07.11.2008
Last week we mentioned that we were joining RMA at the Nürburgring on 10/11th November, so as you can imagine the team have been busy arranging transportation which includes as you’ve probably guessed by now, the awesome Renault Megane R26.R.
How Renault can only charge £24,000 for this beast is beyond me. We get used to judging the cars that arrive at DR by how many expletives are used by the delivery drivers. This one just said “…it’s a *?&!@ animal!”. Quite.
Read the FULL ARTICLE and view the image gallery in First Look
Then let us know your thoughts..
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47 Comments
Mark McTavish
November 7, 2008The idea of buying something that is essentially ‘pre-modified’ is so appealing.
I am sure a good number of people people would carry out similar changes to a car in order to make it more track friendly. However, I’m not sure they would manage to produce something as cohesive and of obvious high quality.
I hope these cars are bought by people who are looking to use them to their full potential. Something that doesn’t appear to be the case with the Mini GP Works, at least locally.
Mark McTavish
November 7, 2008The idea of buying something that is essentially ‘pre-modified’ is so appealing.
I am sure a good number of people people would carry out similar changes to a car in order to make it more track friendly. However, I’m not sure they would manage to produce something as cohesive and of obvious high quality.
I hope these cars are bought by people who are looking to use them to their full potential. Something that doesn’t appear to be the case with the Mini GP Works, at least locally.
Steve
November 7, 2008Mark, that’s one of the reasons why I bought my M3 CSL and despite a few essential modifications I’ve kept it essentially standard.
In fact driving the R26.R this afternoon reminded me of my CSL. Let’s see what Jethro thinks of it after he’s driven it 400 miles down to the Eifel mountains..
Steve
November 8, 2008Mark, that’s one of the reasons why I bought my M3 CSL and despite a few essential modifications I’ve kept it essentially standard.
In fact driving the R26.R this afternoon reminded me of my CSL. Let’s see what Jethro thinks of it after he’s driven it 400 miles down to the Eifel mountains..
Mark McTavish
November 8, 2008It is easy to see the similarities between the CSL and R26.R now that you mention it Steve. The other obvious example that springs to mind is the GT3 RS?
It is great to see cars like this appearing at lower price points…£24k is still a wee bit above my budget though!
RenaultSport have such a positive air surrounding them these days. First the Clio Cup, then the Trophy (race dampers, wowee!), followed by the R26 Megane and now the R26.R…really great + steady progress.
I’ve sold my Polo project and I am now on the hunt for a Clio 172/182 Cup. I’ve bought into the hype and I’m looking forward to having a car that’s well set-up as standard.
There is an obvious trend developing in factory supplied ‘modifications’ as well…Esse Esse from Fiat, the Fiesta ST185 and BMW were offering a lot of performance orientated upgrades as well I think? I am sure there is more…?
Good times for driver focused cars I think!
Mark McTavish
November 8, 2008It is easy to see the similarities between the CSL and R26.R now that you mention it Steve. The other obvious example that springs to mind is the GT3 RS?
It is great to see cars like this appearing at lower price points…£24k is still a wee bit above my budget though!
RenaultSport have such a positive air surrounding them these days. First the Clio Cup, then the Trophy (race dampers, wowee!), followed by the R26 Megane and now the R26.R…really great + steady progress.
I’ve sold my Polo project and I am now on the hunt for a Clio 172/182 Cup. I’ve bought into the hype and I’m looking forward to having a car that’s well set-up as standard.
There is an obvious trend developing in factory supplied ‘modifications’ as well…Esse Esse from Fiat, the Fiesta ST185 and BMW were offering a lot of performance orientated upgrades as well I think? I am sure there is more…?
Good times for driver focused cars I think!
Steve
November 9, 2008Mark, I forgot to mention that DR received a new addition to our long-term fleet last week, a Twingo Renaultsport 133.
Next week we’ll publish first impressions of our new delivery plus the spec we selected, but I’m really looking forward to some miles behind the wheel of Renaultsport’s new baby.
