10.12.2008
In the Megane R26.R, RenaultSport has undoubtedly created a hardcore hot hatch. But can it conquer the Nürburgring Nordschleife? And does it have what it takes to win the respect of hardened ‘Ringers? DR finds out.
We showed you our video interview with Steve Marvin a few days ago, plus our lap of the ‘ring (click image to view the video)
Now read the feature magazine and then share your views.
Click the image below
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54 Comments
Richard - DR
December 10, 2008Not only did I miss the Ring trip altogether, but I also missed getting a go in the R26.R while it was outside the DR office. Perhaps that’s why I’m developing a rather serious yearning for one. It just seems like such a brave and brilliant car for a manufacturer to build.
The Focus RS really needs to be very good indeed if it stands of taking the ultimate hot hatch crown. Then again, knowing how ridiculously rapid our Mountune ST is, the thought of an RS Focus with more power and grunt and a chassis to match has me equally excited. Perhaps it’s just me, but isn’t it great to have some (slightly) more attainable cars to lust after?
Richard - DR
December 10, 2008Not only did I miss the Ring trip altogether, but I also missed getting a go in the R26.R while it was outside the DR office. Perhaps that’s why I’m developing a rather serious yearning for one. It just seems like such a brave and brilliant car for a manufacturer to build.
The Focus RS really needs to be very good indeed if it stands of taking the ultimate hot hatch crown. Then again, knowing how ridiculously rapid our Mountune ST is, the thought of an RS Focus with more power and grunt and a chassis to match has me equally excited. Perhaps it’s just me, but isn’t it great to have some (slightly) more attainable cars to lust after?
Alexander
December 10, 2008Good stuff, chaps.
Alexander
December 10, 2008Good stuff, chaps.
Cheese and Onion
December 10, 2008Richard, you and I know both that the Focus RS will be a fine drive, Ford haven’t mucked up one of these for a while now.
What it wont be is a 1200kg ultra focused (no pun) hyper hatch. Renault have proven that removing weight pays great dividends and in the search for ever higher power output Ford may have missed a trick here.
Guesstimated weight of the new RS?
1450kgs?
If so that’s too much.
Bring on the R26-R vs RS twin test.
Cheese and Onion
December 10, 2008Richard, you and I know both that the Focus RS will be a fine drive, Ford haven’t mucked up one of these for a while now.
What it wont be is a 1200kg ultra focused (no pun) hyper hatch. Renault have proven that removing weight pays great dividends and in the search for ever higher power output Ford may have missed a trick here.
Guesstimated weight of the new RS?
1450kgs?
If so that’s too much.
Bring on the R26-R vs RS twin test.
Mark
December 10, 2008As the owner of an R26 I’m so tempted to part-ex it for an R26.R, I just couldn’t do without the back seats unfortunately. When you think that you can pick up a base R26.R for £19,500 it must be one of the great new car bargains.
A few of the awaiting owners on meganesport will no doubt be remapping the car at RS Tuning, 280bhp and 300lb ft, what a weapon that will be!
Mark
December 10, 2008As the owner of an R26 I’m so tempted to part-ex it for an R26.R, I just couldn’t do without the back seats unfortunately. When you think that you can pick up a base R26.R for £19,500 it must be one of the great new car bargains.
A few of the awaiting owners on meganesport will no doubt be remapping the car at RS Tuning, 280bhp and 300lb ft, what a weapon that will be!
Alz
December 10, 2008Lusting after the attainable is always more exciting, Richard! Girl next door versus Beyonce – least you know you’ve got a chance with the former.
I’ve gone time-share with a mate on the Focus so I’m hoovering up any info when it appears. I think the RS will be a massively different in character to the R26R – much like the ST is to the R26. It’s obviously much heavier – and perhaps will be a bit less ‘focused’ because of it – but I reckon it will feel more substantial, more of a GT and thus possibly more satisfying?
