Me too. Wherever Steve went, he was a good reason to watch that channel. He's got the knowledge, the enthusiasm, the charisma and the driving skills to back it up. One of my favorite car journalists
Bearing in mind, the Megane is based off a 2009 car, to only be within .7 of a second of the latest and greatest is incredible. Renault do know have to make a fwd car go bloody fast.
I have to say, the Renault is the one I'd take. Even almost 4 years on, which is about a million years in automotive terms, it can hold it's own against the Clubsport S, that's seriously impressive. And I think it looks better (although looks are very subjective).
Now I am totally looped. Trying to keep track of British video motor journalists is like playing wack a mole. Doesn't matter.... happy the big homie Steve is back!
Nice vid... (I'm guessing it was filmed a few months back? based on my copy of Evo mag :) ) Would be nice to see a comparison between both Trophy R and Clubsport S against the new Civic Type R (with rear seats). My hunch would be a tie between all three (Renault more engaging, VW more dynamic, the Type R more competent (and what a gearchange))... Personally I prefer the Civic (even though I own a Clubsport S)
But VW has shown from no experience in hardcore hatches,to being a top competitor.The Megane has had at least 10 years or so experience in more track orientated hot hatches.So really the colossal achievement has been VW's; the only hardcore hatch built to attempt to give a real challenge on the track to the Megane RS
Awesome review. I was itching for this comparison! Big question is, a GTI CS is close to £40k, a standard 275 trophy is approx £20k and won't be much slower 🤔 both lovely cars!
So megane rs less hp 35 exactly and still manage to keep up this is like porsches less and still keep up with ferrari and mclaren in laptimes, now im waiting for the New rs with 4 control that gona be so fucking fast it Will change the game in the hot hatch segment
If you never had a megane sport its useless to let other what is it mean of being in one...save your energy all of you megane rs lover..and let the non beliver enjoy what they believe because it's not going to change the fact that megane rs was and will always be the king of the ring!
Both cars are astronomically impressive, even more so that Megane (by a whisker) given it's age. Doesn't matter which of the two you'd own, you're a winner either way!!
MatP111 - this difference in the power is nothing on the track. In both video and Nurbungring megane is slower. Clubsport can be used in regular driving with a comfort. Megane is very uncomfortable on regular roads. Then why megane is better? Lol
Ill bring my 2011 Megane RS "320"... Gutted the inside, straight pipe, decat, HKS bov, ECU tune... 317hp at the front wheels. Im in Russia or Denmark :) meet at Nurburgring? My shout!
Steve is the man!🙌🏻 I have the Megane it’s pretty special. A fantastic car to drive. Would love to see the same comparison of the new Civic type R vs both Golf GTI CSS and the Megane Trophy R. That would be interesting - Steve?!🤔👍🏻😀
To give some context, on the Actual European second hand market, prices have reversed, Megane is cheaper than Golf Sounds crazy but the megane was 5000 euros more expensive when new. 6 years ago, A Megane 275 Trophy-R did the Ring in 7:54 and some change The 275 Trophy-R was a limited production of 250 units at 45.000 euros. 4 years ago, A Golf GTI Clubsport S did the Ring in 7:47 and some change The Clubsport S was a limited production of 400 units at 40.000 euros.
Keep in mind that when this generation of Megane came out, Golf 5 was still on sale. This CS is 2 generations ahead of the Megane, and still not faster. 0,7s is all down to driving, especially when the faster car has more power and torque and weighs less. Anyway, new Megane 4 RS comes out very soon, over 300hp, 4 wheel steering, probably a dual clutch box....it's gonna be a beast, probably gonna go around Nurburgring in less than 7:40.
renault sport was and will always be the best hot hatch chassis builder. as you see here 9 year old chassis still going strong.. and renault doesnt cheat with there lap time on the nur how the record is done you can buy the car not like the shitvic type rice who removed passenger seat aircon radio and added a cage... and needs a huge wing and 300+ hp further renault and ford already had the dubble strut front suspension in 2004 like honda now has (2017)... hopefully renault sport doesnt forgot how to build the best chassis cause the clio 4 rs was not really the best..
