THE Driver's Hot Hatch Bargain? // Renault Megane RS 250 Review
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- This was a review I could not wait to film, one of my favourite hot hatches of all time with an affordable set of mods on top!
I've recently driven a Hyundai i30N, Renault Megane RS 250 Cup (Stock), 2019 Honda Civic Type R, Renault Clio 182, 2018 Ford Fiesta ST, 2019 Suzuki Swift Sport and the 2007 Renault Megane R26 F1. So how does this compare?
00:00 Intro
01:28 The Drive
06:32 Interior & Living With A Megane RS250
08:51 Reliability - Can You Trust It?
10:22 Negatives & Rival Comparisons
13:43 The Verdict - Should YOU Buy an RS250?
What would you do in Nick's position and what mods would you recommend or not? - Авто та транспорт
A quick note, megane rs are fairly reliable BUT, do not cheap out on maintenance and use the best bits available for it and as much as possible, use Renault. Gearboxes are not the most reliable things, not particularly unreliable, but a new one is 800 from Renault, they are shared with trafics and diesels, flywheels need changing with the clutch, especially if it's one of the early cars, just get the lastest parts and balance the whole assembly, the slave likes to go tits up if there is a problem with clutch/flywheel. Some whine in high gears, that's the gearbox roller bearings, less than 200 pounds for a proper rebuild kit with metal bearings, so if changing the clutch might as well do slave, roller bearings, the crank seal (they weep if you use shite oil, ester based will sort it).
Same with belts, do everything Renault says to do and try to find the latest parts (cup s / trophy r).
Coils, ngk has a great oem upgrade, as oem like to die. There is a tube with washing fluid going on top of the bonnet on early cars, that if it was not recalled they usually weep into one of the coils.
Plugs, use oem stuff, get 6, as they need gapping even oem, but even more with tune 0.6 to 0.4, VERY CAREFUL to not ruin the platinum, mechanics could not care less, but you should, as it will misfire and cause you an headache, gap them yourself carefully and always have some spare ones to diagnose and in case you ruin the coating.
Use rbf660 on clutch/brakes if you track, and I bloody love redline 5w40 - 5w50 on summer (again these run VERY HOT).
Decat, for some reason no one does this, but DO USE A HEAT SHIELD, that will take a lot of heat from the back of the engine, helps a LOT with misfires and keeps your oil nicer for a little while and it helps a bunch of rubber and plastic way too close to the downpipes survive a lot longer.
Tune, custom rs tuning. No real need to re-invent the wheel, they do torque limit wich helps keeping your rods inside, your clutch healthy, your power delivery smoother, your power band much wider (they get slow at top end), they know all the tricks on these so just go to them.
That's mostly it.
Oh and best brake setup for track was pfc discs and Carbon Lorraine pads. What a wonderful fckng combo, you can beat the day light out of those discs with the most abrasive pad you can find and they just forget to wear down.
What an amazing amount of effort to put into the comment, thanks so much pal. I'm going to pin this for others to see!
@@petrolpoodle6617 holy fck, that was unexpected. P.S. EFI is the tuner I meant RStuning is cool but EFI is the top shite really.
@@cutdepiefails6596 pretty sure Chris at EFI uses RStuning gear for mapping, at least they do with the Clios.
@@schecter006 but EFI maps them better. They do a nice flat torque map, that means better peak power (as in, it doesn't bog down), less stress in clutch and engine, it's just a better map, he has some tricks as well that make the power delivery and the engine just feel nicer..
@@cutdepiefails6596can you elaborate on the heat shield please?
Great watch, love that you start talking then get lost in the moment just having so much fun driving, which it's all about! Love it. 👏
People like you make the world go round! Thank you mate!
Great review on a car I never considered before! Looking forward to the next one.
Great video, loads of info and very entertaining.
Cracking video, you’ve earned a new subscriber my friend.
Epic review Jim! Really summed the car up well and I hope this helps anyone thinking of getting one.
Thanks so much mate, loved filming it!
It's the new benchmark for me of what a proper hot hatch needs to beat!
Enjoyed the video. Engines are wicked, I have a 2015 cup with 65k on, stock internals and 400bhp, trackdays and hard road use, clutch is still holding strong
Oh my god you have one of the greatest hot hatches on the road then! Face-lift too! My dream, absolute perfection!
Has it gone boom yet 2 years later or can i also push mine to 400bhp? 😉
@@sysakPL it made 393 bhp with the same torque the stock turbo uses to make 325bhp and a hybrid to get to circa 350-360 bhp
Mind is now forged with a paddle clutch, fuel system and boost controller giving up to 487bhp with 440ftlb.