Having had and loved both a 182 Cup and (v.briefly) a 225F1, I can only applaud RSport’s philosophy, but these are cars I paid sub £6k and £8K respectively for. I just don’t think I would stump up early/mid £20s for the Megane but for the RS it doesn’t seem such an issue. I guess time will tell…
Alz
December 10, 2008Lusting after the attainable is always more exciting, Richard! Girl next door versus Beyonce – least you know you’ve got a chance with the former.
I’ve gone time-share with a mate on the Focus so I’m hoovering up any info when it appears. I think the RS will be a massively different in character to the R26R – much like the ST is to the R26. It’s obviously much heavier – and perhaps will be a bit less ‘focused’ because of it – but I reckon it will feel more substantial, more of a GT and thus possibly more satisfying?
Having had and loved both a 182 Cup and (v.briefly) a 225F1, I can only applaud RSport’s philosophy, but these are cars I paid sub £6k and £8K respectively for. I just don’t think I would stump up early/mid £20s for the Megane but for the RS it doesn’t seem such an issue. I guess time will tell…
Richard - DR
December 11, 2008That’s an interesting take on the R26.R vs RS.
I love the Renault’s ruthless approach but much like a GT3 RS 911, would you really want to live with one on a daily basis? The RS doesn’t appear to offer quite the same hardcore experience, but there’s no doubt it will work better as a daily drive.
Can’t wait to try it.
Richard - DR
December 11, 2008That’s an interesting take on the R26.R vs RS.
I love the Renault’s ruthless approach but much like a GT3 RS 911, would you really want to live with one on a daily basis? The RS doesn’t appear to offer quite the same hardcore experience, but there’s no doubt it will work better as a daily drive.
Can’t wait to try it.
Mark
December 11, 2008The R26.R vs RS comparison will be a great test. The concern I’d have with the RS is that it’s going to cost about 25K and will be about 100kg heavier than the standard ST.
I think the problem with both the R26.R and RS is that with the used market the way it is a low mileage ST-3 or R26 can be had for about 10k, spend a couple of grand and you’ll have a very comparable car to the forthcoming RS and the R26.R.
Mark
December 11, 2008The R26.R vs RS comparison will be a great test. The concern I’d have with the RS is that it’s going to cost about 25K and will be about 100kg heavier than the standard ST.
I think the problem with both the R26.R and RS is that with the used market the way it is a low mileage ST-3 or R26 can be had for about 10k, spend a couple of grand and you’ll have a very comparable car to the forthcoming RS and the R26.R.
chris harris
December 11, 2008Word is that the Focus, with a few toys in place, is actually around the £28k mark. I’m sure that it’ll be a staggering car, but as people are saying, an R26R can be had for far,far less. And, to bung a small explosive device into this conversation, you will be able to buy a new-shape M3 saloon for not much more than the Focus by the time it arrives here.
I did 2 laps in the R26R at the ‘Ring. On a drying surface, it was one of the most impressive cars I’ve driven there. Anyone after a track machine -especially for Nordschleife trips- should try one asap.
chris harris
December 11, 2008Word is that the Focus, with a few toys in place, is actually around the £28k mark. I’m sure that it’ll be a staggering car, but as people are saying, an R26R can be had for far,far less. And, to bung a small explosive device into this conversation, you will be able to buy a new-shape M3 saloon for not much more than the Focus by the time it arrives here.
I did 2 laps in the R26R at the ‘Ring. On a drying surface, it was one of the most impressive cars I’ve driven there. Anyone after a track machine -especially for Nordschleife trips- should try one asap.
Mark
December 11, 200828k?! Now that is a lot of money, especially given the fact as Chris said you’ll be able to get some serious machinery for that price.
An R26.R with cage and toyo’s can be had for 20K. Granted it’s far less practical than the RS but as far as price for performance goes that’s a massive difference. Will the RS be that much better than a standard R26 with a remap?
Mark
December 11, 200828k?! Now that is a lot of money, especially given the fact as Chris said you’ll be able to get some serious machinery for that price.
An R26.R with cage and toyo’s can be had for 20K. Granted it’s far less practical than the RS but as far as price for performance goes that’s a massive difference. Will the RS be that much better than a standard R26 with a remap?
