I remember the old Top Gear episode where Jeremy and Richard twin tested this and the Ford Focus RS. When the review came out, and I was about 9, I loved the Ford because it was bright green and had stupid amounts of power. However, as I've grown up (a bit!), I've come to appreciate how cool the Renault is.
I now own both the R26.R and the Trophy R, both fantastic cars and absolutely still loving them both, Trophy R is absolutely awesome on track and such a nicer car to drive to and from track than the R26.R, do I have a favorite, erm not sure yet.
They might seem like a rediculous proposition but the key with these cars is they really are track ready out of the box. I have a 275 Trophy-R, don't have to make any changes for a track day except tyre pressures and damper setting. Car will run all day with no issues.
If front wheel drive can be considered art, the Trophy-R is art. Purist masterpiece. Replaced my Focus RS with this. Similar on paper based on power-to-weight ratio, in reality they are worlds apart performance and qualitywise. And boy is it tail-happy. Drift mode up yer... Thank you Renault Sport for building my dream car.
Also just to let you know that the megane Trophy R is £40.808, wheels are 12k , renaultsport etched there bets and advertised them at 63k including carbon wheels then dropped them to 53k giving people a 10k saving, 4 weeks later they offered them with no carbon wheels for £40.808, only 2 were ever made with the ring pack at 72k
It took TH-cam a week before they recommended me this video, never even received the notification. Now that's weird considering I have watched Sam since before the OG's became the OG's. Most likely I have watched 97% of all his videos for the past two years. I hope TH-cam isn't trying to give you a hard time
I’m getting back into watching the vids and let me say the quality and the fun of these videos are fantastic and have me glued to the screen. Keep up the good work man!
Another well put together and edited upload.. I actually like the pop and bangs, especially on a b road going through the gears or on track! Love RenaultSport for continue to make such extreme hatches that's not all about power but driving and feedback.
Had an R26 from new back in the day. Wanted the liquid yellow but didn’t want to pay the extra so opted for the white and deleted decals. Absolute weapon (especially coming out of an astra turbo convertible) and sound was much improved by a full custom exhaust. Only issue was those pesky window regulators failing regularly.
Also the R26.R has the same engine and gear box as the R26 however the R26.R is fitted with a short shift to make the gear change shorter, they also stripped 123 kilos from the cars weight.
In love with these I had a modified abarth age 18 just to afford insurance more recently I had a rs225 which was sadly written off by a lady on a roundabout but meant I could purchase a rs250 absolutely love them both and the RS cars are so so underrated 💯
Totally agree with you on the underrated point, I had the R26 and now have a RS250, both brilliant drivers cars. May not be fastest in the 0-60 stats but it's all about the twisty bits in these. 👍👍
Not even once did you give a nod to the Megane 3 TrophyR, what was that about, I understand the review was about these two cars, but you made it sound like it had a huuuge leap from R26R to current TrophyR, but the Meg 3 was an epic car, still is
I also continue to enjoy your channel more than other similar ones because you continue to test and find joy in vehicles/hot hatches/cars that are somewhat within reach of (average) viewers such as myself while others seem determined to collect more super/hyper cars that I will never even see within easy viewing. Don't get me wrong, there's place for both but it seems to have become a battle of collecting rather than enjoying them as we watch those others fret on their channels about how to store them and stare at them rather then regularly driving them...sad
Most people that test this car really don’t get it but this was pretty impartial and Joe Achilles did a good review also. Yes it’s a lot of money but it’s an all out track car engineered to go fast primarily around corners. People still judge it on the badge rather than it’s achievements, such an accomplished car. I paid over £30m for a used mk3 Trophy R and I didn’t regret it. Such a fast and agile car the lack of weight made it feel alive. Went from that to a Lotus Cup and it was undoubtedly faster but in some ways not as good as the trophy r. I miss it a lot! Also not as expensive as a BMW M Car or a Porsche to run and maintain or fix if you break it.
If I'm not mistaken the Renault R26R was build earlyer than the Pagani Huayra, so you're telling me that that pagani Huayra sounds like a Renault Megane ?
Great video mate! Love the fact u got a abarth again. I really want one but don't want to sell my brera as it is my first car and can't get over its looks.