Renault build a great chassis but have always been behind in power although their engines and gearboxes are easily able to take much more - they’ve been able to beat more powerful cars in the past so haven’t bothered. The very latest Trophy R does have 300bhp but it’s also very very expensive. I’ll stick with my R26 🚕
Clubsport S has a lot more to gain using the Cup 2 tyres than the Megane compared to the less hardcore variants using road tyres. Clubny runs standard macpherson struts and fundamentally it's going eat the front sidewalls driven in vigour. Megane gives you the mechanical grip and long tyre life from the dual axis setup, like for like on road tyres (eg PS4S) Megane would win the same track.
Whilst its great to see mainstream manufacturers making extreme variants out of everyday platforms; I just don't see the point of ruining a practical hatchback that IMHO still won't dish out the thrills that a real sports car would (by that I mean built from a platform that was designed and born with balance and performance to start with).
This is insane. Not so long ago, when you wanted a 2 seater sports car, you would've bought a Nissan 370Z or something similar. I'm pretty sure these two superhatches would totally destroy it on a track (the normal Megane RS does), plus they both have massive boots allowing you to carry furniture in them because there are no rear seats.
Ijan Maasz Are you kidding? The Clubsport S first took world record at 7:46 at Nurnbergring. Later the Normal Clubsport did it on 7:42 which is 2 seconds of the current world record by Type-R. Also the GTI will always have the best collectors value. I for sure know i bought the right car! Check it on my channel & Subscribe Guys!
Neofytos Margaritis And paying that for a Renault?? is lol lol lol.... The GTI Clubsport/S is 40 Year Anniversary - Meaning it has collectors value & are sold out in a snap!
Bravo bravo bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault
So something like 40 hp gives you 7/10 of a second. Strip out the VW carpet in the back and everything else you can. Also put in fake windows and all the mechanics of the back doors.
Seems again (like with the Civic Type-R) that the VW has incredibly stiff suspension compared to the Megane - which looks extremely compliant (great for B-roads and other non-track work). Just look at the difference in how he's bouncing in the seat of the VW whereas he is almost sitting dead still in the Megane's seat. It seems that in order to beat the Megane others still have to resort to vastly higher spring and damper rates.
subzeuz The Clubsport S has variable rate dampers (DCC in VW speak). I'd imagine that in comfort or normal settings, it would more compliant than the 275. All the reviews I've read and watched praise the ride comfort on the VW. They used the softest damper mode when setting that crazy time at the Nurburgring. 👍🏻
The mk7 cs is a great car...but... having had a mk4 25th anni...and now the mk5 ed30... the mk7 r is still the better car...and the new reference for performance golfs.... and will be my next car....shame... the cs is what the base gti should have been all along...
These trick front wheel drive cars are very impressive on track, I can't keep up with them but for me it's missing something. Faster or slower, the poise and balance of a mid engined rear wheel drive car takes my favour.
Golf still looks like it's from the 80's. So twee inside and so slabby outside... also given when it comes down to it the Megane is the ring record holder and feels a lot more special i'll take that every time...
All the weight in these things must be on the front wheels..the back is sliding too easily...on the road you should be cautious especially with those tires which are always cold...
Even if the VW was slower it's the one I'd have chosen (who notices .7s anyway?), interior quality, power, reliability is way above that cheap Renault. But the real question is why wouldn't you choose the Golf R with AWD and an (arguably better) distinctive look for a little bit more?
4WD isn't about safety, it's about eliminating torque-steer and putting the power down in all kinds of weather. As always, Renault drivers have to be educated.
The Golf has always been a bestseller for a reason, it’s a reliable and well built car. It’s been the benchmark ever since it came out, your renault has never been know (on the bright side it won’t be forgotten), there is nothing special about it, just like a Nissan Juke, Fiat Punto, etc... Stick with your plastic toy that will fall apart and squeak in a few months, people who enjoy driving buy a piece of history, not a marketing product.