Alz
December 11, 2008I’m hoping, as Ford wheels-out the RS badge so infrequently, that the residuals will be decent – especially as it’s apparently over-subscribed. Proper, ultra low mileage RS Mk1s still command £13K, but in these crunchy times…
Chris’ point is bang-on, though. A V8 M3 for sub-£30K is an incredible proposition.
Alz
December 11, 2008I’m hoping, as Ford wheels-out the RS badge so infrequently, that the residuals will be decent – especially as it’s apparently over-subscribed. Proper, ultra low mileage RS Mk1s still command £13K, but in these crunchy times…
Chris’ point is bang-on, though. A V8 M3 for sub-£30K is an incredible proposition.
Chase
December 12, 2008When I watched the lap video, I was practically salivating at the track conditions. I’m sorry you guys weren’t able to really wring the R26.R out, but that looked like great fun!
Next time you get a rainy day, I’ll drive!!
Chase
December 12, 2008When I watched the lap video, I was practically salivating at the track conditions. I’m sorry you guys weren’t able to really wring the R26.R out, but that looked like great fun!
Next time you get a rainy day, I’ll drive!!
CyberBilly
December 15, 2008I think we all might be jumping the gun slightly here. Yes the RS will be heavier and a different experience, but anyone who spent a decent amount of time in the old Focus RS will attest to it’s sublime abilities – stretching way beyond what it should have been capable of achieving.
I am a complete rwd convert but the old Focus was the first fwd car that I would even consider adding to a wish list.
One thing that is for sure, the eventual article will be one hell of a story!
CyberBilly
December 15, 2008I think we all might be jumping the gun slightly here. Yes the RS will be heavier and a different experience, but anyone who spent a decent amount of time in the old Focus RS will attest to it’s sublime abilities – stretching way beyond what it should have been capable of achieving.
I am a complete rwd convert but the old Focus was the first fwd car that I would even consider adding to a wish list.
One thing that is for sure, the eventual article will be one hell of a story!
Meyrick
December 15, 2008Just goes to prove the old adage that one pound lost is better than one horsepower gained. When is Renault going to offer the R26R with that nice sequential gearbox that they put in their Clio Cup race cars? That would be worthwhile – flat shifts, so no loss of boost. Reverse is a little awkward, but who cares?
Maybe the R26R will goad Ford into producing an RS lightweight. After all, chucking out the rear seats, placcy windows and bonnet, dumping the airbags etc isn’t that hard to do is it? And what a return on investment?
MC
Meyrick
December 15, 2008Just goes to prove the old adage that one pound lost is better than one horsepower gained. When is Renault going to offer the R26R with that nice sequential gearbox that they put in their Clio Cup race cars? That would be worthwhile – flat shifts, so no loss of boost. Reverse is a little awkward, but who cares?
Maybe the R26R will goad Ford into producing an RS lightweight. After all, chucking out the rear seats, placcy windows and bonnet, dumping the airbags etc isn’t that hard to do is it? And what a return on investment?
MC
Dave Knott
December 16, 2008Really interesting feature this. You call it the “definitive hot hatch” – but a few years ago, that title belonged to the Clio Trophy. The trophy is even lighter than the R26 R, has 4 proper seats, great brakes and bespoke race dampers. Trophy’s are now sub £7k – a massive £13k less. So which would you spend your money on given the choice? the R or the Trophy? and which is the definitive hot hatch??
Dave Knott
December 16, 2008Really interesting feature this. You call it the “definitive hot hatch” – but a few years ago, that title belonged to the Clio Trophy. The trophy is even lighter than the R26 R, has 4 proper seats, great brakes and bespoke race dampers. Trophy’s are now sub £7k – a massive £13k less. So which would you spend your money on given the choice? the R or the Trophy? and which is the definitive hot hatch??
Richard - DR
December 16, 2008Just when we thought we’d got a handle on the order of all things hot hatch, you have to throw a (valid) Trophy-shaped spanner in the works!
