical RS to own. Don't expect it to be as built as well as your polo but it's very good considering it's a Renault.
Even my wife likes driving it. Tech is fantastic, mine has the sunroof, self park, upgraded stereo etc. I think it was an ex management car so has almost all the options. Only one missing is the Recaros, although don't believe these can be heated?! The standard sport seats are still very good.
I don't think you'd be disappointed if you have previous RS experience, if anything I think you'd be impressed.
The dilemma I think I will be facing also.
Having owned 3 x Megane 250 Cup's (and adored them) I feel like the answer is indeed the Megane. For me though, it'll have to be R-Link2, Recaro's and manual - obviously a Cup or Trophy with LSD.
That said, there is some serious contenders falling into this price bracket....
- FK2 Type R, you'd get a cracker with some change to spare
- FK8 Type R, not much more money than the Megane, just not sure it would be as special
- 'OG' M2, for me this is seriously tempting - especially with a manual box!
- Yaris GR-Four, now coming down a bit too and awesome cars if the size isn't a deal-breaker
Ultimately for me it would be between the Megane and the M2.
Having owned 3 x Megane 250 Cup's (and adored them) I feel like the answer is indeed the Megane. For me though, it'll have to be R-Link2, Recaro's and manual - obviously a Cup or Trophy with LSD.
That said, there is some serious contenders falling into this price bracket....
- FK2 Type R, you'd get a cracker with some change to spare
- FK8 Type R, not much more money than the Megane, just not sure it would be as special
- 'OG' M2, for me this is seriously tempting - especially with a manual box!
- Yaris GR-Four, now coming down a bit too and awesome cars if the size isn't a deal-breaker
Ultimately for me it would be between the Megane and the M2.
Megane RS Mk 3 and possibly Mk4 ? -
Watch out for the PK 4018 ? manual gearboxes on MK3 RS ( not sure about the Autos ) - I think ?
Did Renault use the same gearbox in the manual Mk4 RS 's as in the previous 275 model ? DYOR.
I'm not sure - somebody will probably know .
Have a google or look on this site ( Ben Lowden ? ) and DYOR;
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.renaultsportclub.co.uk/forum/renaultsp...
https://rsmegane.com/threads/gearbox-whine-275-cup...
Not sure if it is just the 275 Cup models and is LSD related or not.
Mine is a 2016 275 Cup S , 26,700 miles which I have owned for 7.5 years , not been tracked or had hard use and has now developed a transmission whine.........
Watch out for the PK 4018 ? manual gearboxes on MK3 RS ( not sure about the Autos ) - I think ?
Did Renault use the same gearbox in the manual Mk4 RS 's as in the previous 275 model ? DYOR.
I'm not sure - somebody will probably know .
Have a google or look on this site ( Ben Lowden ? ) and DYOR;
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.renaultsportclub.co.uk/forum/renaultsp...
https://rsmegane.com/threads/gearbox-whine-275-cup...
Not sure if it is just the 275 Cup models and is LSD related or not.
Mine is a 2016 275 Cup S , 26,700 miles which I have owned for 7.5 years , not been tracked or had hard use and has now developed a transmission whine.........
Edited by classicfred on Thursday 15th February 09:48
Edited by classicfred on Thursday 15th February 09:49
classicfred said:
Megane RS Mk 3 and possibly Mk4 ? -
Watch out for the PK 4018 ? manual gearboxes on MK3 RS ( not sure about the Autos ) - I think ?
Did Renault use the same gearbox in the manual Mk4 RS 's as in the previous 275 model ? DYOR.
I'm not sure - somebody will probably know .
Have a google or look on this site ( Ben Lowden ? ) and DYOR;
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.renaultsportclub.co.uk/forum/renaultsp...
https://rsmegane.com/threads/gearbox-whine-275-cup...
Not sure if it is just the 275 Cup models and is LSD related or not.
Mine is a 2016 275 Cup S , 26,700 miles which I have owned for 7.5 years , not been tracked or had hard use and has now developed a transmission whine.........
Yes sadly all 275s seem to have dodgy gearbox bearings, I had mine rebuilt by AW Motorworks. I believe this issue carried over into the Mk4 and I've been told it's an engine out job on the Mk4 so if you're looking at a manual, check that it has been done under warranty.Watch out for the PK 4018 ? manual gearboxes on MK3 RS ( not sure about the Autos ) - I think ?
