Inside line: F1 info from pitlane

Dieter Rencken's column details the breaking F1 news and team changes of the past week.

Tested: VW's new Polo 1.6TDI

VW's new Polo 1.6TDI broaches the psychological R200 000 barrier. Is it worth it? We test one.

Renault's hardcore R26 R Megane

20/05/2008 08:15

R26 Megane too tame for you? Renault might just have the fix for your hot hatch addiction with its R26 R model.

Although the name sounds rather tame, with only an R added, the package is uncompromisingly performance orientated.

Due to be launched at the London Motor Show (23 July - 3 August), details concerning the hottest of French hot hatches are available, and they make for some spirited reading.

Carbon fibre diet, lean athlete

Although the R26 R is set to be powered by the same 169kW 2-litre, in-line four cylinder turbomotor as the standard R26, the devil truly is in the technical details.

The R car is a whole 125 kg trimmer than the R26, weighing in at only 1 235 kg.

Trimming down the already lithe R26 by 125 kg is not the work of a moment either; and subsequently there are some pretty exotic materials present to ensure the R is as minimalist a street racer as possible.

Clambering inside - mind your step across the roll cage though - and you'll find yourself settling into carbon fibre seats. The bonnet is carbon fibre too, and the exhaust titanium.

All in all if you're an investor in precious metals or have a serious automotive plastic fetish you'll love the new exotic material trim blend.

Hottest hatch of all

If you're slightly mad - and to own any Renault hot hatch you automatically qualify - you can have factory fitted semi-slicks, which should be quite entertaining to drive home on during a Highveld thunderstorm.

Despite the mad styling, with standard red 18-inch mags no less, the essential ingredients which make the standard R26 such a formidable hot hatch have should be keenly enhanced by the stripped out R package.

Claims are already being made of a sub six-second 0-100km/h sprint time, and with the optional suspension package synergising with the awesomely sorted R26 chassis and limited-slip front differential the R26 R might go down in history as the most resolved hot hatch of all.

  • Production is set to start in Dieppe, France, during November this year through to March 2009 with very limited numbers coming to market.