Really like the hood scoop on the Mégane 4 RS, reminds me of the R19 16v/Clio 16v&Williams era. I do not want the R26R or the 4 RS Trophy R but the a Mégane 3 RS cup Phase 1, it's in my opinion by far the best looking Mégane. Would also sit really nice in the garage next to it's great great grandfather, my almost as new Phase 2 19 16v (that has a F7R 2.0 16v with low boost turbo conversion)
If I recall correctly yes the R26.R was limited but uptake was poor so it was only limited by how many Renault could sell, healthy discounts were to be had at the time but following that prices held rock steady and even increased for the right ones.
I had de chance to review this Trophy R for a media in France, my conclusion was the following : one of the last purest sports cars in current production. Sadly, but what a memory, what a car, this is one of the best hot hatch I ever reviewed
Coming from 8+ years of Megane 3 250 and 265 I now own the Trophy-R 300. It still puzzles me the length Renault Sport went with it and then nullify all the weight saving and bits and pieces with street tyres that are about as fast as MPS4S, and that only if they're in the perfect temperature range. Even more so, as the car was clearly made for the Nordschleife record. Very strange, even if they probably had a binding deal with Bridgestone.
Everyone, cancel your Pagani Huayra orders and just buy a 12 year old Renault. After all they sound the same. Great video Sam looking forward to see the new car you teased on BTG
With that impressive weight reduction _Renault Sport_ made, it surprises me they didn't replace the roof with a carbon fibre alternative, in addition to switching out the bonnet/hood. (They should've done the boot/trunk lid in carbon fibre, too. And then called it, _le Skunk._ 😏)
Actually Sam that's not quite right about the R26R engine. Although they didn't add bhp each engine was hand built to precise spec so each part was weighed, measured & balanced. The engine was in fact blueprinted.
@@Trophy_R fair enough fella I was only going by what an engineer from Renault sport told me back in the day but he could will have been pulling my leg when he was showing me the specific marks on the block which would confirm it was blueprinted. I certainly wish I owned one but couldn't afford it then or now 👍🏻
R26.R here. I think the Trophy-R doesn’t go far enough to justify a £50k price tag. I wonder how many will sell and what kind of buyer will bite the bullet.
@@calvinhowells6916 what I’m saying is if you buy the new trophy R your buying a limited number car, yea it may lose a little in the 1st year or 2 but it will hold it’s money much better than a brand new Cayman GTS will for sure
Probably so as to keep making sense for the extra wheel carrying space, to be able to take in and out the wheels for track days comfortably through the rear doors. I doubt too many people ever use it though.
My rs 280 edc farts every gear shift and the best part is that when someone cuts us in the lane I overtake them and give a fart shift in their face 😂 *timing* .
Just buy a classic Mini if you want a 'Hot Hatch' at 18. Way cheaper, fun, you learn from it. If your mommy and daddy don't want to pay for it, you could buy it yourself or put a good roll cage in!
(sorry for sounding American, which I am); why do (classic) British cars seem liked they were built by guys smoking weed and why do French cars appear to be DESIGNED by people doing the same?
This channel produces some of the best automotive content on the Internet, thank you!
Yes, I only wish he didn’t do german accent in every video. It wasn’t funny 3 years ago an isn’t funny now
Savage geese ftw
I remember the old Top Gear episode where Jeremy and Richard twin tested this and the Ford Focus RS. When the review came out, and I was about 9, I loved the Ford because it was bright green and had stupid amounts of power. However, as I've grown up (a bit!), I've come to appreciate how cool the Renault is.
I now own both the R26.R and the Trophy R, both fantastic cars and absolutely still loving them both, Trophy R is absolutely awesome on track and such a nicer car to drive to and from track than the R26.R, do I have a favorite, erm not sure yet.
They might seem like a rediculous proposition but the key with these cars is they really are track ready out of the box. I have a 275 Trophy-R, don't have to make any changes for a track day except tyre pressures and damper setting. Car will run all day with no issues.
