Yes, after much searching, I have finally found "the one" to replace the Golf. Just in time really, as my lease car was due to be returned at the same time! I got home Thursday, gave the Golf a wipe down and it had its final night on the drive with my faithful Clio 172 hack:

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/143473428@N02/, on Flickr

And then, on Friday morning, this happened:

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/143473428@N02/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/143473428@N02/, on Flickr

It was a little bit sad, however, by Saturday afternoon, following a little drive to Lincoln, this had happened:

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/143473428@N02/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/143473428@N02/, on Flickr

And making friends with the 172:

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/143473428@N02/, on Flickr

It's a 2013 RenaultSport Megane 265 with Cup chassis and leather Recaro seats, along with xenons, LED DRLs, keyless, black roof, RS Monitor, 19" wheels, RS gear knob and perhaps a couple of other things I haven't yet noticed. It's on 12k miles, having been a lease car in a previous life. There are a couple of things that I want to change; including getting rid of the crap Chinese rear tyres and having a couple of little marks sorted but, otherwise, I'm very happy with it.

Modifications-wise, I can't imagine much will happen, certainly not to begin with. A mid-box delete is likely as it unleashes a few more pops and bangs from the exhaust, and I would perhaps like a bit more induction noise, but I'm not sure how best to address that yet. A change to 18" wheels and a slight suspension drop may also happen, but we'll see about that.

Happy to have found one in the right spec though and it's certainly a much more involving drive than the Golf. Motoring hacks raved about these when they came out and I can see why so far, it seems really capable so far.

 

Nice car mate, what does it go like? Renault know a thing or two when it comes to building a good chassis. I had a 225 trophy some years back, it was a great handling car.

 

That looks lovely and I also read how good they are....I bet the golf was a tough act to follow as well.

 

Looks great!

Last time I was at the Nurburgring I couldn't believe how fast they go round corners.. sometimes sideways Looked so controllable. Enjoy!

 

Cheers. It goes pretty well. Certainly not as quick as the Golf, but still quick enough to show up most things you'll come across on the road. Not put the handling to the test so far (boring commuting instead!) but it certainly feels good so far.

Thanks mate. The Golf was a great car but just a bit lifeless somehow. More of a fast cruiser.

Funny you should say that, it was my trip to the 'ring in 2015 that made me want one! As you say, they seem to be among the fastest things there which is pretty incredible for a hatchback. I'm going out there over Easter but, as I've not had it long and the rear tyres are poo, I think I'll just be a spectator this time.