  •  
    Benny
    8/25/2008 11:27 AM
    as much as i like Renault Megane, the service / maintanance / parts are tooo high and always something new breaks...they offered me R140k for a 30 000km Renault Sport that have full service from them...didn't take but went to BMW instead and got myself a nice lekkr 325i BMW 2008 Coupe', nice ride and they've settled my Renault...the service?? don't take chances, it will be part of yr expense this Renault
    Deon
    7/25/2008 3:55 PM
    No-one mentions the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Obviously you are scared of comparing the Renault with a genuine HOT hatch. 221kW of real power. Keep your Wanna-Be hot hatch. I drive THE HOT HATCH.
    Marthin
    5/24/2008 9:27 AM
    Guys, for +- 4k the software on the Megane RS can be uprated to 195 kw on the fly. Not a lot of cars can keep up with the stock R26 on a track. The mighty 3L twin turbo 335i will be hard pressed to beat this 2L turbo on a short circuit. So, love them or hate them, they know how to make hot hatches. Trade-ins on ALL cars are bad at the moment. Every time Renault brings out a performance hatch everyone tries and defend their own buyer?s remorse (OPC, ST, CRT) by picking on the after sales service and bad trade value of Renault. Those are not things that make Hot Hatches. Nuff Said!!!
    Bruinouk
    5/22/2008 12:13 PM
    jealousy makes nasty and nasty makes ugly. seems to me that when peeps who cannot afford a Renault or dont have the taste to own one, resort to dissing. this is an awesome machine, with style and class !!!
    Renault BIGGEST Fan
    5/22/2008 11:14 AM
    Unlike any of Renault's competitors we can kick ass with our 169 kw Megane R26 R and even with the normal R26. Look at the Clio Sport, 145 kw and its not a turbo charged motor and the others have to turbo charge their cars to get 140 and 147 kw. Congrats Renault for bringing out the next new kid on the block. I will definately buy a R26 R!
    ArtGee
    5/21/2008 9:13 PM
    Impressive figures for this car. Must be good to drive, just a pity about it's resale value. Hopefully SA will not be importing this car with those 'Villeria' rims.. Seriously disgraces the car...
    CAR_FUNDI
    5/21/2008 5:05 PM
    Go research this car and see that in testing it has quicker times then the M3 around the Nürburgring. Thats special considering that this car is less then half what the M3 costs and the M aint exactly the slowest thing out there.
    LEE
    5/21/2008 4:59 PM
    I USED TO THINK RENAULT IS EXPENSIVE with crappy resale and service. Certainly not true. I guess there will always be those who slate the brand for no reason. Treated as a VIP is nothing short of the reality when I service my Shake it! at Route 24. I mention them because they treat me the way I expect and beyond. I cant wait to upgrade to the 2.0GT. Lifes a pleasure with these folks.
    Sipho
    5/21/2008 4:54 PM
    I recently had the experience of trading in my Golf 5 GTI. It had 49000km on the clock immaculate with sunroof dsg and 18" GTI MAGS. I was sad to find out that my car which was only 2years old depreciated by R70000. So about Renault resale, I think its cars in general that loose value so quick. Im waiting for delivery of my new car A R26 IN WHITE. Cant wait. Im sure its going to be a blast, it definately felt a load better then my GTi did when I test drove it. Keep you all posted.....
    JD
    5/21/2008 4:48 PM
    Renault is the business when it comes to performance. And despite all the new cars out from other manufacturers with more power, when they cant put the power on the road whats the point. R26 IS A FANTASTIC CAR, DRIVE ONE AND SEE! P.S. about the service, I have had nothing but the best treatment at the dealerships Ive been to.
    wiseguy
    5/21/2008 2:22 PM
    when will we learn? we think we are what we drive? Please man, all you do is pay your jackass off on repayments and services and whatnot to be somebody and then you're still a nobody, this goes for anybody driving a car costing more that 50000.00, what wrong with driving outdated wheels, get a real life man
    anita
    5/21/2008 2:16 PM
    your all bloody victims, the mear fact that you are on this site and replying is confirmation enough! renaults true, do not have good resale but do you know of any car that goes up in value after you purchased it???? What were you thinking that after you shouted victim that what you are driving now is not sliding in price.FORGET about all the hype with all these fancy smanshy cars, they all suck costing us an arm and a leg, we think we are what we drive, drive a blerry v/w beetle and be done !
    AL Bundy
    5/21/2008 2:15 PM
    Trying to trade my Megan Privilage 2L, forget about it, no one wants. Just spent R20K getting new Hydralic clutch which packed up out of the blue, gear links and new cam belt, so who wants it?
    Ant
    5/21/2008 11:41 AM
    Every 2 weeks another hot hatch Megane comes out. Renualt is just dropping the resale on all the current owners, not to mention pissing those okes off. Just come out with the best first!
    Bokdoos Visagie
    5/21/2008 11:35 AM
    they stick a plastic bonnet-scoop on the front and a beesting aerial with a little orange on top will I buy it. Oh, and don't forget the green fur on the dashboard...my sister won't let me take her on a date if there is no fur on the dashboard. Really now, this thing is beyond ugly... looks like something Vernon Koekemoer put together in his garage somewhere in the far East.
    jorge
    5/21/2008 9:22 AM
    You gotta love it, it's a breath of fresh air to read about Renault, it just makes for entertaining reading in the boring world of "popular" brands of SA.
    Springbok
    5/21/2008 8:06 AM
    Come on Renault! Why not revive memories of the glorious past and name this monster the Megane Gordini instead of adding a silly R to the end of the model number. Just like Fiat is bringing back the Abarth wouldn't it be great to see the name Gordini spoken about again?
    Malan
    5/20/2008 9:29 PM
    Made my day. Thanks man. Best comment ever on Wheels24. Yes I was a 3 time Renault victom myself.
    M_CAR_FAN_101
    5/20/2008 4:10 PM
    It never ceases to amaze me,how many idiots there are on this forum.Your argument is pointless!! Gains in performance via mass reduction are the most valuable,efficient way of making a car quicker,anywhere!!Braking,acceleration,handling all benefit.A silly increase in power does not make a better car...
    M_CAR_FAN_101
    5/20/2008 4:04 PM
    OMG! iv just fallen in love again! Awesome! simply awesome! Renault never cease to amaze me. 5TURBO,Clio Williams,ClioV6(and 2.0l RS),Megane RS, R26!! My gosh. If uv ever driven any of these cars(as under rated and as hated as their service/reliability is) they WILL earn your respect.People underestimate the Megane RS.That R26 is a potent car. Just check out the lap times in "Topgears most exciting cars" on U_tube. If ever there was a hatch I could ask for (OPC,R32,S3,ST) this R26R would be it..