As I said earlier, I haven’t driven the R26.R yet, but I have spent many happy miles in Clio Trophies, and I have driven the R26, so I’ve got some experience of the bigger car. I suspect the comparison between these Renaults would be much like that of something like a DC2 Integra and a new JDM Civic Type R: you love the poise and delicacy of the old car but the sheer increase in pace, grip and braking ability makes it hard to resist the new car, especially as it still has much of the tactility of the old car.
That (rather conveniently!) ignores the issues of money and practicality, but I think the R26.R is unquestionably a very special car. It’ll certainly go down in history as the most extreme evolution of hot hatch, but for many people I reckon the 205 GTI will remain ‘the definitive hot hatch’ thanks to its looks, size, weight and, er, ‘lively’ on-limit handling
If anyone has any better suggestions feel free to add them…
Richard - DR
December 16, 2008Just when we thought we’d got a handle on the order of all things hot hatch, you have to throw a (valid) Trophy-shaped spanner in the works!
As I said earlier, I haven’t driven the R26.R yet, but I have spent many happy miles in Clio Trophies, and I have driven the R26, so I’ve got some experience of the bigger car. I suspect the comparison between these Renaults would be much like that of something like a DC2 Integra and a new JDM Civic Type R: you love the poise and delicacy of the old car but the sheer increase in pace, grip and braking ability makes it hard to resist the new car, especially as it still has much of the tactility of the old car.
That (rather conveniently!) ignores the issues of money and practicality, but I think the R26.R is unquestionably a very special car. It’ll certainly go down in history as the most extreme evolution of hot hatch, but for many people I reckon the 205 GTI will remain ‘the definitive hot hatch’ thanks to its looks, size, weight and, er, ‘lively’ on-limit handling
If anyone has any better suggestions feel free to add them…
TegTypeR
December 16, 2008The car you tested had the optional roll cage. How much difference does this make to the torsional stiffness and subsequently how much difference does it make to the overall feel of the car. Small point maybe, but how significant will it be?
At that point (not even thinking about the optional Toyo tyres) what would the performance difference and feel be over the Trophy then?
I’m not sure about a test between the R26R and the Focus RS, how about a test between the R26R (in basic form) and the Trophy?
TegTypeR
December 16, 2008The car you tested had the optional roll cage. How much difference does this make to the torsional stiffness and subsequently how much difference does it make to the overall feel of the car. Small point maybe, but how significant will it be?
At that point (not even thinking about the optional Toyo tyres) what would the performance difference and feel be over the Trophy then?
I’m not sure about a test between the R26R and the Focus RS, how about a test between the R26R (in basic form) and the Trophy?
Richard - DR
December 16, 2008I’m sure Jethro will comment on the effect of the cage in due course, but I think the R26.R is an all-or-nothing car: you either have it with cage, tyres, titanium exhaust and all, or don’t bother with it at all. Of course, that makes it significantly more expensive, but you only have to apply Man Maths for such expenditure to make perfect sense
Richard - DR
December 16, 2008I’m sure Jethro will comment on the effect of the cage in due course, but I think the R26.R is an all-or-nothing car: you either have it with cage, tyres, titanium exhaust and all, or don’t bother with it at all. Of course, that makes it significantly more expensive, but you only have to apply Man Maths for such expenditure to make perfect sense
Jethro Bovingdon
December 18, 2008Glad to see some support for the R26.R both here and on the RMA trackday. I’ve heard a lot of negativity about it due to impracticality etc. The point is they’re only building a limited number, and for those who don’t need rear seats but can’t get on with Elise/Caterham etc it’s a brilliant alternative.
The half cage is a simple bolt-in job so I guess it makes less impact on rigidity than a weld-in motorsport item, but for me it’s all part of the unique appeal of the R. Of course you could buy an R26, try and rip lots of weight out, fettle the engine and chassis but to get the attention to detail of the R26.R would be very difficult. Plus you’ve got to ask yourself who’s placed best to perfect the chassis set-up of the Megane – RenaultSport on an industry pool test day at the ‘Ring, or you mucking about with adjustable dampers and getting lost in damper hell!