Fanboy screeds don't impress me. RenaultSport builds some of the best driver's cars, while VW sells unreliable, overpriced shit. But than again, badge-whores believe in "German quality". The only piece of history you get is a memento of VAG's criminal emission cheating.
damn EVO is back on the game now.... so happy that steve is still present
Me too. Wherever Steve went, he was a good reason to watch that channel. He's got the knowledge, the enthusiasm, the charisma and the driving skills to back it up. One of my favorite car journalists
Steve is the man! You can see he loves his job too :-)
I bought a Mégane 265 cup mainly because it had a 5 star review on evo, I love their focus on "the thrill of driving", not the badge
The 265 in cup châssis with 18' rims is a masterpiece. Had one.
Thank you Sutcliffe for joining the best car magazine of them all and thanks Evo for making it all possible!
Jupiler, mannen weten waarom.
Bearing in mind, the Megane is based off a 2009 car, to only be within .7 of a second of the latest and greatest is incredible. Renault do know have to make a fwd car go bloody fast.
renault sport is and will always be the best hot hatch chassis builder.
Jake 250 2010 *
megane 3 started 2008 do your homework ... the chassis is not specialy build for the rs same as normal coupe.
ThaDutchDK1989 well then in that case the golf started in 2012
vag butthurt lover still 4 years younger
Amazing video .. i drove the clubsport S and it definitely feel like a 4 second car 0-60 and the exhaust note is marvelous 👌🏻👌🏻🔥
Close to 30hp more and based on a way newer platform rather than the meganes 7 year old one. I have to say the megane held on pretty well.
TheWretchedWorld 30hp more does not matter on the track
@SunLoverMan Didn't you watch the video?
The Golf is faster on the straights.
I have to say, the Renault is the one I'd take. Even almost 4 years on, which is about a million years in automotive terms, it can hold it's own against the Clubsport S, that's seriously impressive. And I think it looks better (although looks are very subjective).
Amazing video, so good to have Steve in here, glad Dan Prosser left, what a difference.
Now I am totally looped. Trying to keep track of British video motor journalists is like playing wack a mole. Doesn't matter.... happy the big homie Steve is back!
Great to see Steve join Evo, hoping of great things to come!
Nice vid... (I'm guessing it was filmed a few months back? based on my copy of Evo mag :) ) Would be nice to see a comparison between both Trophy R and Clubsport S against the new Civic Type R (with rear seats). My hunch would be a tie between all three (Renault more engaging, VW more dynamic, the Type R more competent (and what a gearchange))...
Personally I prefer the Civic (even though I own a Clubsport S)
Can't wait for the new Megane RS next year
Hea Mees sooooner that that my friend!
Have you gotten one yet?
So after several years of development and a power weight advantage, VW beats Megane time by 0.86%! Shows what a colossal achievement the Megane was.
Audidude ask any racer, any true racer it don't matter if the race was won by an inch or by a mile. WINNING IS WINNING
The Stig and did I say otherwise? Your comment is not related to mine in any way LOL
But VW has shown from no experience in hardcore hatches,to being a top competitor.The Megane has had at least 10 years or so experience in more track orientated hot hatches.So really the colossal achievement has been VW's; the only hardcore hatch built to attempt to give a real challenge on the track to the Megane RS
Look how vw faster than megane on Nurbungring, lol
yes, 0.86% faster - after years of development LOL - did you even read my post at the top of this thread?
Awesome review. I was itching for this comparison! Big question is, a GTI CS is close to £40k, a standard 275 trophy is approx £20k and won't be much slower 🤔 both lovely cars!
Quality driving from Steve.. pleasure to watch
Nice video, we need more and why not some classic head to head, not only new cars.
So megane rs less hp 35 exactly and still manage to keep up this is like porsches less and still keep up with ferrari and mclaren in laptimes, now im waiting for the New rs with 4 control that gona be so fucking fast it Will change the game in the hot hatch segment
i think so to the 2018 will be insane good..i am sure of it
If you never had a megane sport its useless to let other what is it mean of being in one...save your energy all of you megane rs lover..and let the non beliver enjoy what they believe because it's not going to change the fact that megane rs was and will always be the king of the ring!
Bought the non-S after my M4. Genuinely fun car to drive. Numbers are not as big as the M4, but my smile is!
Had both GTI's & RS250's..... such brilliant cars.......!!!