    tiaan
    5/20/2008 3:45 PM
    Nice car and all but the new model is launching later this year.
    Meat Man Smitz !!
    5/20/2008 1:56 PM
    Why are they trying so hard to re-invent this model. The Megane was fast when it was released, but Seat, Ford, Opel and the likes have caught up and passed them since. Pity they have to go to these extremes to try and keep the brand going. Wonder how much this bucket of carbon fibre and titaneum is going to cost - moerse impractical if you ask me !!
    Shaz
    5/20/2008 1:29 PM
    I fail 2 see ur logic on how u derived a comparision with the 335i.These 2 cars r so different.But if u insist on comparison.e.g a normal r26 on hockenheim.The 335i 2dr posted 1.17.8.The 4dr 1.18.00.The r26 1.18.6.That is only 6 tenths slower only.Now substantially 125kg lighter & semis,6/10th sec will b beaten easily.Its obvious its french,high depreciation,bad service but if u judge it as a car on its own then don't underestimate it.Its good.Judge it as a whole with service etc then its crap
    Erik
    5/20/2008 1:12 PM
    I agree with Shaz,SA is the dumping place for all crappy cars.Not just to mention hot hatches but also the Mitsi Lancer FQ340 and FQ360,thest Lancers have been running circles around 2million rand sports cars for many years,yet we never got them!I love the concept of the Renault but an extra 15kw or so is not an unrealistic goal here.
    Tso
    5/20/2008 12:50 PM
    I owned a Megane for two years and wanted to trade it in for a Renault Cab. Almost had a heart attack when they offered me a trade in value. I was told that they cant sell any pre owned for obvious reasons.They literally refused to budge. I got R15,000 more by trading it for a different manufacturer. I wonder if Delta managed to sell it and for how much? Buy @ own risk and don't try to trade it back to Renault as they will refuse to take it back, can only be taken if its free. I'm a victim.
    Shaz
    5/20/2008 11:10 AM
    What I love about Europe is that they get these unique derivatives of hot hatches like Golf GTi 30edition, TI Pirelli Ed, Opel OPC Nuringburg Ed with 888 racing package etc..some with more power and few odd tweaks etc.Half of these never reach SA. This r26 will probably be the most driver focused hot hatch out there now, but its not a everyday drive.Its a toy for weekends only I guess for those with a bit of money or spare cash.
    Fuzz
    5/20/2008 11:05 AM
    You will pay through your nose for these exotic materials which for my mind is lazy engineering!! If they spent some time and got 200+KW out of the engine and ensured the handling was up to scratch, it would have knocked the spots off this R26R. When you can't get any more out the engine or the chassis then go for the space age materials. They're nowhere near the limit yet. Semi slicks and roll cages are meant for the track, yet the 335i will mock it round a track!! Again, I don't see the point!
    Pistol
    5/20/2008 11:04 AM
    Won't touch renault. No after sales service, very bad resale value, expensive parts, long waiting time on parts, confiance is a scam. Enough said! Learn from other's mistakes and stay well away.
    Japsta
    5/20/2008 10:51 AM
    Its a Renault....It will break down! Whats worse most probably when you dicing another car!!!!
    Renault Victim 2
    5/20/2008 10:47 AM
    Brilliant car except for the mags pity you gonna pay for the service and everything else. I paid 10grand for a major service on a clio 1.6 how much for this major service
    Dr. No
    5/20/2008 10:23 AM
    Great car while it's covered by the warranty & maintenance plan. After that I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole...
    Renault victim
    5/20/2008 10:12 AM
    only thing is it's still a renault. when somthing packs in which it always does on any renault, there will be no spare care as per the so called Confiance programme as all the spare cars are already out & there is a mile long waiting list of people whose cars have been at the dealerships a few days who are also waiting for the spare car. Wouldn't touch this even if it was given to me for free the waterpump will conveniently fail at 90k service & shudder to think what the cambelt sevice will cost
    johnypiston
    5/20/2008 10:03 AM
    Like them or not, you have to say "Respect" to Renault ...if you are into your hot hatches. Their dedication to the cause is inspiring ...only Opel comes close. Too bad they did not go with an Opel OPC style mad-kit for the car.
    korean luv
    5/20/2008 9:55 AM
    either way you buy this car today ,tomorrow it has lost 50 percent of its value ,you stuck for life in a renault ,worst resale car ever in the market
    Piet
    5/20/2008 9:46 AM
    I owned a R26, beautifull car to drive, BUT this I will only drive with 2 paperbags over my head. One is just in case the other blows off......
    The Joker
    5/20/2008 9:43 AM
    They call me Renault, with good bang for buck! Just remember, my resale value suck. They made me pretty, they made me light! With a little more power, i couldve been a delight.
    Simba
    5/20/2008 9:37 AM
    Renaults: you either love 'em or you hate 'em. And dammit, I love this car.
    cy
    5/20/2008 9:35 AM
    How many editions of this car do they wana make?
    Erik
    5/20/2008 9:16 AM
    This should be fast around the track,and it almost weighs the same as a mini cooper,imagen what a little extra software can do!Not too crazy about the red wheels though.
    Brian
    5/20/2008 9:00 AM
    zzzzz
    Blok
    5/20/2008 8:54 AM
    It would look better without the boksburg red mags and stickers. Won't waste money on this.
    Schweppes
    5/20/2008 8:54 AM
    This kind of sums it up... "If you're slightly mad - and to own any Renault hot hatch you automatically qualify". I think this will be an awesome car to drive and thrash around a circuit, but not to own. Renault is truly taking the hot hatch segment by storm with every itteration of the Megane Sport, although the overall package might be a tad flawed. But well done Renault for spicing up the market!!
    Varkie
    5/20/2008 8:51 AM
    F'on lelik!!
    DarkXephon
    5/20/2008 8:49 AM
    I want it. I want it now damnit!

    Facebook commenting

    Comment by using your Facebook profile. Click on the button on the left to sign in with your facebook account. Your comment will also appear on your Facebook page.

    Standard commenting

    Your Name *
    Email *
    Comment *
      Please enter the text below:

    *
     

    VEHICLE SPECS

    Manufacturer Renault
    Model Megane R26 R
    Engine 2-litre, in-line four, turbo
    Power 169kW @ 5 500r/min
    Torque 310Nm @ 3 000r/min
    Transmission Six-speed manual
    Weight 1235kg