I think the Golf would have won if it wasn't an Evo test. The mag obviously concentrate more on driving dynamics, rather than the interior quality for example. The cars may all be similarly priced on paper but that doesn't mean the manufacturers have all split the production costs equally in all areas of development. You're right about the five door body and the paddles; the doors for reduced production costs, and the 'box for efficiency gains that are being forced on us all.
picked up the mag today, really nice read! out of the 5, obviously I'd love to own the meg, but the golf would be my second choice - great all rounder from everything I've heard. at first I hated the new R, but now I quite like it!
Considering its a 6 year old plateform its great thats its still matching the newer cars thats coming out. Just hope the next megane rs matches up/better than the current.
Read this in full on the app yesterday.... It all depends on what you want in a car at the end of the day. The Megane and particularly the Trophy was always going to come out on top based on a 1/2 day test where they thrash the cars round the countryside. As they say, and as we all know- the Megane is completely singular in its focus. For a 2 hour smash around some amazing roads, the Megane would always be the enthusiasts choice because of many different factors. However, I would put a large chunk of money on the fact that all the other cars in that test would be a hell of a lot better to live with on a daily basis. Especially the German cars. But what you add to a car in day to day comforts, you lose the focus of what it is meant to be (Renault themselves proved that with the Clio EDC). Just happens that we are a mental bunch who put up with the shortcomings of such a focused car (however that isn't at all to say it isn't impossible to live with day to day- most of us do it!!) Before the Trophy I had a Mazda 3 MPS and in every conceivable way it was a much much better car to live with- but it was also with question nowhere near as satisfying. Notice I didn't say 'as good to drive' because it was still very good- but the Megane has that feeling when you are on it that everything was made to work at its optimum when you are absolutely caning it- whereas I can imagine, like my Mazda, the other cars in that test just don't shine when you are on that Sunday morning blast. I just pray that the MK4 Megane keeps some of what this one has, as I don't see any reason why I wouldn't get one if it did!
As stated above, horses for courses. The ability of hot hatches these days is incredible, they have really came on in terms of performance and quality. The likes of a Golf R will be a great car to own day to day, but I doubt it will make you feel special behind the wheel, no matter how quickly your covering ground. It doesn't excite me and I don't really see the appeal to be honest, it's just a bit blah. Surprised the M135i came last, seen and read some very good reviews on that car.
Read this yesterday and I'm not surprised or shocked that on an EVO test where everyday use has little influence on welsh roads (And track) the Megane comes out on top. Of course I'm biased but the Trophy in full on Ohlins spec is a truly special bit of kit. Certainly more focussed and better specced where it counts, Dampers, balance, steering and brakes than the others and its always had the Golf covered as a "drivers car" in every test I've seen. interesting that the Civic has a disappointing motor in this back to back test and does badly on the track. As an all rounder the Golf (or SEAT) make more sense depending on just how important the way they drive are to you.Personally I find the Megane perfectly acceptable day to day, dont see what the problem is, but a better criticism is that you can no longer actually buy a Trophy in that spec so its a moot point when comparing them as new cars. Not for the first time the M135i gets rinsed in a back to back test. Very overrated car IMO
