RS 220 to Megan’s 300 or AMG35?

[ashleythe3rd]

Hi all. I hope you are well. It’s been a while since I’ve been on here (I have been happy with my car .
Anyway, I currently have a Clio RS trophy 220. 16 plate with about 27k miles. TBH, all my worries about the gearbox were unfounded. It’s had literally no issues other than needing it’s servicing. My question to you guys is:
I want a new car (mainly for a bit more space) and I’m looking at either a Megan’s RS 280/300 or an AMG35. I know the A35 is going to be faster but should I buy one? They are very expensive and I have lived with a Renault for four years and thinking about the new RS - would it be that much quicker than my Clio? What other benefits are there of the Megane? A part of me is thinking to keep the Clio and buy my wife a bigger car but I don’t know what to do for the best. Any advice would be appreciated.
Also, where is best to sell my Clio? We buy any car are quick and easy but not sure how much more I would get selling private. The alloys are scratched a bit (impossible not to) so I’d probably have to get them refurbed if I went private.
Finally, if you’re in the market for a Clio RS - I wouldn’t believe the negative press. I had a Fiesta ST 215 prior that got nicked. It took a while (couple of months) to get used to the Clio but if I had the choice again - deffo the 220 vs the previous generation ST. Hope you’re all safe and well .

 

[Cub.]

Unless it’s then new a-class model, The a35 won’t feel dramatically bigger than the clio, particularly in respect to rear seating and the boot.

Clio boot is 300 litres and the new merc is 370 litres. Megane boot is 384 litres. So not radical size increase either.

I’ve not driven either so can’t help on the drive front I’m afraid. @Bubbles has an A35 and @MarcJP has driven lots. They may be better placed to help.

 

[Marc.]

The A35 is a lovely car, and I don’t think anyone can argue that the interior isn’t a massive step up from any Renault on the market. They look pony in anything other than Premium or above in terms of spec though, so be wary if you’re looking at base models.

They are great to drive, as you’d expect. Not as dull as an S3 etc, but that doesn’t make them fun (I’d certainly say that an RS would be more engaging). I’ve had two A35’s now as company cars, and I’m not sure I’d have another.

If you want a bigger, more powerful hatch, I’d go with an A35. If you want something reasonably cheap to run that’s a bit of fun, stick with the Clio. My impression of the Megane in this particular situation, is that it’s a bit of a halfway house.

 

[M.C..]

I sold my focus RS last year and the A35 and Megane Trophy were the only cars on my list.
The Merc is a stunning car drives really nice and interior wise personally I don’t think anything is as nice but you do have to spec the premium pack or premium plus and then it becomes very expensive.
As the rrp of the premium is over £40k you will be paying a extra £320 (I think) ontop of the £140 tax for 6 years.
I test drove the Megane and it had character felt quick enough even coming from a 350hp focus.
The new facelift Megane has a much better interior looks more modern still not Merc class.
In the end I have ordered a trophy as I could not justify the extra cost for the Merc.

 

[ashleythe3rd]

Thanks for these replies; my email didn’t notify me.
I wasn’t aware of those tax implications, I’ll have to look into them. I tend to buy cars 6-12 months old to save on the initial costs.
I agonised over the Clio because I was worried about the gearbox failing - now I’m worried about boot space. Haha.
This is going to be my ‘long term’ car (like 8 years) and I want to make sure that I smile everytime I get in the car and get a real ‘shove’ in the back when I boot it. My 220 is really quick,and you’re illegal before you know it, but it just seems to ‘get there’ and doesn’t give me that punch in the back I’m really looking for.
I’ve looked at other hot hatches but the Type R looks too bonkers for me and the Focus ST looks a bit dull. Do you think I’d regret the 300 Trophy? Will it grip as much as the Clio I’ve got? I’m going to look at the different A35 specs in the meantime as I don’t want to pay that extra road tax!!! Thank you for your time folks - really appreciate it

 

[Paddy80]

A 300 Trophy will grip more and give you the punch you want. I've just gone from a mk3 Meg 275 cup-s to a Clio 220 trophy. Whilst the Clio has loads of grip and is extremely capable it simply doesn't have the grip or composure of the Meg. The A35 might be quicker in a straight line than a Meg 300 Trophy but not around corners. Bet you'd find a 6 month to 1 year old Trophy a decent price. Sure the A35 would be a less compromised daily though but you'll get more excitement for a Meg. Don't discount a Civic Type R, immense cars!