Both great I'll take the Club sport S. I love the look of the VW plus my last Renault fell to pieces but it was so fun to drive
Wow ... very nice ! I enjoyed it like always of your reviews / comparo .
Can't wait for the new Golf GTI
@Suttcliffe: welcome. I was an EVO subscriber/buyer since 2001. i Cancelled it last year after the shitstorm. I really hope it gets back to its feet
Just shows how far infront RENAULTSPORT actually are. 9 year old chassis that MEG has.
Can't wait for the new Megane 4 RS with the 4 wheel steering and around 300hp. it should be a real beast
Man I love this channel.But can't we have the best of both worlds?? I mean Steve and Tiff??
Both cars are astronomically impressive, even more so that Megane (by a whisker) given it's age. Doesn't matter which of the two you'd own, you're a winner either way!!
This guy really knows how to drive!
Good to see you good sir :) This was a surprise to me. I fully expected the Megane to spank the Golf. I'll be damned..
Hands down to the GTI!
Car journalist got to be one of the most enjoyable jobs ever. You dont become a car reviewer if you dont have a love for cars. 😎
Finally Evo is back in the game
I wanna go to a Track now and drive my Clubsport S to the limit!! 😈Great video 👌🏽. Two slightly mental (very) Hatchbacks 🙌🏽
Sideways Sid shows though how capable the megane chassis is being over 7 years old!!
Jamie Blunt the Megane is the older car with less power and still gives the Club sport a run for its money. Renault the true winner.
Definately
MatP111 - this difference in the power is nothing on the track. In both video and Nurbungring megane is slower. Clubsport can be used in regular driving with a comfort. Megane is very uncomfortable on regular roads. Then why megane is better? Lol
Ill bring my 2011 Megane RS "320"...
Gutted the inside, straight pipe, decat, HKS bov, ECU tune... 317hp at the front wheels.
Im in Russia or Denmark :) meet at Nurburgring? My shout!
What a great channel, instant subscribe !
Steve on EVO!? Yesssssss
God do I love such nonsensical, non-rational hyper hatchbacks. Especially FWD ones! Must be a joy to drive.
Great 911 Turbo 'context' at the end. I also heard a GTR went round Rockingham within seconds of some other car once.
Steve is the man!🙌🏻 I have the Megane it’s pretty special. A fantastic car to drive. Would love to see the same comparison of the new Civic type R vs both Golf GTI CSS and the Megane Trophy R. That would be interesting - Steve?!🤔👍🏻😀
GTI best all rounder car by far!
Remember it was the fastest production car at one stage on that German track!
@@captainkuru1 It' a VW, the best brand in the world.
Brilliant work evo
To give some context, on the Actual European second hand market, prices have reversed, Megane is cheaper than Golf
Sounds crazy but the megane was 5000 euros more expensive when new.
6 years ago, A Megane 275 Trophy-R did the Ring in 7:54 and some change
The 275 Trophy-R was a limited production of 250 units at 45.000 euros.
4 years ago, A Golf GTI Clubsport S did the Ring in 7:47 and some change
The Clubsport S was a limited production of 400 units at 40.000 euros.
Good video, keep on the good work EVO. Thank you.
Another great video of Steve Sutcliffe.
";-)
Megane RS Trophy is The BEST ! Definitely the reference in the segment !
Vasi ! Nurbungring proves that megane is not the best, haha
Your videos will sell me anything lol. Bought a clio rs 3 cup after the videos you did back in the day
If you want the ultimate track hot hatch.... its megane RS or go home .... would rather own the golf for the road tho
What is interesting in this video: i see that Golf is more precise in corners? In catching the apex, using curbs?
Keep in mind that when this generation of Megane came out, Golf 5 was still on sale. This CS is 2 generations ahead of the Megane, and still not faster. 0,7s is all down to driving, especially when the faster car has more power and torque and weighs less.
Anyway, new Megane 4 RS comes out very soon, over 300hp, 4 wheel steering, probably a dual clutch box....it's gonna be a beast, probably gonna go around Nurburgring in less than 7:40.
0,7 is driving?! Are you stupid? 0,7 is a lot!
Css is much faster on the track. Check Nurbungring results first!
