Mmmm...tasty! (non VW alert...but with Mk6 content)

[carl1]

thats a proper car

Lol, good joke 

it would p!ss all over any golf out of the box and most cars double its price.

arguing about if an ed35 with an extra 25bhp is fast is a joke. and the whole build quality debate thing is a p!sstake.

seriously if you think VW are that great take your battery tray out or spare wheel and look in awe at the bare metal where they couldn't be arced to paint it properly.

never had non of that on my renaultsport's

No it won't Golf R pissis over it 0-60 and 1/4 mile time, round a dry track renault wins 

who does standing 1/4's on the public roads? in the real world it would beat an R hands down be it on a B road or on track. R weighs over 1500kg and the r26.r 1200kg

you have to respect renault for even building the thing in the first place. how many other mainstream manufacturers would take  an already fast car then decide to fit a roll cage, LSD, plastic windows and carbon panels and seats just to make the car more fun? and its great because of how the chassis is designed not just cos of electronics  - were not going to see many cars lie this get built in the future.

Who races round street corners taking racing lines at full pelt on the limit. I respect it and renault for doing it.

[PenguinGTI]

I like it, thanks for posting Ess_Three.

I've liked this car since it came out. It's never been a car that I'd consider, but I agree that Renault deserve a good pat on the back for having the guts to offer something this dedicated.

Around a track, this thing is much quicker than a standard GTI (even a mapped GTI) because, quite simply, it's properly set up.

And all this arguing about 1/4 mile times and racing on public roads, a car like the R26.R is just great because it can corner faster, it's the confidence it inspires and the sensations it gives in the process. Yes it will be most rewarding when you see what it can really do, but even for 7/10's driving the R26.R will be great fun.

I paid my money for a car that could do everything, and in that respect I am glad I bought the GTI.

But for an out and out driving machine, the R26.R is one of the best - if not the best - in the hot hatch field.

[mkviken]

i agree, its something i would love to own but for me just isn't practical. so i hedged my bets, covered as many bases as possible and got the golf.

and as for racing on the roads etc thats not what I'm interested in. i go out in the middle of nowhere to be away from other cars and enjoy the driving experience which I'm sure this thing would do fantastically. if it came to it though, on british roads, with the average driver behind the wheel this thing WOULD dust and R, a GTI or whatever you want to throw at it this side of an M3.

if your a hot hatch fan or car enthusiast in general there is no denying this thing is proper.

[Jimmymature]

I don't care what it drives like, it's one ugly mofo.


Jim

[Kerrse]

I don't care what it drives like, it's one ugly mofo.


Jim

I agree Jimmy it is a seriously ugly car 

[carl1]

i agree, its something i would love to own but for me just isn't practical. so i hedged my bets, covered as many bases as possible and got the golf.

and as for racing on the roads etc thats not what I'm interested in. i go out in the middle of nowhere to be away from other cars and enjoy the driving experience which I'm sure this thing would do fantastically. if it came to it though, on british roads, with the average driver behind the wheel this thing WOULD dust and R, a GTI or whatever you want to throw at it this side of an M3.

if your a hot hatch fan or car enthusiast in general there is no denying this thing is proper.

Hmmm you see with joe boggs driving it i don't think it would dust the R, no doubt it would be a better experience and feel.

[carl1]

BTW  mkviken im just being Devil's Advocate because all you seem to do is slag off your Gti and Vw but you paid your money so you have got that right lol  i don't really care which is faster.

[Jimble]

This is quite a good review.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYjMF3N7ecQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Ess_Three]

who does standing 1/4's on the public roads? in the real world it would beat an R hands down be it on a B road or on track. R weighs over 1500kg and the r26.r 1200kg

The R weights 300-400 Kgs more, loses an additional 25 BHP in driveline losses, has an additional 25 BHP...and understeers.
On a wet day, I'm sure the R would be quicker off the line...but everywhere else, I'd put my money on the R26R.
It finds grip where there shouldn't be any.
The chassis is amazing.

Different cars though...an unfair comparison really.
Don't get me whong, the Golf GTI chassis is good. But the R26Rs is in a different league.

you have to respect renault for even building the thing in the first place. how many other mainstream manufacturers would take  an already fast car then decide to fit a roll cage, LSD, plastic windows and carbon panels and seats just to make the car more fun? and its great because of how the chassis is designed not just cos of electronics  - were not going to see many cars lie this get built in the future.

It's a proper drivers car.
The way that front suspension set up finds grip and traction, under full power, is simply amazing.

As you say, big respect for biulding something so bonkers.

[Ess_Three]

I like it, thanks for posting Ess_Three.

My pleasure. 

I've liked this car since it came out. It's never been a car that I'd consider, but I agree that Renault deserve a good pat on the back for having the guts to offer something this dedicated.

I'd not have ever considered one...but I had my eyes opened.
What a tool.
Too compromised for everyday use - it's not my mates daily driver, he has a Mondeo for that! - but as a plaything it's immense.

But for an out and out driving machine, the R26.R is one of the best - if not the best - in the hot hatch field.

I'd put it up there in the top 10 affordable drivers cars ever...not just in the hot hatch field.
It's that good.