Steve
November 9, 2008Mark, I forgot to mention that DR received a new addition to our long-term fleet last week, a Twingo Renaultsport 133.
Next week we’ll publish first impressions of our new delivery plus the spec we selected, but I’m really looking forward to some miles behind the wheel of Renaultsport’s new baby.
Mark McTavish
November 11, 2008Twingo 133, great! Interested to read more about them. I was geared up for a disappointment but the DR feature proved my doubts unfounded. Any thoughts on bringing the 500 Arbarth and 133 together in future…might be an idea to pit them against each other at Silverstone sometime.
I’ve just paid a deposit on a 15k mile 182 Cup in racing blue. Next week I am going to embark upon my second trip down your way this year, as it’s beside Oxford! (things we do for cars!)
I think I am going to stop over in Northampton as I am now familiar with the travel lodges there. Should hook up for a 133/182 comparison
Mark McTavish
November 11, 2008Twingo 133, great! Interested to read more about them. I was geared up for a disappointment but the DR feature proved my doubts unfounded. Any thoughts on bringing the 500 Arbarth and 133 together in future…might be an idea to pit them against each other at Silverstone sometime.
I’ve just paid a deposit on a 15k mile 182 Cup in racing blue. Next week I am going to embark upon my second trip down your way this year, as it’s beside Oxford! (things we do for cars!)
I think I am going to stop over in Northampton as I am now familiar with the travel lodges there. Should hook up for a 133/182 comparison
ErvinTW
November 12, 2008Thanks! Nice post.
ErvinTW
November 12, 2008Thanks! Nice post.
Steve
November 17, 2008It’s worth us just mentioning that we managed some laps of the ‘ring despite the awful weather on Monday (see Neil’s report in the Twingo 133 long-term group), so Jethro is busy writing his review of the R26.R and working on the video footage.
Unfortunately Renault collected the R26.R last week and replaced it with a Koleos. As you can imagine, Jethro was gutted..
Steve
November 17, 2008It’s worth us just mentioning that we managed some laps of the ‘ring despite the awful weather on Monday (see Neil’s report in the Twingo 133 long-term group), so Jethro is busy writing his review of the R26.R and working on the video footage.
Unfortunately Renault collected the R26.R last week and replaced it with a Koleos. As you can imagine, Jethro was gutted..
Dave Knott
January 14, 2009So guys, given the choice, and if it was your money, what would you choose between a Megane R26 and a JDM Civic Type R? Both offer 4 seats, 220Bhp, Limited Slip Diff etc. So which would you go for??
Dave Knott
January 14, 2009So guys, given the choice, and if it was your money, what would you choose between a Megane R26 and a JDM Civic Type R? Both offer 4 seats, 220Bhp, Limited Slip Diff etc. So which would you go for??
Scotty
January 14, 2009Having driven neither this is simply an armchairs expert point of view but I think it would be the R26R as its both more hardcore yet more liveable. Rollcage etc. means its a capable club racer from the factory yet the turbo torque means you don’t have to wring its neck. As Jethro said it handled the trip to the ‘Ring with ease.
Scotty
January 14, 2009Having driven neither this is simply an armchairs expert point of view but I think it would be the R26R as its both more hardcore yet more liveable. Rollcage etc. means its a capable club racer from the factory yet the turbo torque means you don’t have to wring its neck. As Jethro said it handled the trip to the ‘Ring with ease.
Dave Knott
January 14, 2009@Scotty: Sorry Scotty, I meant the boggo R26 v the JDM Civic Type R. the R26R doesn’t have 4 seats and is more compromised as a road car (e.g., no stereo, roll cage etc, therefore its only fair to compare the bog standard R26 with the JDM Type R
Dave Knott
January 14, 2009@Scotty: Sorry Scotty, I meant the boggo R26 v the JDM Civic Type R. the R26R doesn’t have 4 seats and is more compromised as a road car (e.g., no stereo, roll cage etc, therefore its only fair to compare the bog standard R26 with the JDM Type R
Steve
January 14, 2009@Dave Knott:
Dave, I suspect most of us would recommend the JDM Civic TypeR over the base R26, but it’s quite hard-core (in terms of ride) and therefore the R26.R would actually be closer than you might think (apart from it’s lack of rear seats).
