Best Track Hatch? Renault Megane RS 265 Cup Review

In this episode of Cars with Jay I take a look at the Renault Megane RS 265 with Cup Chassis. A highly capable hot 'track' hatch which you can buy for around £14k.

[lukeatkinson]

This is, by far, the best review of this vehicle out there. Thanks

[tjshill]

Must say I agree about not remapping the Megane RS. I’ve got a 265 cup and find its perfectly balanced as it is and would not want to ruin the excellent out of the box characteristics this car has

[SenseoDark]

Nice video, especially the tips for new car drivers and tweeking the Megane.

[thecasualpetrolhead]

I bought mine new phase 3 Cup in 2015 and mapped it soon after; it’s has been great! A bad map will make these go bang, but a good one will make it even better. Mine has 70k km mostly track use and had zero issues with the car. 90% of time time running on Shell 93 & the rest on Aral 102.

[minimumtrade]

This was fantastic. Agreed with everything. I myself just upgraded after 8 years with a natmo Focus ST170 to the RS 275 Trophy (also sold as Cup Premium here in Australia) These are far cheaper here than any other competition comparable you quoted in your market yet it is absolutely the most focused vehicle out there. Looking forward to many years of it until I can afford a Porsche rwd flat six.

[PureLeeful]

Pretty sure the Michelin PS4S only comes in 19" and above? Looks like you have the same 18" tibors as me.
I went from Clio 200 to a Meg 275, definitely a good progression. Absolutely love my 275, such a good chassis and involving drive. 👍👍

[cosminmihu]

I really miss this car, had three different versions of it in 2014, 2015, and 2016. First one was with Sport Chassis and while the engine is amazing the chassis really lacked usability. Second was the proper Cup Chassis 265 with the older Pilot Sport PS2 18 tires, and third the 275 with 19 inch Bridgestone Potenzas. Both of the Cup Chassis cars were just amazing, to this date the second best car i've ever driven or raced overall.

[mishview]

Megane MK3 Trophy owner here: I can only say - TOP REVIEW !!! you nailed all the good and bad points. But on the positive side, a stage 1, 2 upgrades to a megane rs, is almost a must even, if you want to do 2-3 trackdays per year.. it's a weapon :)

[darrenlomax]

I was considering selling mine because its too wide but I might keep it now

[joaoserrote]

Thanks for this review.
I´m on FN2 Type R right now at almost 6 years and thinking change for one Megane 3 RS CUP 250 with very low milleage(km).
And yes you right, first on slow cars and go up after...
My cars, Citroen AX GT - Citroen Saxo Cup (1.6 vts 16v) - Seat leon 1.9 tdi 150hp - Civic Type R FN2 - and now thinking on Megane RS or Cupra 280/290 but i prefer a look of Megane instead Cupra

[convergecult]

Just out of interest, but why compare the Megane 265 to NA Clios when there's a previous gen turbo charged Megane? 225? R26?

[MrSunnyBhoy]

Great review, I'm hopefully buying one very soon, but why would a stage one automatically ruin the drive? I've had remapped cars before and they were always better.

[jameslovett]

Exhaust and tune has certainly not ruined my car -__-

[golfdiesel]

Driving a Civic FN2 now. I'm in the market for an Accord Euro R import\ GT86 or Megane RS 265. Any advice? Would also love a Porsche Cayman but the maintenance is more expensive..

[robinmarples]

Really great car to do everything, I had one and used to take it on track and as a daily. Unfortunately it was stolen and burned 2 weeks ago 😫😫😫 I have to purchase an other car but with 4 doors, Clio 4 trophy? 🤔

[richardgoodman]

I’m looking at a liquid yellow one at the moment which is 343bhp 😬

[kimmywong]

dont quite agree with the clutch is light when u compare to JDM cars

[gpajic]

Lol so you think it's a good idea to put a Megane engine in a Clio but a bad idea to tune a Megane?

[gjp]

I had 1 of these had a clio 197 before it. Preferred the clio so changed back and got a 200. Can't really tell that much difference in power to be honest. Clio sounds loads better aswell. Was dissapointed with megane found it boring compared to the clio sport

[ronaldlau]

Hey! I been driving with a AT for a long time and just want to pick up a budget friendly second hand car as my first MT hot hatch. Would u still recommend the clio for today, or do you have any better recommendation? 🫶🙌