Did Renault use the same gearbox in the manual Mk4 RS 's as in the previous 275 model ? DYOR.
I'm not sure - somebody will probably know .
Have a google or look on this site ( Ben Lowden ? ) and DYOR;
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.renaultsportclub.co.uk/forum/renaultsp...
https://rsmegane.com/threads/gearbox-whine-275-cup...
Not sure if it is just the 275 Cup models and is LSD related or not.
Mine is a 2016 275 Cup S , 26,700 miles which I have owned for 7.5 years , not been tracked or had hard use and has now developed a transmission whine.........
Edited by classicfred on Thursday 15th February 09:48
Edited by classicfred on Thursday 15th February 09:49
I think the sweetspot is a facelift 265 - you get the better looks without the gearbox issues. I've owned eight Renaults and I adored my Meganes, I only sold my 275 Cup-S as I needed five doors.
Worth a read if you're considering a Mk3 or potentially a i30 N, brilliant cars https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/rena...
Personally I found the Mk4 underwhelming coming from a Mk3, but ultimately I expect it was softened to try and appeal to broader market. If you want to keep to a lower £10-15k budget, I'd look at a 265 Megane or the Mk8 Fiesta ST is absolutely fantastic. If you do want to spend £20k+ then FK8 Civic Type R, i30 N or a Performance Pack Golf GTI.
Thanks all for the info and views, and also for the continuing photos of brightly coloured Megane's! That's a lovely looking car Justin, pretty much exactly the same as I recently missed out on. If it's ex-management there's every chance it was one of my old boss's cars - I worked for Renault and he always had an RS as his car.
Also thanks classicfred and Ben for the gearbox info, despite being a bit of a Renaultsport nerd I wasn't aware of Megane gearbox problems, but then I've only ever really focused on Clio's - based on those, though, I shouldn't be too shocked I suppose if I were to get a mk4 I'd prefer the auto but if I go older I'll focus on 265's, thanks for the heads up. Also appreciate the link to that article Ben, look forward to finding out your thoughts!
Also thanks classicfred and Ben for the gearbox info, despite being a bit of a Renaultsport nerd I wasn't aware of Megane gearbox problems, but then I've only ever really focused on Clio's - based on those, though, I shouldn't be too shocked I suppose
if I were to get a mk4 I'd prefer the auto but if I go older I'll focus on 265's, thanks for the heads up. Also appreciate the link to that article Ben, look forward to finding out your thoughts!Golf Clubsport/TCR/R and get it tuned. Easier to live with. Megane handles well but isn't particularly quick or well built I thought, compar3ed to some others. I also couldn't read the speedo, but presume this isn't an issue for the OP. Depends what you're after and how old you are I suppose.
Cupra R is a good bet if you want to track, it's set up straight from the box.
Clear win to the Megane on looks though.
Cupra R is a good bet if you want to track, it's set up straight from the box.
Clear win to the Megane on looks though.
I ran one of the mega cheap lease deal Megane RS 280 cars a couple of years ago. It was dishwater grey with the cup pack, manual and 18 inch wheels.
It was a great car but I did find the ride on the firm side for UK road use. That said, compared to my current car (Abarth 595 Competizione) it would likely feel like a limo. It is a shame you can't get the non-cup car with an LSD as I'd say that would likely be the sweet spot for mostly road use - guess there is the option of either adding an LSD to one, or conversely swapping out the springs and dampers on a cup car.
On track, it was fantastic and in terms of everyday practicality the five doors were great. I didn't like the infotainment / touch screen system - combined with the ride quality it was often hard to operate the touch screen with any finesse, which was a pain.
I'd say it would be worth a drive of the standard, cup and trophy versions to see what you think. It also chomped through its front tyres in 6000 miles, although the Michelin PS4s which replaced the Continentals fared much better.
I'd have another but probably a non-cup. I think for mostly road use the softer setup would be more enjoyable and cover ground better, and for the 1 or 2 trackdays I do a year I could live without the diff.
It was a great car but I did find the ride on the firm side for UK road use. That said, compared to my current car (Abarth 595 Competizione) it would likely feel like a limo. It is a shame you can't get the non-cup car with an LSD as I'd say that would likely be the sweet spot for mostly road use - guess there is the option of either adding an LSD to one, or conversely swapping out the springs and dampers on a cup car.
On track, it was fantastic and in terms of everyday practicality the five doors were great. I didn't like the infotainment / touch screen system - combined with the ride quality it was often hard to operate the touch screen with any finesse, which was a pain.
