Natural progression really isn't it. I love the Clio but am really starting to hanker after a Megane. I didn't like them previously but they have grown on me immeasurably. Hopefully I will find one soon. Oh, and hello everyone!
There was a white 250 up in the for sale section with everything specced just put up yesterday.. Immaculate as well. Take a look!!! It's not my car btw haha, but it looks as good as an example you will ever find for sale.. You won't regret the buy. I love mine to bits. It looks stunning to Oh and welcome
I ended up buying one after driving it, there are plenty of bits I didn't like before I bought one like the stick on arches and panels that I still don't like now. But..... having owned one now for a few years it's a struggle to think of anything that could replace it without spending a lot of money. I can see things that might start to need either replacing or refurbing on it some time over the next couple years as well as some more expensive servicing but it's worth it as it's such a fun car. You'd have to spend £30k to get something new to compare it to (the focus ST doesn't count imo). You'll miss the 200, I do mine. But at the same time, you won't miss it at all
Thank you mate! Yes I did see that I cannot seem to post in that section yet for some reason. Ideally I'd like the same cloth recaros I have in my Clio but finding one on white with that and a cup chassis is impossible. I basically want the Megane version of my Clio (white proper cup with recaros and speedlines) The Clio is fantastic and really fun to drive but I just want a bit more power. You really have to grab the Clio by the scruff of the neck and drive it hard, which while is enjoyable can sometimes feel like you are constantly thrashing it rather than just having the grunt on tap for immediate use. Lol that sounds good mate! I think I remember your posts on the Clio forum about changing up. The only thing I do worry about is how the Megane feels as I love how the Clio feels small and really chuckable. Is the Megane a lot different in terms of feel?
Where the Clio has handling, the Megane has grip. Not to say the Megane doesn't handle well but the LSD and extra grunt, wider tyres and a bit more weight on the front end leaves you with more traction and the torque/power to use the traction you have. the Megane is a much more pleasant place to be too, the damping is better than the Clio or probably the longer wheel base just makes it less crashy. I got mine with the leather non-recaros seats as I'd had recaros in the Clio but the heated seats are great combined with the extra drivability from the torque in the engine it's just all round more pleasant to own and drive on the road. If I had to pick one or the other to do track days I'd pick the Clio, but every other day of the year the Megane wins it for me. Even get better mpg out of the megane.
Thanks mate I appreciate the detailed response. I know what you mean about the Clio it almost out handles it's tyres. I have Nankang NS2R's and while they are sticky it still breaks away under hard cornering. I guess because the Clio is just so sharp and edgy it does that. Does the Megane still feel like you can chuck it about then? I wonder whether it would be 'as fun' if that makes sense?
Regarding the heated leather seats, that's what I have in mine and cause i'm such a cold tatty I personally love them.. Most people look for the recaros though haha. The more stripped cup models do pop up quite a bit, just keep your eye out Less weight than my FF + cup car i suppose haha. I wanted the xenons though
IMHO a Megane isn't as much fun as a Clio. You can still throw it about but not to the same degree as a Clio, but then it doesn't goad you into driving it like that anyway, unlike a Clio. You'll struggle to reach the limit of grip under cornering in the dry with good tyres and that's not something I would say about the Clio. You will be going faster though generally. The Megane is more of a point and squirt car than the smaller car - that's not to say it is a point and squirt like like a fast Audi because it's not. It's just more like that than a Clio. On a fast A road you won't really get near a Megane in a Clio, especially if you throw in a few 'close' overtakes. On a tight B road I honestly think the situation would be reversed though. Like already said, in the Megane you can feel the extra weight and size - I'm well aware of it and drive slower because of it. The Clio brakes are a lot better too which allows more confidence on blind bends and over crests, even approaching junctions. There're not better or worse, but they are different.
Thanks guys. I feel more confused now lol! I think I'd like to drive one. My Clio is immaculate and I'm super fussy so think I'll have a hard time finding a Megane in similar condition (I.e. OCD clean and well maintained) so will keep a look out and try to drive one. I do really enjoy how nimble and small the Clio feels I will say. It can be a tad tiring on longer journeys but it's certainly not uncomfortable.
Welcome Lewis! My 265 cup chassis is currently for sale, much to my misery. Having had a 172cup I know the differences and agree with what's being said. Different beasts - equally good fun!