Good, and direct comparison of two angry opponents. Both cars in this video do best for what they are made.
renault sport was and will always be the best hot hatch chassis builder. as you see here 9 year old chassis still going strong.. and renault doesnt cheat with there lap time on the nur how the record is done you can buy the car not like the shitvic type rice who removed passenger seat aircon radio and added a cage... and needs a huge wing and 300+ hp further renault and ford already had the dubble strut front suspension in 2004 like honda now has (2017)... hopefully renault sport doesnt forgot how to build the best chassis cause the clio 4 rs was not really the best..
Best motorjournalist!
Renault build a great chassis but have always been behind in power although their engines and gearboxes are easily able to take much more - they’ve been able to beat more powerful cars in the past so haven’t bothered. The very latest Trophy R does have 300bhp but it’s also very very expensive. I’ll stick with my R26 🚕
Clubsport S has a lot more to gain using the Cup 2 tyres than the Megane compared to the less hardcore variants using road tyres. Clubny runs standard macpherson struts and fundamentally it's going eat the front sidewalls driven in vigour. Megane gives you the mechanical grip and long tyre life from the dual axis setup, like for like on road tyres (eg PS4S) Megane would win the same track.
Can't wait to see how dominant the new Megane RS will be
Would love to see the Type R and Clubsport S battle it out in a followup video.
3:06 can you please give us more shots like this ? it looks cool
I would trade my golf R in a heartbeat for the clubsport S
Both these cars are mint, I would have either
Steve is a weapon!
That Shrreeeee! from the exhaust is the turbo my freind🤣
Steve and crish harris are the GOATS
Such a great shout.
brill well done evo back on form,,.
Whilst its great to see mainstream manufacturers making extreme variants out of everyday platforms; I just don't see the point of ruining a practical hatchback that IMHO still won't dish out the thrills that a real sports car would (by that I mean built from a platform that was designed and born with balance and performance to start with).
This is insane. Not so long ago, when you wanted a 2 seater sports car, you would've bought a Nissan 370Z or something similar. I'm pretty sure these two superhatches would totally destroy it on a track (the normal Megane RS does), plus they both have massive boots allowing you to carry furniture in them because there are no rear seats.
It is a shame that the Club Sport beat the Megane by such a narrow margin, given the big difference in both price and age. Expected more from VW.
We don't expect more than your demonstrated lack of intelligence in a youtube comment however.
Around the Nurburgring the difference is like 3 seconds per lap,...and that's all down to Golf having 20hp more and 20 Nm more torque.
Hahaha. What are you on about? The megane is 2.5K more expensive.
Ijan Maasz Are you kidding? The Clubsport S first took world record at 7:46 at Nurnbergring. Later the Normal Clubsport did it on 7:42 which is 2 seconds of the current world record by Type-R. Also the GTI will always have the best collectors value. I for sure know i bought the right car! Check it on my channel & Subscribe Guys!
Neofytos Margaritis And paying that for a Renault?? is lol lol lol.... The GTI Clubsport/S is 40 Year Anniversary - Meaning it has collectors value & are sold out in a snap!
Bravo bravo bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault magnífico trabalho parabéns bravo bravo renault
imagine if the renault had been producing the same kind of BHP. Clearly was almost able to keep up in spite of its deficit.
Both cars are awesome !!!
I love all of those cars but the thing is can this be able for the pound car cost of amount
A 991 Turbo 'struggling to go much quicker' is not context lol.
Will these come to USA?
So something like 40 hp gives you 7/10 of a second. Strip out the VW carpet in the back and everything else you can. Also put in fake windows and all the mechanics of the back doors.
Megane put a great fight, hopefully next generation won't get too heavy.
Steve!!! Great move
Seems again (like with the Civic Type-R) that the VW has incredibly stiff suspension compared to the Megane - which looks extremely compliant (great for B-roads and other non-track work). Just look at the difference in how he's bouncing in the seat of the VW whereas he is almost sitting dead still in the Megane's seat. It seems that in order to beat the Megane others still have to resort to vastly higher spring and damper rates.
subzeuz The Clubsport S has variable rate dampers (DCC in VW speak). I'd imagine that in comfort or normal settings, it would more compliant than the 275. All the reviews I've read and watched praise the ride comfort on the VW.