 

[Crazylegs]

The FK8 suffers from known gearbox issues so I'd avoid the Honda, and that's coming from someone who loves Honda's.

 

[brisa4984]

A35.

ambient lighting, forget anything else.

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

The problem for me is that I would vomit every time I stepped into the Merc. The interior is absolutely minging in my view. Current Mercs are far too blinging and tacky looking for my tastes. My missus had a previous gen CLA and it felt pretty cheap inside, especially the dash vents etc. Not sure if the new one is better, but I'd have expected better given the price tag. The fact the A35 is AWD would put me off too. The additional traction just makes it more planted, more capabale and even less enjoyable on the road, as you have to be pushing really really hard to feel like you're getting anywhere near to the limit.

For me, in this class, it would be between the Hyundai i30 N and the Megane. I haven't driven the Megane yet, but it's definitely the best looking car in the class. I'd certainly recommend trying out the Hyundai too. The equipment levels are good, the performance is good and it has a fun factor that most cars in that class don't have. It manages to be extremely capable while retaining a good chunk of personality too. For me, that's a vital element and is lacking in a lot of cars these days. What also goes in its favour is that it has a five-year warranty, so that would be a bonus if you're planning on keeping the car long term. A facelift version is about to touch down, so there may be some reasonable deals around on the outgoing car.

 

[Crazylegs]

I agree, i30n for me personally.

Huyndai are about to release the i20n shortly, less power of course but also significantly lighter than the i30n too and I imagine it'll be fun to drive.

 

[Paddy80]

The problem for me is that I would vomit every time I stepped into the Merc. The interior is absolutely minging in my view. Current Mercs are far too blinging and tacky looking for my tastes. My missus had a previous gen CLA and it felt pretty cheap inside, especially the dash vents etc. Not sure if the new one is better, but I'd have expected better given the price tag. The fact the A35 is AWD would put me off too. The additional traction just makes it more planted, more capabale and even less enjoyable on the road, as you have to be pushing really really hard to feel like you're getting anywhere near to the limit.

For me, in this class, it would be between the Hyundai i30 N and the Megane. I haven't driven the Megane yet, but it's definitely the best looking car in the class. I'd certainly recommend trying out the Hyundai too. The equipment levels are good, the performance is good and it has a fun factor that most cars in that class don't have. It manages to be extremely capable while retaining a good chunk of personality too. For me, that's a vital element and is lacking in a lot of cars these days. What also goes in its favour is that it has a five-year warranty, so that would be a bonus if you're planning on keeping the car long term. A facelift version is about to touch down, so there may be some reasonable deals around on the outgoing car.

As from 2020 Renaults come with a 5 year warranty too.

 

[Paddy80]

The FK8 suffers from known gearbox issues so I'd avoid the Honda, and that's coming from someone who loves Honda's.

Didn't know that! The box in my lasses mk10 Diesel Civic is the best I've experienced.

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

Honda are launching a Sportline version of the Type-R, which doesn't look quite so mental as the regular one, so that might be worth considering. You'd have to buy new though obviously.

 

[Steve]

I have a 69 plate Meg RS with Cup packs & it is frighteningly quick round one of my favourite stretches of roads. When you really push it into corners the 4ws at first seems off putting but the harder you go the easier or becomes.

# believe in the technology

 

[Crazylegs]

Didn't know that! The box in my lasses mk10 Diesel Civic is the best I've experienced.

Have a read mate, loads of serious issues with it and Honda are burying their heads in the sand and doing f**k all to address it. It's a shame as it's a hell of a car.

 

[Paddy80]

Have a read mate, loads of serious issues with it and Honda are burying their heads in the sand and doing f**k all to address it. It's a shame as it's a hell of a car.

Suppose all cars can have issues, it's how they're dealt with that matters. The diff bearings went on my Megane, fortunately it was still in warranty so they changed the box with no hassle. It is a shame Honda aren't sorting it, such a good car as you say.