In that respect it’s really like a baby Porsche GT3 RS
If front wheel drive can be considered art, the Trophy-R is art. Purist masterpiece. Replaced my Focus RS with this. Similar on paper based on power-to-weight ratio, in reality they are worlds apart performance and qualitywise. And boy is it tail-happy. Drift mode up yer... Thank you Renault Sport for building my dream car.
expecting my MY21 RS Trophy this month, can't wait.
love seeing your content
Also just to let you know that the megane Trophy R is £40.808, wheels are 12k , renaultsport etched there bets and advertised them at 63k including carbon wheels then dropped them to 53k giving people a 10k saving, 4 weeks later they offered them with no carbon wheels for £40.808, only 2 were ever made with the ring pack at 72k
Well, we've got the current Alpine A110, same engine and gearbox, pretty sure it's also a future classic 😌
But these two are pretty epic tbh!
F4rt ftw
It took TH-cam a week before they recommended me this video, never even received the notification.
Now that's weird considering I have watched Sam since before the OG's became the OG's. Most likely I have watched 97% of all his videos for the past two years. I hope TH-cam isn't trying to give you a hard time
Drove about 10.000km in one, the R26-R is one of the best car i have ever drove, and i tried most of the cars from the 90's and 00's.
Totally agree that the crackle and bangs are quite aweful.. Can’t wait to see the STG HQ! Will you invite PW SOL or AHR and Tony there for a reveal?
@Jayemm On Cars James, where did your 100,000+ subscribers and videos go? Fake account 🤦♂️
@Jayemm On Cars Thanks for replying. I can’t wait to see it then.
It would have to be the R.26.R for me, I’ve always loved that car.
I’m getting back into watching the vids and let me say the quality and the fun of these videos are fantastic and have me glued to the screen. Keep up the good work man!
Another well put together and edited upload.. I actually like the pop and bangs, especially on a b road going through the gears or on track! Love RenaultSport for continue to make such extreme hatches that's not all about power but driving and feedback.
Had an R26 from new back in the day. Wanted the liquid yellow but didn’t want to pay the extra so opted for the white and deleted decals. Absolute weapon (especially coming out of an astra turbo convertible) and sound was much improved by a full custom exhaust. Only issue was those pesky window regulators failing regularly.
Got rid of my R26 last year. I now have a Mk1 Z4 Coupe. Love both of them.
Also the R26.R has the same engine and gear box as the R26 however the R26.R is fitted with a short shift to make the gear change shorter, they also stripped 123 kilos from the cars weight.
In love with these I had a modified abarth age 18 just to afford insurance more recently I had a rs225 which was sadly written off by a lady on a roundabout but meant I could purchase a rs250 absolutely love them both and the RS cars are so so underrated 💯
Totally agree with you on the underrated point, I had the R26 and now have a RS250, both brilliant drivers cars. May not be fastest in the 0-60 stats but it's all about the twisty bits in these. 👍👍
Not even once did you give a nod to the Megane 3 TrophyR, what was that about, I understand the review was about these two cars, but you made it sound like it had a huuuge leap from R26R to current TrophyR, but the Meg 3 was an epic car, still is
Great video! I had an R26 and now have an RS250, both brilliant cars.
May not be the fastest in 0-60 stats but make it up in the twisty bits. 👍👍
fan from the US👋🏽 HUGE hot hatch fan and more specifically of these two! been having the thought of moving to somewhere in europe!
I also continue to enjoy your channel more than other similar ones because you continue to test and find joy in vehicles/hot hatches/cars that are somewhat within reach of (average) viewers such as myself while others seem determined to collect more super/hyper cars that I will never even see within easy viewing. Don't get me wrong, there's place for both but it seems to have become a battle of collecting rather than enjoying them as we watch those others fret on their channels about how to store them and stare at them rather then regularly driving them...sad
First time I have Commented on one of your videos, absolutely brilliant and hilarious in places. Keep doing what you’re doing, love it.
The R26R is a classic, best FWD in the world 12 years ago.
Most people that test this car really don’t get it but this was pretty impartial and Joe Achilles did a good review also. Yes it’s a lot of money but it’s an all out track car engineered to go fast primarily around corners. People still judge it on the badge rather than it’s achievements, such an accomplished car. I paid over £30m for a used mk3 Trophy R and I didn’t regret it. Such a fast and agile car the lack of weight made it feel alive. Went from that to a Lotus Cup and it was undoubtedly faster but in some ways not as good as the trophy r. I miss it a lot! Also not as expensive as a BMW M Car or a Porsche to run and maintain or fix if you break it.