They used the softest damper mode when setting that crazy time at the Nurburgring. 👍🏻
Ahh thanks, wasn't aware of that. Impressive indeed then :)
Whats happen if you put michelins ps tires on front wheels of audi rs3?
Is it me or is the Megane a way more exciting car? It gives me a way bigger smile on my face then a Golf could..
Bas As if you had tried this one..
If you're talking about the Megane, i'm driving it almost daily..
To me it's a matter of taste... I like the megane, but being a Golf guy, the Golf Clubsport is as exciting as a hot hatch can get for me
Luckely we don't all share the same opinion, otherwise the entire world would be driving the same boring mid class car hahah.
The mk7 cs is a great car...but... having had a mk4 25th anni...and now the mk5 ed30... the mk7 r is still the better car...and the new reference for performance golfs.... and will be my next car....shame... the cs is what the base gti should have been all along...
What a driver.
These trick front wheel drive cars are very impressive on track, I can't keep up with them but for me it's missing something. Faster or slower, the poise and balance of a mid engined rear wheel drive car takes my favour.
Strange because 7:49 on the Ring for GTI and 7:40 for Megane. And the weight of GTI is more than 1285kg sure.
Lol, No. Gti went around Nurburgring in 7:47 on their final attempt and Megane did it in 7:54
So Clubsport is indeed a quicker car.
Clubsport S weighs 1280 kg, not more. Megane 300 Trophy R did the lap in 7:40 but it'a newer car than Clubsport S.
I love my Leon Cupra... Oh wait...
Golf still looks like it's from the 80's. So twee inside and so slabby outside... also given when it comes down to it the Megane is the ring record holder and feels a lot more special i'll take that every time...
Wait a moment.. the BTCC cars went round here recently and in qualifying the best lap time was 1:23.... are these genuine times???
David Tappenden- different layout at Rockingham. The touring cars use the full international layout which uses part of the oval.
Gary Bocking thanks for clarifying that one!
Yessss thanks for this!
Can you disable the SuperMario coin sound in the RS?
yes
Yeah, but neither of them could get around any major coastal town, at midnight, with 4 passengers, as fast as an old Vauxhall Astra GTE.
Why is EVO's car journalist faster than Motor trend's professional racing driver?
dudes old
Talent.
Did they drive on the same day in the same conditions? Doubt it.
What the heck you talking about?!
All the weight in these things must be on the front wheels..the back is sliding too easily...on the road you should be cautious especially with those tires which are always cold...
amazing cars
Nice evo
Even if the VW was slower it's the one I'd have chosen (who notices .7s anyway?), interior quality, power, reliability is way above that cheap Renault. But the real question is why wouldn't you choose the Golf R with AWD and an (arguably better) distinctive look for a little bit more?
The Megane is way more reliable than VW junk - even the German ADAC says so.
But, morons always default on a Golf, preferably a 4WD one for "safety".
4WD isn't about safety, it's about eliminating torque-steer and putting the power down in all kinds of weather. As always, Renault drivers have to be educated.
Apparently you haven't figured the meaning of quotation marks.
BTW, thanks for the "informed" explanation of 4WD benefits.
The Golf has always been a bestseller for a reason, it’s a reliable and well built car. It’s been the benchmark ever since it came out, your renault has never been know (on the bright side it won’t be forgotten), there is nothing special about it, just like a Nissan Juke, Fiat Punto, etc...
Stick with your plastic toy that will fall apart and squeak in a few months, people who enjoy driving buy a piece of history, not a marketing product.
Fanboy screeds don't impress me.
RenaultSport builds some of the best driver's cars, while VW sells unreliable, overpriced shit. But than again, badge-whores believe in "German quality".
The only piece of history you get is a memento of VAG's criminal emission cheating.
Renault the best !
Is that a Omega Seamaster?
not a word about the breaks and the gears?
A Megane beaten by a Golf? This makes me sad
Breaks? Gears?
Funny to hear reviewers argue about 10-20 kg of car weight while forgetting about their own weight.
What about the Civic Type R?