2019-04-01 CAR UK (1)

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Make no mistake, the Megane RS is one hell of a
hot hatch and a great driver’s car. In Cup spec it
can offer greater thrills than the GTI, just not the
same depth of usability (although a Sport-spec
RS with the semi-auto gearbox comes close). Na-
than loves the way it looks and its performance
on the right road at the right time, but ultimately
feels he would rather stick with his GTI than
twist to the Renault.
And the Golf vs Golf face-off? Nathan is
thoroughly impressed with the R but felt he’d
need to live with it for longer to really decide if it
can out-charisma the GTI. Which sums up the
R’s strengths and weaknesses at a stroke: despite
its extra power, traction and pace, it’s a bit too
sensible for its own good.
Despite the R’s flagship billing in the Golf
range, the GTI has a style and individuality of
its own. ‘It’s tempting, but it would have to be

a really good deal that made watertight sense

financially to swap the GTI for the R,’ Nathan

says. Which leaves one wide-arched, snub-nosed

miniature super-saloon.

‘It can’t not be the M2, really – I mean, look at

it,’ he smiles. It’s going to be more expensive to

run than the other protagonists here, but mar-

ket-watchers believe it’ll hold on to its value even

when its replacement arrives. Nor can it compete

with the chuck-stuff-in, go-anywhere, drop-of-

a-hat practicality of the hatches.

But from the outset Nathan admitted he

could accept a small shortfall in practicality if a

car was significantly more fun to drive. The M2

is that car.

‘Well... it’s got a boot, and you can fit humans

in the back,’ he smiles. The GTI might be the

default everyday performance car – but the M2

could make every day that bit more special.

Nathan’s choice: the used BMW M2

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BUYING DILEMMA

CAR says...

1st: BMW M2

The M2 – arguably the best car in M’s

current line-up – is hard to fault. You’ll

need to budget for higher running costs

but its boisterous rear-drive character is

ample compensation.

2nd: VW Golf R

A superb all-rounder. Its clinical character

means the highs fall short of those you’ll

get from the more focused Megane RS (or

a Honda Civic Type R) but its balanced

brilliance means there are no lows.

3rd: Megane RS Cup

Interior quality aside, this is a hot hatch

to fall head over heels for. A serious

performance car, as is the Civic Type R,

our reigning hot hatch champion.