I'd say it would be worth a drive of the standard, cup and trophy versions to see what you think. It also chomped through its front tyres in 6000 miles, although the Michelin PS4s which replaced the Continentals fared much better.
I'd have another but probably a non-cup. I think for mostly road use the softer setup would be more enjoyable and cover ground better, and for the 1 or 2 trackdays I do a year I could live without the diff.
Burny16v said:
Thanks all for the info and views, and also for the continuing photos of brightly coloured Megane's! That's a lovely looking car Justin, pretty much exactly the same as I recently missed out on. If it's ex-management there's every chance it was one of my old boss's cars - I worked for Renault and he always had an RS as his car.
Also thanks classicfred and Ben for the gearbox info, despite being a bit of a Renaultsport nerd I wasn't aware of Megane gearbox problems, but then I've only ever really focused on Clio's - based on those, though, I shouldn't be too shocked I suppose if I were to get a mk4 I'd prefer the auto but if I go older I'll focus on 265's, thanks for the heads up. Also appreciate the link to that article Ben, look forward to finding out your thoughts!
Also thanks classicfred and Ben for the gearbox info, despite being a bit of a Renaultsport nerd I wasn't aware of Megane gearbox problems, but then I've only ever really focused on Clio's - based on those, though, I shouldn't be too shocked I suppose
if I were to get a mk4 I'd prefer the auto but if I go older I'll focus on 265's, thanks for the heads up. Also appreciate the link to that article Ben, look forward to finding out your thoughts!
I miss my 275 Cup-S dearly, wish I never sold it. I normally change cars every 6-12 months and I had that car 2 1/2 years I think, and that's after owning my 250 for a year and then buying that back because I missed it. if that tells you anything about the Mk3 platform! And if you like photos of brightly coloured Meganes...
Legacywr said:
The cup chassis is far from ideal for a road car.
Disagree. If you buy a 'hot hatch' you aren't buying it for it's comfort or ability to do GT-esque distances IMO.The cup chassis is the only one to have.
I've driven virtually every RS model over the last 15 years and the 300 (EDC, Trophy, Recaros and Volcanic Orange is my choice) is a superb bit of kit.
Heating controls on the screen are w
k, the battery issues are well documented and it WILL brick itself on your driveway one morning unable to release the handbrake, but they are great drivers cars, the interior is a much better place to be that the 265/275 even if they're not quite as 'raw' or whatever.This is the one to buy - bang on spec and a facelift as well - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402036... - heater controls much better in a facelift!
The Rotrex Kid said:
Legacywr said:
The cup chassis is far from ideal for a road car.
Disagree. If you buy a 'hot hatch' you aren't buying it for it's comfort or ability to do GT-esque distances IMO.If I'm buying a hot hatch it needs to tick all of the boxes from a b-road blast, boring commute, track day, tip run and perhaps most importantly as a father of two and husband to one, it needs to have a ride that copes with the worst of the British road network.
I've been on the receiving end of the earache after a family trip out in a car that's too stiff for passengers to be comfortable and I'd definitely opt for a more compliant ride as the alternative!
snorkel sucker said:
The Rotrex Kid said:
Legacywr said:
The cup chassis is far from ideal for a road car.
Disagree. If you buy a 'hot hatch' you aren't buying it for it's comfort or ability to do GT-esque distances IMO.If I'm buying a hot hatch it needs to tick all of the boxes from a b-road blast, boring commute, track day, tip run and perhaps most importantly as a father of two and husband to one, it needs to have a ride that copes with the worst of the British road network.
I've been on the receiving end of the earache after a family trip out in a car that's too stiff for passengers to be comfortable and I'd definitely opt for a more compliant ride as the alternative!
popeyewhite said:
snorkel sucker said:
The Rotrex Kid said:
Legacywr said:
The cup chassis is far from ideal for a road car.
Disagree. If you buy a 'hot hatch' you aren't buying it for it's comfort or ability to do GT-esque distances IMO.If I'm buying a hot hatch it needs to tick all of the boxes from a b-road blast, boring commute, track day, tip run and perhaps most importantly as a father of two and husband to one, it needs to have a ride that copes with the worst of the British road network.
I've been on the receiving end of the earache after a family trip out in a car that's too stiff for passengers to be comfortable and I'd definitely opt for a more compliant ride as the alternative!
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