I love the Trophy to death, but money no object? Think the R26.R would edge it for me. However, sounds like a great test to get together for next year.
Jethro Bovingdon
December 18, 2008Glad to see some support for the R26.R both here and on the RMA trackday. I’ve heard a lot of negativity about it due to impracticality etc. The point is they’re only building a limited number, and for those who don’t need rear seats but can’t get on with Elise/Caterham etc it’s a brilliant alternative.
The half cage is a simple bolt-in job so I guess it makes less impact on rigidity than a weld-in motorsport item, but for me it’s all part of the unique appeal of the R. Of course you could buy an R26, try and rip lots of weight out, fettle the engine and chassis but to get the attention to detail of the R26.R would be very difficult. Plus you’ve got to ask yourself who’s placed best to perfect the chassis set-up of the Megane – RenaultSport on an industry pool test day at the ‘Ring, or you mucking about with adjustable dampers and getting lost in damper hell!
I love the Trophy to death, but money no object? Think the R26.R would edge it for me. However, sounds like a great test to get together for next year.
chris harris
December 18, 2008That Megane deserves attention on so many levels -not least of which because it shows that a mainstream car maker can do something totally left-field, and it happens to run rings around much more expensive machinery at the ‘Ring. I thought it was a good 20 percent more exciting than the last R26 I drove.
But what is the best hot hatch you’ve ever driven? The R26R is right up there, as for me, is the basic Clio 197 -it has one of the best hatch chassis ever. I love all the decent 80s fodder and still think my ‘warm’ 1988 205 XS is about as much fun as I can enjoy on the road. My wife’s old AX GT was hilarious too, but you could have glanced a sparrow and written it off.
But for me the best is the 306 Rallye. I adored the fact that it looked so ordinary and drove like a nutter.
chris harris
December 18, 2008That Megane deserves attention on so many levels -not least of which because it shows that a mainstream car maker can do something totally left-field, and it happens to run rings around much more expensive machinery at the ‘Ring. I thought it was a good 20 percent more exciting than the last R26 I drove.
But what is the best hot hatch you’ve ever driven? The R26R is right up there, as for me, is the basic Clio 197 -it has one of the best hatch chassis ever. I love all the decent 80s fodder and still think my ‘warm’ 1988 205 XS is about as much fun as I can enjoy on the road. My wife’s old AX GT was hilarious too, but you could have glanced a sparrow and written it off.
But for me the best is the 306 Rallye. I adored the fact that it looked so ordinary and drove like a nutter.
Mark
December 19, 2008I think every owner will spec the roll cage, certainly all of the awaiting owners on Meganesport have, it sets it apart on the road and doesnt increase the base price of the car by to much.
The titanium exhaust I think is different due to the sheer expense of it, let’s be honest £2,200 is a lot of money for an exhaust. Especially given the fact that just as much weight can be lost by chopping the huge back box out of the standard system. With respect to the noise it makes, I’ve heard better from a straight through rear section and the seats out in a normal R26.
I can’t wait til next year til I get a passenger ride in one on a track.
Mark
December 19, 2008I think every owner will spec the roll cage, certainly all of the awaiting owners on Meganesport have, it sets it apart on the road and doesnt increase the base price of the car by to much.
The titanium exhaust I think is different due to the sheer expense of it, let’s be honest £2,200 is a lot of money for an exhaust. Especially given the fact that just as much weight can be lost by chopping the huge back box out of the standard system. With respect to the noise it makes, I’ve heard better from a straight through rear section and the seats out in a normal R26.
I can’t wait til next year til I get a passenger ride in one on a track.
Jeremy
December 21, 2008As has been said above, the half cage is a bolt in item. If you don’t order this option you’ll get a strut brace
Jeremy
December 21, 2008As has been said above, the half cage is a bolt in item. If you don’t order this option you’ll get a strut brace
Cheese and Onion
December 22, 2008I feel one of those ‘Best Modern Hot Hatch’ articles coming together here and I’d love to read DR’s direct comparisons between these:
R26-R
R26
Clio Trophy
DC5 ITR
Focus RS
Cheese and Onion
December 22, 2008I feel one of those ‘Best Modern Hot Hatch’ articles coming together here and I’d love to read DR’s direct comparisons between these:
R26-R
R26
Clio Trophy
DC5 ITR
Focus RS
Cheese and Onion
December 22, 2008Or instead of that mish-mash above how about a Renaultsport group test, they deserve the publicity.