We are all out of the office busy filming our Hot-hatch group test this week (so apologies for the relative silence here on DR) and we are comparing;
Honda Civic Championship White Type-R
Mountune Ford Focus ST
Vauxhall Astra VXR888
Subaru Impreza WRX-S
Mini John Cooper Works
Renault R26.R.
I won’t spoil the conclusion by telling you the pecking order, and so far I’ve driven all of them except the Mini and Subaru, but if I had some spare cash at the moment I would go out and buy an R26.R quicker than you could say ‘credit crunch’. It’s amazing, I want one (badly) and am busy harbouring serious thoughts of reporting it stolen (after I hide the press car away in my garage).
Steve
January 14, 2009@Dave Knott:
Dave, I suspect most of us would recommend the JDM Civic TypeR over the base R26, but it’s quite hard-core (in terms of ride) and therefore the R26.R would actually be closer than you might think (apart from it’s lack of rear seats).
We are all out of the office busy filming our Hot-hatch group test this week (so apologies for the relative silence here on DR) and we are comparing;
Honda Civic Championship White Type-R
Mountune Ford Focus ST
Vauxhall Astra VXR888
Subaru Impreza WRX-S
Mini John Cooper Works
Renault R26.R.
I won’t spoil the conclusion by telling you the pecking order, and so far I’ve driven all of them except the Mini and Subaru, but if I had some spare cash at the moment I would go out and buy an R26.R quicker than you could say ‘credit crunch’. It’s amazing, I want one (badly) and am busy harbouring serious thoughts of reporting it stolen (after I hide the press car away in my garage).
Dave Knott
January 15, 2009@Steve: Hi Steve, I’m off to test drive a JDM Type R at the weekend at Litchfields, so thanks for your thoughts – I’ll let you know what I think of the ride, but hopefully it won’t be too harsh as Iain now offers adjustable AFT suspension on the Type R which is said to sort out the boneshaking ride.
With our first baby on the way, unfortunately, I absolutely have to have rear seats, so….. unfortunately, the R26R is out of the picture. I’ve also got the difficult task of replacing my fantastic 130i M-Sport. As an all-rounder, the 130 is hard to beat for the money…
So far, the cars I’m considering are the JDM Type R, a used M3, a 330d M-sport, or an R32.
Sounds like you’ve pulled together a great bunch of cars for the hot hatch group test – I’ll look forward to reading the feature.
Cheers Steve!
Dave Knott
January 15, 2009@Steve: Hi Steve, I’m off to test drive a JDM Type R at the weekend at Litchfields, so thanks for your thoughts – I’ll let you know what I think of the ride, but hopefully it won’t be too harsh as Iain now offers adjustable AFT suspension on the Type R which is said to sort out the boneshaking ride.
With our first baby on the way, unfortunately, I absolutely have to have rear seats, so….. unfortunately, the R26R is out of the picture. I’ve also got the difficult task of replacing my fantastic 130i M-Sport. As an all-rounder, the 130 is hard to beat for the money…
So far, the cars I’m considering are the JDM Type R, a used M3, a 330d M-sport, or an R32.
Sounds like you’ve pulled together a great bunch of cars for the hot hatch group test – I’ll look forward to reading the feature.
Cheers Steve!
Steve
January 15, 2009@Dave Knott:
I hope you like the JDM Type-R, it’s pretty special. I’ve taken the Championship White Type-R home with me this evening after a long-day of testing and apart from the rather un-compliant rear axle, it’s a civilised but fun machine to drive. Martin Rowe (ex-JWRC driver) who joined us today considered it perhaps the best of our group on track, which is high praise indeed in the company of an R26.R.
