Renault Megane R26.R review

"Semi-practical track toy"

Since the hot hatch heydays of the 80s and early 90s safety has made modern cars heavier with all the airbags, climate control and big comfy seats. The hot hatches of today could really do with going on a diet. Well, that’s exactly what Renault have done with the new Mégane R26.R

It’s not just some silly stickered special edition (Astra VXR N'burg…). This Mégane has been to Weight Watchers and lost 123kg. It achieves this weight loss in the same way that a race car would, the bonnet is now made from carbon fibre and the rear windows are not made from glass but lightweight polycarbonate. There are no fog lamps, no rear wiper and inside the front seats are now carbon shelled, while the back seats well, there aren’t any! Instead you can have an optional roll cage fitted.

Enhancing the track toy element the R26.R has a six point harness fitted which according to Renault is the first time one has been put into a production car and although you feel like your in a proper race car they can be a pain in the arse for daily use.

The acceleration is outstanding you instantly notice the difference the weight loss has made and thanks to the removal of sound deadening you can hear everything from the turbo working away to the titanium exhaust popping on the overrun. It certainly puts a big grin on your face.

The weight reduction also means that the suspension has been re-worked to improve the handling and new optional wheels increase the track and are wrapped in barely legal looking Toyo Proxes R888.

Renault is making 450 R26.R Mégane worldwide and you would expect most of them to remain in France, but they are only getting 126 of them. Here in the UK we love our hot hatches so much that we are getting an allocation of 230. Oh yes the old generation of Mégane is certainly going out with a big bang. Bring it on Focus RS.

by Craig McAlpine