Ive been saving for a CTR since they came out 18 months ago. During that time I must have test driven 7 or 8, and I was totally in love and convinced. Ive had 2 civics before, an ESi (crap) and a VTi (ace). With the help of a bank loan I managed to get to £13k about a month ago, so off I went to look at used 51 plate CTRs with about 20k on em. Drove another couple, and still convinced.
Then a mate of mine suggested I look at a 172 Clio. I declined. Then he gave me the renault brochure and I turned the page and found the Cup. Wow, I thought. Gotta have a go in one. Found one about a week later (two weeks ago), drove it for 10 mins and my 18 month affair with the CTR was over. I bought the Cup there and then, and have been happily razzing ever since.
The Cup is so eager, and far more torquey than the civic (feels as torquey as my VR6 golf). It feels fast whatever gear, whatever engine speed, where the CTR just feels flat. And the Cups steering and handling leave the CTR for dead in terms of enjoyment. Im a total convert.
Oh, and Ive got £2k change to spend on mods now. Now can someone point me in the direction of some decent seats that still allow access to the back seats? And what about one of those r-sport non-warranty-threatening ECUs, and some 17" turinis?