We had an interloper in this third day of the group test which made the other cars look a little ordinary – Marangoni’s Mito-based M430 with its 220 bhp tuned engine and stunning body modifications. Yet another car I wouldn’t mind having in my garage (with a less conspicous colour scheme though…)
Steve
January 15, 2009@Dave Knott:
I hope you like the JDM Type-R, it’s pretty special. I’ve taken the Championship White Type-R home with me this evening after a long-day of testing and apart from the rather un-compliant rear axle, it’s a civilised but fun machine to drive. Martin Rowe (ex-JWRC driver) who joined us today considered it perhaps the best of our group on track, which is high praise indeed in the company of an R26.R.
We had an interloper in this third day of the group test which made the other cars look a little ordinary – Marangoni’s Mito-based M430 with its 220 bhp tuned engine and stunning body modifications. Yet another car I wouldn’t mind having in my garage (with a less conspicous colour scheme though…)
Guy
January 16, 2009@ Steve- thanks for the updates I’ve enjoyed reading them a bunch.
I’m sadly living in one of the worst parts of the world, Tucson, AZ, and am wondering if a car like the R26.R will ever reach the states. Have you heard anything?
Also what are your thoughts on how much more net usable power (in harris terms) do you think the R26.R could handle and would you if at all like to see.
You guys rock. I’m already sad for the day that comes when this site has 100,000+ members and we can’t talk to you guys like this any more.
Best,
Guy
Guy
January 16, 2009@ Steve- thanks for the updates I’ve enjoyed reading them a bunch.
I’m sadly living in one of the worst parts of the world, Tucson, AZ, and am wondering if a car like the R26.R will ever reach the states. Have you heard anything?
Also what are your thoughts on how much more net usable power (in harris terms) do you think the R26.R could handle and would you if at all like to see.
You guys rock. I’m already sad for the day that comes when this site has 100,000+ members and we can’t talk to you guys like this any more.
Best,
Guy
Guy
January 16, 2009one more comment…
Those red tires are horrible
Guy
January 16, 2009one more comment…
Those red tires are horrible
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
January 16, 2009@Steve:
Than MiTo looks pretty mad!! I’ve heard it as a quite big turbo lag………….
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
January 16, 2009@Steve:
Than MiTo looks pretty mad!! I’ve heard it as a quite big turbo lag………….
Steve
January 16, 2009@Pedro Sousa aka Ginga: Yes unfortunately it was rather laggy and obviously its 220 horses felt quite gentle when compared with the other cars. It’s ride quality was surprisingly good though and the Mito cabin feels a special place to be, so I am sure Alfa will do well in attracting new customers with this car.
Apparently Alfa are quite impressed with this Marangoni version and may consider offering some of the aesthetic upgrades just as they do with the Linea kit on the Grande Punto. Let’s hope so – although they should give a miss to those scissor doors..
Steve
January 16, 2009@Pedro Sousa aka Ginga: Yes unfortunately it was rather laggy and obviously its 220 horses felt quite gentle when compared with the other cars. It’s ride quality was surprisingly good though and the Mito cabin feels a special place to be, so I am sure Alfa will do well in attracting new customers with this car.
Apparently Alfa are quite impressed with this Marangoni version and may consider offering some of the aesthetic upgrades just as they do with the Linea kit on the Grande Punto. Let’s hope so – although they should give a miss to those scissor doors..
Steve
January 16, 2009@Guy: Guy, that’s very kind of you – we enjoy talking with you so will continue to do so regardless of our size. That’s what being an enthusiast is all about. We actually reached an audience of well over 100,000 visitors back in November and it’s great to see the wide cross-section of nationalities and brands already in our readership.
We’ll check with Renault about their plans for R26.R in other countries, but I am almost 99.9% sure that you’ll be dissapointed. That’s a great shame, because we’d like to see every enthusiast have the opportunity to drive one.
