Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

As much as I miss certain aspects of the RST, last night I picked up my new car and despite the fact that I thought I would be initially disappointed on account of the stark difference in power, I am actually VERY much over-the-moon with it.

For those that care, its a Renaultsport Megane R26 230. I know it's a 'Marmite' car, you either love that big ass or you don't. Well, I'm an ass man, so it's all good.

When I started looking for an R26, I never thought I'd end up with one that is only just over a year old. Also, it's rare ID White in colour (many R26's are Liquid Yellow). It also had a few boxes ticked when bought, including 'Lux', which is full leather Recaro's and it has Auto Xenons, full keyless control etc etc.

Saw it advertised Friday, drove down to Birmingham after work on Saturday (6pm), arrived home at 12.15, very knackered. I could and very easily will get used to this new car malarky. It's ace.

Anyway, sorry for the Pistonheads pic, I haven't had a chance to take any of my own yet.

Si B

iTrader: (59)

Looks nice, and perfect for their purpose

Hope to see it hammered on a track soon

Charlie Chalk

iTrader: (1)

Going to play with it, or leave it standard?

Looks nice

Micky

Jasus Christian,I can feel all the respect I had for you over the years draining away very quickly!!!Not a car I'd buy,BUT,if you like it than fair play.Hope it serves you well.Regards,Micky

andy130

iTrader: (2)

fought it was going to be japdam nice mate

The Youth.

iTrader: (1)

how many of us expected an evo???
I know I did...

steve

rstdave

iTrader: (3)

Ugly as sin 'ass' end lol but very good cars for the money, was on track with an r26r and was very impressed with it as a standard car!!! Won't it be boring just having to 'drive' it though haha!!

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

Somebody I know had one of these for a few years. Was RR'd at 277bhp and done 14.1 @ the pod reckoned he could have got into the 13s. They don't fuck about in 3rd gear when tweaked with. Looks are "alright" for me. Don't love but don't hate. Enjoy it!

EDIT: this is a normal R26 by the way NOT the R26-R

mechanic28

iTrader: (5)

is that the one with the cage in the back?looks smart fella

Chip

iTrader: (3)

I really dont like the look of the megane they are based on in the first place with the silly rear end, but that really is the only thing wrong with them, great cars with epic trackday performance out of the box.
One of the ultimate standard cars for something like a ring trip im sure.

Inteligent choice I reckon

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Thanks guys. My thought prior to buying it were that I was going to tune it to around 300bhp, which is fairly straght forward. However, having driven it, I am more than happy with the performance. I just wanted a fast road car that is pleasant to drive and live with. I could have bought an Evo for the money I spent on that and probaly quite a nice one, but I couldn't have coped with the upkeep to be honest. My RST was a complicated car to own, I wanted something simple/effective.

I'm pleased.

Smit

iTrader: (5)

Looks very nice Christian!

Porkie

iTrader: (1)

done ALOT of ring laps this year in the similar R26R's....

GREAT GREAT cars....

bet thats a very practical and fun everyday car. AND very cheap to run and own

Looks lovely in white as well. Better than ALL the R26R's I have hired I think

cabrio zo

Love it! Great cars as you know

Z

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Yes, White R26's are quite rare too. I'd say at any one time, there are roughly 20 decent R26's on Autotrader and of those 10 are Liquid Yellow, 2-3 are white and only one (if any) of those has the Lux option.

P412KER

Very nice cars, i work for renault and had one as my demo for a bit, coud'nt really fault it.

It's Czech Mate

Great car.

M K

iTrader: (9)

good choice mate, tom scarlet has one and been out in that a few times and around brands hatch in it and its a great fun little car that gives the nearest feel to an old skool fwd turbo car that you can get in a new car



but i too hate the arse end

It's Czech Mate

Hmmm, just seen the prices too. Similar to what i'm looking at spending on an ST Focus

Bugger, torn by indecision.

Spiky

iTrader: (1)

didnt fancy the R version?

i'd say it's a good chioce, goo all rounder

It's Czech Mate

The R would cost a good bit more than that IF he'd have wanted it

Pardeep

I've driven one and loved it. But the build quality is what puts me off buying one

BM08

Thats why i dont like french cars

Looks the part though

AlexF

cracking cars and go even better after a remap

AlexF

totally different cars...

If your considering doing track days in it then go for the Renault..!

It's Czech Mate

Yeah I know, i'm just having my head turned slightly

The ST is deffo 'softer' but realistically is my choice for a daily do everything nicely car with a bit of poke.

If I was after a car more honed to performance i'd go for the R26 i think.

Willy Wonker

Selling my RST and getting a semi fast modern car was the best thing I ever did. You wont regret it Christian.

Although I was behind a ERST last night and memories came flooding back, making me wish I staill had it AND the modern car

leecavturbo

great choice imo
tis nice having that new car feel

Slevin Kelevra

Looks awesome. Great cars!

Willy Wonker

Oh and I fagot to add, nice car Christian.

xr2i-carl

Looks tidy mate!

Porkie

iTrader: (1)

its double the price.... and alot less practical if you get one with the cage and 2 seats and no radio...

Rsmat

iTrader: (2)

very nice mate my mates mrs has 1 and ive had a play in it and thought it was very nice and a very smooth power delivery..lovly car imho...i was going to have the r26 r until my mrs detested so ive had to go with the new focus rs.

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Do you know, I can't fault the quality of it, compared to other cars I've seen in the same bracket. It an annoying dash 'crackle/rattle' when the car itself is cold. Once its warm, it goes. I'm yet to look into that, but it has 2 years warranty left on it, so it'll be going into Renault if necessary.

Thanks for your comments guys, as I expected, some love, some hate, it's the normal reaction for a car that has such an unusual body-shape.

Other cars I seriously considered were :-

Renaultsport 200 Clio (brand new or ex-demo), loved it in every way, just VERY slow, or maybe just too smooth?

Golf Mk5 GTi or R32, I just think there are too many of them around and they are just not that 'sporty'.

Focus ST, just didn't feel that drawn to it in the end.

The R26-R would have cost another Ł5k on top of the price of the car that I bought, but a stripped out car with cage and plastic windows just isn't what I wanted.

I have it at work today and can't wait to finish so I can drive it again. Weird feeling!!

Porkie

iTrader: (1)

You won't admit it.... BUT I bet you wished you did this YEARS ago

enjoy!

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

PMSL.

Spiky

iTrader: (1)

french cars rock


cant fault the build quality of mine either

i think worded my earlier reply wrong, i meant you chose the right option, but was wondering if you was tempted by the R version , know the R version is more a track car

Ryan_3

wtf

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Its ok i would rather have a focus RS.

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

You're going to go at least stage 1 with it surely 260-280bhp will do nicely.