Go for it, they are immense with a Garrett and around 400bhp
Done the meg mk3 RS thing years ago,went back to Evo's,then FK2R then A45 AMG, now I'm back in a meg mk3 RS,pound for pound you can't beat them. And I'm not renault fan boy.
👍
What where your thoughts on the fk2r, I would love one but these are more in my price range
@@SelectiveXSniping was an epic car,I used mine as daily,but the seats did my head in trying not to ruin the bolster every time I got into it. Was great on fuel,was really special on the roads,even better on the track. Its a proper focused drivers car,which i loved. Main reason I went back to a RS was because I missed that with the A45. But for the money,I think the RS wins hands down. RS or FK2R are in my eyes the best fwd cars out there,admittedly I haven't drove a newish cupra,but done the VAG thing more times I care to remember! And The I40N its overpriced in my opinion.
This year i finally bought 2016 Megane Rs 275 mk3 cup with Ohlins suspension, akrapovič exhaust, recaro seats... It has now 34000 km on it so almost brand new and stock (273 hp). But i was somewhat always fanboy of japanese cars. I always wanted Mitsubishi evo, then Honda FK2R and now FK8R but i cant afford any of these. I also looking for A45 AMG and they are so expensive (but is ridiculously fast). Megane rs mk3 is affordable car and i am very happy with it. But it seems so quiet, even with Akrapovič and gearbox is probably better and faster on Honda, evo and other manual sport cars. Otherwise is great car and i have no planning to tune it. So tell me from your experiences, should i stick with RS mk3 or sell it and buy Honda or AMG in future?
As a current 275 Trophy owner, this is a very accurate review if you're considering. Combining the steering wheel feedback with the playfulness of the rear and front end grip, this car really makes it hard to justify the extra dosh for a brand new hot hatch.
Thanks so much mate, I really appreciate it. And yeah it trades blows with even the 2019 Trophy R! I don't know if you've seen my review but because of this video an amazing owner of an R26R AND a 2019 Trophy R let me review them head to head! You'll enjoy!
@@petrolpoodle6617 watched it straight afterwards mate and gave it a thumbs up. Really like your on camera presence and use of English. Keep up the good work
Subbed mate! Good watch and a cracking bit of editing 👌🏻 Reviewed a 305bhp 250 Cup at Cadwell not so long ago, amazing bits of kit! So good on track and they fly round the Nürburgring 🏁
Thank you so much pal, this made my eve!
They are simply sublime aren't they, I'm very jealous that you've driven one round a proper track, it must be insane!
I've been the passenger in this one I reviewed here at Snetterton and it was mindwarping!
I'm looking at buying one, and this video has sealed the deal. Great video. Subscribed 🍻🍻
That's amazing! Thank you so much good sir!
Truly unreal cars, you won't regret it!
Best review I’ve seen on one of these!
Thank you so much mate, you never expect to hear these things ever let alone near the start of a UA-cam channel. Properly made my day!
Love that the mx5 creeps into every video 😄
😂 Subliminal sales at its finest!
Great video man. Love the RS 250 and one of my dream cars. Once they are legal I’m importing one here in the USA cause to me it’s one of the best looking hatchbacks around with performance second to none
Thanks so much pal!
I completely agree, they're astounding cars and look utterly amazing. The looks have never died down for me, love these things!
Great review! Stunning car with an amazingly capable spec on and off the track.
Thanks so much pal! Still one of the greatest cars I've driven even against the mad stuff!
Great video, interesting to hearing thoughts from your perspective :)
Thanks very much pal! I'm very much looking forward to experiencing the M3!
Epic video mate ! Just subscribed 🔥🇫🇷
Thanks so much pal! Really appreciate it! Got a stack of videos to get through in this lockdown so hang tight!
Stunning video
Absolutely agree! I was about to buy a new car and just get another Focus ST but after watching some reviews (old EVO Chris Harris review), I decided to test drive the Megane RS and that was that! Bought a low mileage second hand RS 250 white, leather, sunroof (near on the same) and now have put 50K miles on it. This has been the most fun car I have driven, more than enough power, handling that is second to none and in the 2 years no mechanical issues other than rain settling in the rain scuttle but an easy fix (British weather!). For the money it is without a doubt an immense car...great video...
Thanks so much Varinder, and I couldn't agree more! It is just an utterly amazing car and so underestimated. I still yearn for one!
Such a good review! And completely agree being a former owner of 250 cup and 275 trophy
Thanks so much mate, I really appreciate it! If you haven't subscribed, I'd love a sub more than ever because I'm so close to the monetising 1k!