R26-R
R26 (so we can read the real world differences)
225 F1
Clio 197
Clio Trophy
Clio Cup
Clio 172/182
Clio Williams
V6 MK1 + 2
I’d love to see lap time comparisons between that lot too.
Cheese and Onion
December 22, 2008Or instead of that mish-mash above how about a Renaultsport group test, they deserve the publicity.
R26-R
R26 (so we can read the real world differences)
225 F1
Clio 197
Clio Trophy
Clio Cup
Clio 172/182
Clio Williams
V6 MK1 + 2
I’d love to see lap time comparisons between that lot too.
awol
December 22, 2008I totally agree with Richard, the RS definitely needs to be very good to stand any chance of competing with the R26.R – after all, the RS is supposed to be Ford’s flagship hothatch, with LSD and trick suspension I don’t think ford intend it to be all show and no go!
Just because it has back seats and lacks the option of a roll cage I don’t see it as more GT and less of a hardcore hatch. Although it is heavier than the R26.R I think (and hope) it will surprise a few people. Let’s not forget what the incredible Nissan GT-R has achieved with more weight than it’s competition.
I think the RS will be a success and on the pace as far as lap times go, but I imagine the R26.R will be the better ‘drivers’ car – it reminds me of the original DC2 integra, only even more insane! Roll on the group test…
awol
December 22, 2008I totally agree with Richard, the RS definitely needs to be very good to stand any chance of competing with the R26.R – after all, the RS is supposed to be Ford’s flagship hothatch, with LSD and trick suspension I don’t think ford intend it to be all show and no go!
Just because it has back seats and lacks the option of a roll cage I don’t see it as more GT and less of a hardcore hatch. Although it is heavier than the R26.R I think (and hope) it will surprise a few people. Let’s not forget what the incredible Nissan GT-R has achieved with more weight than it’s competition.
I think the RS will be a success and on the pace as far as lap times go, but I imagine the R26.R will be the better ‘drivers’ car – it reminds me of the original DC2 integra, only even more insane! Roll on the group test…
Scotty
December 23, 2008Massive respect has to go to Renault for creating this car, its a shame it doesn’t have ANY extra power. Even just say 240bhp for differentiation from the normal models. But given the option of more power or less weight I will take less weight every time. I haven’t driven any modern cars really so I’m not sure how well they disguise the weight issue, but really can anyone think of a car on sale today that wouldn’t be improved by being lighter?? Whether its a Clio or an SLR McLaren.
Scotty
December 23, 2008Massive respect has to go to Renault for creating this car, its a shame it doesn’t have ANY extra power. Even just say 240bhp for differentiation from the normal models. But given the option of more power or less weight I will take less weight every time. I haven’t driven any modern cars really so I’m not sure how well they disguise the weight issue, but really can anyone think of a car on sale today that wouldn’t be improved by being lighter?? Whether its a Clio or an SLR McLaren.
Mark
December 23, 2008The Ford RS’ trick new ‘Revoknuckle’ suspension is actually no different to the suspension set up on the Clio Sport 197 and R26.
Mark
December 23, 2008The Ford RS’ trick new ‘Revoknuckle’ suspension is actually no different to the suspension set up on the Clio Sport 197 and R26.
Steer
February 4, 2009@Mark: @Mark:
No no, Ford earlier beyond Renault
Ford have on RevoKnuckle Patent in early rough year 2004 !!! http://www.not2fast.com/chassis/revoKnuckle.pdf
Steer
February 4, 2009@Mark: @Mark:
No no, Ford earlier beyond Renault
Ford have on RevoKnuckle Patent in early rough year 2004 !!! http://www.not2fast.com/chassis/revoKnuckle.pdf