Already classics! Both listed in Evo & Octane’s Greatest 100 coffee table book.
Going strong Sam, i actualy await you videos. That's rare for me.
Thank you for all the amazing content. You are awesome
R26.R One of the best cars from the last 20 years. A gilt edged investment for sure.
great stuff. tired of watching ferraris and paganis that nobody can buy. these cars make sense to normal people.
really enjoy your hot hatch content :) glad there is one on the channel now.
If I'm not mistaken the Renault R26R was build earlyer than the Pagani Huayra, so you're telling me that that pagani Huayra sounds like a Renault Megane ?
Like that dreams can come true! Cool video as always.
Sam, I like that Segway from old to new !
Have really been enjoying the Sunday morning STG.
Amazing video as always sam 👌🏼
Great video mate! Love the fact u got a abarth again. I really want one but don't want to sell my brera as it is my first car and can't get over its looks.
You Do a Great job on the Videos ( TYVM )
Great edit Sam@
9:59
*THE 12,000 pound weight saving wheel thing had me for a sec, got now tho all good*
Really like the hood scoop on the Mégane 4 RS, reminds me of the R19 16v/Clio 16v&Williams era.
I do not want the R26R or the 4 RS Trophy R but the a Mégane 3 RS cup Phase 1, it's in my opinion by far the best looking Mégane.
Would also sit really nice in the garage next to it's great great grandfather, my almost as new Phase 2 19 16v (that has a F7R 2.0 16v with low boost turbo conversion)
Always better having a pair of cars it’s like the 996 GT3 RS and 997 GT3 RS.
If I recall correctly yes the R26.R was limited but uptake was poor so it was only limited by how many Renault could sell, healthy discounts were to be had at the time but following that prices held rock steady and even increased for the right ones.
Just because of this video you Sir, you are subscribed!
A lot of hugs from Protugal!!!
I had de chance to review this Trophy R for a media in France, my conclusion was the following : one of the last purest sports cars in current production. Sadly, but what a memory, what a car, this is one of the best hot hatch I ever reviewed
Coming from 8+ years of Megane 3 250 and 265 I now own the Trophy-R 300. It still puzzles me the length Renault Sport went with it and then nullify all the weight saving and bits and pieces with street tyres that are about as fast as MPS4S, and that only if they're in the perfect temperature range. Even more so, as the car was clearly made for the Nordschleife record. Very strange, even if they probably had a binding deal with Bridgestone.
Everyone, cancel your Pagani Huayra orders and just buy a 12 year old Renault. After all they sound the same. Great video Sam looking forward to see the new car you teased on BTG
Nah mate, clio V6 Will be a future classic
Correction: the clio v6 is a classic :)
@xander already is
@@COD4TUBE67 always has been
AND a terrible car to drive.
V6 is an under steering slug........R26R wins
I'm too old to wait for a "future classic" to become a classic, lol. I'll take the R26.R 👍
Last week there was a BMW M5 comp 2019 20k miles for £67k on autotrader .I know which one I would buy.
That's why I wait a few years whenever the M version of the new 3 or 5 series comes out, same goes for the AMG and Audi RS counterparts
have had my r26r three years now what a motor
Had my R26.R 9 years still love it, I’ve recently bought the new Trophy R as well, it’s an immense car and so much faster everywhere than my R26.R
@@Trophy_R new technology
Got to say Sam.. the content is A1.
Good job. Relevant content
"Sounds like a Huayra, inside seems to be 2018" it was not Just one coffee, wasn't it ? 😂
Sick video 👌🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Great video Sam. Prefer looking back at the classics. Most modern cars are really disappointing, especially when you factor in the price increases.
That’s inflation for you...
Not sure about that price tag but sure it's a very cool and interesting hot hatch indeed
Another great video! I really wish they sold this in Canada, if they did I might have picked this over my mrk7 GTI.......
With that impressive weight reduction _Renault Sport_ made, it surprises me they didn't replace the roof with a carbon fibre alternative, in addition to switching out the bonnet/hood. (They should've done the boot/trunk lid in carbon fibre, too. And then called it, _le Skunk._ 😏)
50k!! I'd have every other car you named on your podcast over the trophy R
It's a future classic, is that older version of the Meganne. It still looks fresh today externally.