Great review pal, I have a 2015 265rs with heated leather seats mint, superchipped, best car I have ever driven, I have had most hot hatches from the early days, I will never change now from Renault, thanks for a great review 🤙
Great review, I have the exact same though process, was about to pull the trigger on a new Type R but stepped back and thought, you know what, Megane RS is probably nearly as capable but for a fraction of the cost.
It's a really tough one as they both have such interesting strengths!
Honda - better inputs - steering, brakes, clutch, gearchange are all notably better. More modern interior, even more practical, and even comfier seats.
Renault - equal driving thrills stock vs stock, far better looking, fraction of the price!
Can't go wrong with either really! Good luck!
I like your content and style. Very easy going, not lots of intro video footage. This car is beautiful, I used to have an Hyundai i30N, I sold that to buy a hybrid, couldn't live without enjoying driving so now I'm getting a Renault Sport Megane 265 ,:) but the i30N is a lot better than the megane
Thanks so much pal!
I really appreciate that a lot! The i30N is absolutely fantastic, super impressed and it's the easier car to live with.
I'd happily have either!
PS as we speak I'm exporting and then uploading my review of the R26R vs Trophy R!! I think you'll enjoy it!
@@petrolpoodle6617 looking forward to it, I near ly bought an mx-5 instead
Amazing content 👍👌
Thank you so much pal that's really appreciated!
Really good video definitely deserve more subs 🙂 just dropped a sub
Thanks so much pal! Really appreciate it!
I've just dropped a new video this eve. You may well enjoy it!
Got really weirded out when I saw you driving through Rye.. Haha.. I live in Hastings.. Got a 275 Trophy being delivered next week.. Buzzin'
Hi there, long shot - but do you know what gear shifter the original owner had in this? Trying to find the same and near on impossible! Thanks!
ive got a cupra r mk2 so i went down a similar route to you and I havnt looked back. 350bhp at stage 1 and being quite a rare car :p
I reckon the i30n and megane rs are quite similar cars. Great review. Thanks
Thanks Alex!
They are very similar actually though my memory serves me that the Megane RS250 has more comfortable suspension (stock). If someone threw the keys at me for either I'd take the i30N simply for being more modern with extra gadgets but it'd be insanely close really as the Megane is just stunning and is more comfortable.... hmmm, now I'm undecided! Hahaha
I love fast cars and have had a few different ones over the years. But this country is so anti car now, with so many cars and people, I found I could only very rarely put my foot down. So now I drive something boring but I miss being able to boot it. Good review, cheers.
Thanks very much pal, I appreciate it!
I totally agree, I've long believed the sweet spot for UK roads is 6-7 seconds to 60 as it feels fast enough to be exciting but you don't run out of road and put everyone else in danger when going for a hoon. It's why I love my MX-5, 7.6 to 60 is plenty quick and the sensations of speed are greater than the actual numbers.
If you want a sensible car that still gets 50mpg, petrol, ultra reliable, comfortable for 4 I couldn't recommend a 2012-2017 Swift Sport more. Owned one for 2 years and it was hand on heart the most fun car I've owned whilst doing all the daily jobs perfectly.
Small boot but doable!
More fun than the TT?? You heathen 😜. Great video and to be fair that car looks properly quick whilst keeping it's fun side.
😂 You seen the convertibles top on the Megane though? Not even close!
And I don't even think the video gets across how rapid it is! So impressed!
I've not seen the convertible, but my latest obsession is the Abarth 124 (especially now that it's discontinued!) - please find a way to review one of those!
Living in the U.S. I'm just being introduced to this amazing little hothatch! And as a longtime Nissan guy, learning this company has affiliation with Nissan! I am so disappointed that we never got any variation of this car! This would be a very cool daily; in 2 or 4 door! Enjoy; cause unfortunately I won't get too! 😅 ✌🏽❤✊🏽
Ohhhh that''s so gutting! It makes for such a fun, driver-focused alternative to the GTI and Focus ST which did well in the US too!
Nice review👍 these Recaro’s are heavy weights🥴27.5kg
Thanks very much ☺ and wow, is that each or total?
@@petrolpoodle6617 each🙈 and quite flexi when tracking
Gran deportivo, con prestaciones superiores a las de sus competidores. Muy bonito también.
Was thinking off getting a 2011 rs. Have a 2009 impreza.
Ooooooo that's a really interesting one! I'm a huge Impreza fanboy, I grew up with my dad's Impreza STIs in the 90s and 00s when they were the main Top Gear feature and every magazine was going mad for the rivalry.
Love them to pieces and crave going out in one again.
What are your thoughts on your current Impreza?