Steve
January 16, 2009@Guy: Guy, that’s very kind of you – we enjoy talking with you so will continue to do so regardless of our size. That’s what being an enthusiast is all about. We actually reached an audience of well over 100,000 visitors back in November and it’s great to see the wide cross-section of nationalities and brands already in our readership.
We’ll check with Renault about their plans for R26.R in other countries, but I am almost 99.9% sure that you’ll be dissapointed. That’s a great shame, because we’d like to see every enthusiast have the opportunity to drive one.
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
January 16, 2009@Steve:
I believe than everyone can live without scissor doors… For me they should only fit old lambos!
Anyway, aesthetics-wise, I rather see some GTA-style body in the MiTo than a F430 patch kit. It looks rather….. strange and out of place.
As for the 1.4 220hp… Aren’t those the numbers that pop out for an eventual MiTo GTA, but from a 1.8?!?!
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
January 16, 2009@Steve:
I believe than everyone can live without scissor doors… For me they should only fit old lambos!
Anyway, aesthetics-wise, I rather see some GTA-style body in the MiTo than a F430 patch kit. It looks rather….. strange and out of place.
As for the 1.4 220hp… Aren’t those the numbers that pop out for an eventual MiTo GTA, but from a 1.8?!?!
Steve
January 16, 2009@Pedro Sousa aka Ginga: I like the rear of the Marangoni F430 (it’s made from real carbon fibre) but perhaps the front is a little much for some people. Let’s hope Alfa are inspired to create a GTA version that accentuates the lines of the Mito as well.
It needs a 1.8 (at least) and I suspect Alfa will choose to make it a suitably characterful powerplant.
Steve
January 16, 2009@Pedro Sousa aka Ginga: I like the rear of the Marangoni F430 (it’s made from real carbon fibre) but perhaps the front is a little much for some people. Let’s hope Alfa are inspired to create a GTA version that accentuates the lines of the Mito as well.
It needs a 1.8 (at least) and I suspect Alfa will choose to make it a suitably characterful powerplant.
Logos
January 16, 2009Alfa had planned a GTA version with a new 1.75l turbo that produces 230 bhp.
Unfourtunatly carpocalypse *could* block this version.
L.
Archie
January 16, 2009@Steve:
i’ve already got my order down….. i wish he he
Archie
January 16, 2009@Steve:
i’ve already got my order down….. i wish he he
Judah777
January 18, 2009Why bother testing the UK Spec Civic Type R ?……everybody know an LSD is not going to fix its biggest two biggest problems…..that inadequate/outdated rear suspension and inadequate power unit.
If Honda UK had any common sense they would sell a RHD version of the Civic Si Coupe that the US market gets; fit it with most of the JDM Type R suspension/while/tire/brake package and that car’s power unit (dyno verfied by Litchfield 237bhp)……that would be a proper FWD weapon.
Judah777
January 18, 2009Why bother testing the UK Spec Civic Type R ?……everybody know an LSD is not going to fix its biggest two biggest problems…..that inadequate/outdated rear suspension and inadequate power unit.
If Honda UK had any common sense they would sell a RHD version of the Civic Si Coupe that the US market gets; fit it with most of the JDM Type R suspension/while/tire/brake package and that car’s power unit (dyno verfied by Litchfield 237bhp)……that would be a proper FWD weapon.
Steve
January 18, 2009@Judah777:
We quite liked the Championship White Type-R when we tested it late last year..
http://www.drivers-republic.com/first_look/first_drives/details.cfm?articleid=fd16957b6bb149f78bb3c3d07f8e5e6e
But I concur that it would be even better if Honda brought the JDM version into the UK.
Steve
January 18, 2009@Judah777:
We quite liked the Championship White Type-R when we tested it late last year..
http://www.drivers-republic.com/first_look/first_drives/details.cfm?articleid=fd16957b6bb149f78bb3c3d07f8e5e6e
But I concur that it would be even better if Honda brought the JDM version into the UK.