Lovely Jubbly, gotta love a Frenchie
The Megane r26 has aged so well.
Sam what are you thinking, posting just as the Gran Prix starts!?
I want both. But if I have to choose it the Trophy R. Why didn't bring the RS275 Trophy R?
La Mégane 2 rs est vraiment superbe 😍😍😍
Both!
As an 18 year old I have to admit that my attention is with that Toyota Yaris grmnrnmrnm
Renault R26R is a beast
Your Content Are Awesome i Mean I like It
Had a r26 f1, was my first sports car. Regret it à bit still now.
Actually Sam that's not quite right about the R26R engine. Although they didn't add bhp each engine was hand built to precise spec so each part was weighed, measured & balanced. The engine was in fact blueprinted.
Sorry but your wrong, it’s standard R26/225 engine, I’ve owned an R26.R for 9 years and I’ve forgotten more than you know 😀
@@Trophy_R fair enough fella I was only going by what an engineer from Renault sport told me back in the day but he could will have been pulling my leg when he was showing me the specific marks on the block which would confirm it was blueprinted. I certainly wish I owned one but couldn't afford it then or now 👍🏻
Love them both, but it's a shame that there aren't all three gen of Trophy and they're straight comparison. Cheers from Poland
Autocar did a good video on this, search "Renaults Nurburgring Specials"
Beautiful cars 😍
R26.R here. I think the Trophy-R doesn’t go far enough to justify a £50k price tag.
I wonder how many will sell and what kind of buyer will bite the bullet.
I bought the new Trophy R to go along side my R26.R, love them both
Surprised Sam didn't mention that they also removed the 4-wheel steering and made it FWD.
It was always FWD.
Does the trophy R have an OPF filter?
Love an old Renault
Think i'd buy a Cayman GTS for £50k instead of a Megane.
You can buy a GTS cayman and on track it will still be slower than the megane, also 2 years later you’ve just lost 20k
@@Trophy_R What and the megane won't depreciate? Are you ok??
@@calvinhowells6916 what I’m saying is if you buy the new trophy R your buying a limited number car, yea it may lose a little in the 1st year or 2 but it will hold it’s money much better than a brand new Cayman GTS will for sure
26r for me ❤👍👍
Sam, do Honda S2000 next....
I want one of those but i don’t have the money so im looking at the r25
Where does the R26 name come from, Sam? Thanks!
The 'R26' is a name for a formula 1 car, it was there 2006 F1 car.
Please repaint wall in your studio, its kind of messy behind you
no doubt the R26R
Odd that the trophy r has all that weight saving but they left the rear grab handles for a car which has 2 seat 🤷♂️
Probably so as to keep making sense for the extra wheel carrying space, to be able to take in and out the wheels for track days comfortably through the rear doors. I doubt too many people ever use it though.
Trophy R . Is must have. But not here in the USA we don't get munch small European hatch cars
We saved 130kg and then put a spare set of wheels in the back.???
My rs 280 edc farts every gear shift and the best part is that when someone cuts us in the lane I overtake them and give a fart shift in their face 😂 *timing* .
I have an rs280 cup and do the exact same thing. Massively childish (as the wife reminds me) but I absolutely love it!
@@jamesharding3147 yeah me too I love those farty shifts and crackles everytime I break 🤣.
How is it you understand the purpose of the set up of the track focused megan build but complained about the new black series being to harsh
After today Renault F1 are creeping up even more. Danny Ric must be 🤔
Any childhood hero you've not met Sam??
Santa
Just buy a classic Mini if you want a 'Hot Hatch' at 18. Way cheaper, fun, you learn from it. If your mommy and daddy don't want to pay for it, you could buy it yourself or put a good roll cage in!
So all the weight saved from the bonnet was added by a pointless roll cage?
siiiiiiccckkkkk
Hi mate, I’ve just done a review on a Porsche 996 turbo on my channel. I’d really appreciate any feedback and advice!
Get a Kia Picanto GT, find some real tight twisty hill roads and you will truly giggle...its not even fast!!!
Notification Squad!!
I've just noticed..When did you stop wearing cap's....Ha !!
(sorry for sounding American, which I am); why do (classic) British cars seem liked they were built by guys smoking weed and why do French cars appear to be DESIGNED by people doing the same?