The handling of the Megane would make the Impreza feel flabby but that Impreza engine is so charismatic and such an event in itself. Plus the winter usability of AWD is great.
Genuinely torn what I'd do! Test drive a Megane for sure!
Thank you for replying.
Hey Petrol Poodle. How does this compare to a Focus ST Mk3?
Hi Amsyar,
I haven't driven a Mk3 Focus ST so I won't say that my words are final on the matter, but from all the reviews I've watched...
The Focus is the better family car that's more practical, slightly comfier on long journeys and a good choice if you're a dad wanting a fun car still.
The Megane is universally praised as the better driver's car. I think the Megane is more reliable but that's not to say the Focus is bad or unreliable.
Those would be my main thoughts ☺
@@petrolpoodle6617 appreciate the feedback. Tho I've always wondered how's the steering feel in the ST compares to the Megane RS...
@@petrolpoodle6617 Although I've heard that the steering feedback, weight, feel etc in the Megane RS get better the faster you drive the car. Is that true? One would need to properly drive the car fast to fully appreciate its steering. Mind sharing your thoughts?
@@amsyarazhar7865 hey pal,
I sadly haven't driven either yet so a solid Google of those who have would be the best thing. I would say if the RS is on such a different price scale though that you'd need to really pitch the RS against what else you can buy at that price. All Focus RS are bonkers in price and I think I'd personally have something else all together. That's got me wanting to go hunting on Autotrader now 😂!
@@petrolpoodle6617 i was referring to the Megane RS actually when I said “RS”. Not the Focus RS. Haha. Focus RS is too out of reach for me, where I’m from.
What torque was this running?
@t0rque09 do you know?
What is that screeching noise at 03:29?
I have absolutely no idea! That's really annoying me that I don't know 😂
the strange thing is that even though u were going fast, you couldnt reach your mx-5 in front
It's an impressive momentum car the MX-5! It really keeps its speed once it's up there.
At times I was also conscious of windscreen chips! I cracked my previous car's windscreen chasing a mate in a Yaris GRMN hahaha. And then when filming my MX5 review, my friend followed my MX5 really closely and his GoPro lens was taken out by a stone!
I've learned to keep plenty of distance now when hooning haha!
@@petrolpoodle6617 i have also an mx5 nc. you think they throw more stones than other cars? I expect that mx5s are prone to windows chips because they are sitting low...
Also, i think that sadly, british roads are not roads for petrolheads (i live in wiltshire/somerset) as the corners are blind due to the trees/bushes all over the place so you cant push the car not knowing if you'll encounter a bicycle....
@@MrDieselakias I don't think the MX5 throws more stones than others, I've just learned the hard way twice that sitting on the bumper of a car that's driving extra hard throws stones up more than usual.
I saw Seen Through Glass say it the other day in his Ferrari 360, he was deliberately leaving a gap between him and Supercars Of London to avoid stone chips.
I do agree with you though, British B roads that feel 'safe' to enjoy are harder and harder to find now. I struggle with the blind corners, bushes and cyclists and it's what I try to remind myself of each time I drive for fun.
Once you go up to the Midlands/North or out towards Wales, they certainly improve and so does visibility. Where I am in the South East, it's really hard to find!
Hence why I love my MX-5, it's so enjoyable at all speeds and doesn't need to be thrashed to be enjoyed!
What are these wheels ?
@t0rque09 this is one for you
The wheels are Braid Fullrace
@@t0rque09 hey mate, I know it's been a while since the vid was made but what gear knob is on the car? Haven't seen it before. Cheers
The only gripe i have is the dam steering wheels they look like it belongs in a transit van 😢
Colum
upload more men, you can get very big
Thanks very much pal, I've been insanely busy of late, working most evenings on other videos projects so struggling to find the time. HOWEVER I've got 2 videos filmed and partially edited and you will not want to miss the Renault I'm reviewing in June!! I was going to drive 3 hours away to review it before the owner happens to be taking it on a trackday near me, let's just say that!
@@petrolpoodle6617 nice bro! looking forward for it
I have moved house in this thing 😂
Hahaha that's mega! They're so flexible, such brilliant cars
Don’t suppose you’ve driven a 182-172 ? If you like the 250, they’re both different from each other but if you’re getting into French hot hatches it’ll be worth getting on the channel 🤙 definitely subscribing dude
Thanks pal! I actually have reviewed a 182 on the channel! The beginning is hilarious but I'll add that the rest of the video is the.... Least good one I've made 😂. It was my second ever video so a little rubbish but have a watch of the intro anyway!
@@petrolpoodle6617 ohhh nioce just your channel has only come up on my suggested I’ll definitely check it out 🤙