2009 RENAULTSPORT MEGANE R26.R

This Renaultsport Megane R26.R is a low-mileage example of the marque’s renowned pared-back hot hatch, which has been enjoyed as intended, and is presented in good order. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, uprated to produce 268bhp, with front-wheel drive via a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. The odometer shows just 12,700 miles from new.

The R26.R used the improved Cup chassis and stronger Brembo brakes of the standard R26 model, but saw much of the cabin equipment stripped away. The rear seats and retracting belts were removed, along with the passenger and curtain airbags, heated rear screen, headlight washers, and most of the soundproofing.

Its bonnet was fabricated in carbon-fibre, while the rear screen and quarter windows were made from polycarbonate. Lightweight carbon-fibre Sabelt bucket seats and safety harnesses were installed, helping to save 123kg compared to the standard car. It was also fitted with recalibrated shock absorbers and uprated coil springs.

Only 230 cars came to the UK out of a total production run of 450 cars. This car was specified in white with red wheels, and with the roll cage and titanium sports exhaust. Cosmetically, the car remains in its original specification, though it has a few subtle performance upgrades. These include a larger intercooler, downpipe sports catalytic converter, and an RS Tuning remap. There are also AP Racing front brake discs, and upgraded Ferodo DS2500 brake pads all round.

First registered in June 2009, this car has just two previous registered keepers on its log book, and the seller has owned it for just over seven years. It has been unapologetically used as a track car, but with regular maintenance to keep it in very good order.

The seller reports that the bodywork and paint are in good condition. There is no evidence of any accident damage, and the only known repainting was done on one side to rectify a scratch from being keyed. The bonnet and boot lid have just been re-lacquered to bring back a glossy shine. Having recently had the car detailed, some hairline cracks in the paint were noted on the rear bumper, and there are also some stone chip marks on the wing mirror casings. The exterior paintwork has just been detailed and ceramic coated by Autotrilogy in Bristol.

Some minor damage is present on the front plastic splitter, and the nearside front wheel arch liner has a hole where the tyre has previously rubbed through. It rides on the original 18-inch Interlagos alloy wheels in Capsicum Red, which appear to be in excellent condition with no kerbing marks.

Inside, this R26.R retains the original Sabelt bucket seats trimmed in black fabric, which are both in very good order, commensurate with the low mileage. The rest of the interior trim also presents well, with the seller noting only some slight sagging of the boot carpet over the spare wheel well. It is equipped with air-conditioning as well as a more recent face-off stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, which means this Megane can keep its occupants comfortable and entertained on long road trips seeking out great driving roads.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in June 2019 at 12,271 miles, when the cambelt and water pump were replaced, along with all fluids and filters. The brakes were stripped and re-greased, and the air-conditioning was also re-gassed. Finally, the alloy wheels were refurbished and the exterior stickers were all replaced with fresh items due to colour fading. A new battery was installed in July 2020.

The car was not in use in 2017 and 2018, but in May 2016 it was given a service by specialist Mark Fish Motorsport. During a service in October 2015, it also received new tyres, spark plugs and brake pads. Prior to this, more substantial work has included a gearbox rebuild in December 2014, due to the common gear selector forks failing. It was rebuilt with upgraded OEM items. At the same time, the clutch and flywheel were renewed, and there was also another cambelt replacement service.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 July 2020 at 12,440 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. The car has never failed an MOT test, which is testament to the care of its three owners from new. The wheels are fitted with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres on all four corners, which have plenty of tread.

Accompanying this Megane are all of the original handbooks as well as the stamped service book. There is also a raft of invoices for previous service and maintenance work carried out.

At the car’s launch in 2008, Steve Sutcliffe, then writing for Autocar, said: “As a genuine driver’s car the Renault Megane R26.R has few rivals, and not just in the world of hot hatchbacks but at any level, at any budget”. Elsewhere, PistonHeads referred to it as “the front-drive GT3”.

This Renaultsport Megane R26.R is a true hot hatch hero, and arguably of a lightweight, no-frills genre that may never be seen again. The car has been driven and enjoyed on circuits, where the chassis and the performance can be fully exploited, but has also been kept in very good condition - and has genuine low mileage. It is a thrilling car whether used on the road or on track, and should prove to be a great buy for its next owner.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.