5 things I HATE about Megane RS 300 (facelift)

[@wiiiiilsooooon]

I have diesel Renault Megane 4 and I think that those music controls behind the steering wheel are the best thing in industry 😄 I understand that they can get in a way with shifting pedals, but in a normal Megane it's amazing that they are in the same spot every time you want to change music/radio station/etc.

[@MickDrivesCars]

Actually agree with you! It's very convenient and I like the scroll wheel on the back a lot. I just wish it didn't interfere with the paddles, that's the part that really irritated me.

[@GuerreiroACI]

Agree. Much better than the steering wheel with a million buttons! The only thing that i criticize is that it looks aged... Its the same for 20 years now!!

[@Matt-hn4hn]

I hope your channel grows, you make great points and know what you’re talking about 👍

[@MickDrivesCars]

Thank you mate!

[@Mekt-wav]

I get the tone control thing. I had that issue as well, but noticed that renault allows you to have different tone control settings for each separate drive mode. Hence, I found that setting your desired tone control in another mode and switching back to "my sense" gets you the tone controls you actually set. So basically every time you turn on the car, it's as if the infotainment is being started up for it's first time, but switching drive modes, which differ in tone controls, reminds the infotainment of your settings. Took me like a week to get that, because I increased the high end in sport mode.

[@Mekt-wav]

On a sidenote. For some reason the eastern european market's RS Trophy benefits from S007s from stock. Would I recommend them? Similarly, in regards to your S001, loss of traction in the wet has handsomely profited carwashes from cleaning brown spots from the driver seat, but in the dry they're unparalleled, even after 20000 miles and multiple track days.

[@MickDrivesCars]

It's funny, someone else mentioned this to me but it doesn't work for some reason. I've set the same tone for all driving modes, and even if I turn on the car and scroll through them all - it still doesn't apply. So annoying 😂 thank god the rest of the car makes up for it

[@vMaxHeadroom]

Have a CUP 280 and had to remove those tyres as they were horrid. Put some Coninental ContactSport 7's and an immediate difference, just immense. Also, thankfully I have the Manual which is excellent, absolutly no issues, very snickity!

[@MickDrivesCars]

It's so 50/50 in comments I've had about the tires, but as you can tell I'm on the ''S001 sucks'' side. Actually never driven a manual Megane RS so I guess it's a bit hypocritical of me to say there's no good manual.

[@kevinmcg6747]

Enjoyed this Mick and recognise many of the points you make. I've had a massive range of cars (I'm old but tend to hold on to them) and the ride height really plays a big part. I'm currently running an MX5 ND 30th AE and I've never sat so low in my life!! I swear I looked up to the driver in an Aston DBS Superleggera (sp?). Gearchange, for me my Honda Integra Type R was right up there but so was the bread van EP3 Type R I had. I was pleasantly surprised by the MX5 gear change and despite trying BMW manuals I ended up with a ZF8 M135i and DCT M2C because I did not likely the 'rubbery' feel of the manuals. As for the Meganes, I see the front end of these cars and I'm hooked! I did own one of the very first Clio 16Vs that came into the UK and have never forgot how much fun that was (well apart from the routine clutch cable failure). Cheers, Kevin

[@MickDrivesCars]

I actually drove an ND2 mx-5 and absolutely loved that thing... As I mentioned in the video that low-slung feeling is so addictive. And the gearbox was lovely as you mention! I had a EM2 civic coupe which I absolutely loved, was my first car. Still the best gearshift I've ever felt in a car. Good to hear from a fellow enthusiast that's not snobby about gearboxes! People tend to like manual or auto and stick with it but I'm like you - whichever is the better unit for the car.

[@kevinmcg6747]

@@MickDrivesCars I had a Puslar (Sunny) GTiR and that had neither a great gear change nor a low seating position but it looked ugly (in a good way) and was just simply different from the obvious Subaru Impreza option at the time (I later owned an Impreza WRX Estate with the obligatory 'Scooby Sport' stainless steel exhaust). Yet to find the perfect car but have been blessed to drive cars with a range of personalities (a test drive in a 981 GT4 however was pretty close to perfect,......).

[@MickDrivesCars]

@@kevinmcg6747 I have a soft spot for JDM nuggets and that is very, very nuggetty! I did drive a "new shape" WRX STI, the first year they went back to saloon... 2014 I think. That was a weapon, really good steering. I've been looking at 911s for my next car actually! Really like the 991 gen Carrera S, RWD, 7-speed manual, 3.8 howling flat 6... Glorious

[@earth2baz]

If that audio control is cost savings, then it is the best cost savings ever invented!

[@allan2k195]

I had Bridgestone potenza's on my Abarth Punto and they were horrific in the rain. I now have michelin Pilot sport 4's and they are amazing!

[@MickDrivesCars]

Yep I'm debating between pilot sport 5 or eagle assym 6... I think either of those will be a huge upgrade. Only thing is the bridgestones were new on the car when I bought it 6 months ago and they still have some life. I might just keep them over the summer and upgrade once the weather starts getting worse again.

[@allan2k195]

@@MickDrivesCars I had the same thing, i bought my wheels with the tyres but the were finnaly worn out. I highly reccomand the pilot sports tho👍🏼

[@COD4TUBE67]

Don't worry. I hate the 001 as well. And I don't live in the UK. Immediately changed for the ps4s. They're MUCH better.

[@MickDrivesCars]

Really good to hear! I'm probably going for PS5 or Eagle asymm 6 as it's still a year-round daily and I think PS4S or the new PS5S might be a little too aggressive.

[@COD4TUBE67]

@Mick Drives Cars heard some feedbacks about the ps5. Apparently it's not good and they don't last long...

[@sasavojinovic4726]

I'm driving 300 trophy facelift and got Continental Contact Sport tires as from the factory (German market) and no problem with traction, but think it is more due to LSD than tires. So LSD is must, but unfortunately comes only with trophy so as the recaros which are going much lower (mine are tilted up a bit). On the other hand, ride is a bit harsh (I'm already used to it) but thoughts before purchase were that there is always an option of replacing dampers and coilovers with sport version if it comes to back pain...price for that was 750 euros on all four corners last time I was checking...

[@MickDrivesCars]

It's really funny, I got the sport thinking potentially I'd upgrade to a trophy gearbox with LSD down the line... Why didn't Renault just make the car we all wanted :)

[@gcm747]

Pilot Sport 4S for the win!

[@martinDynamique]

Assume the latest software will fix the tone control on the stereo, it does on the Clio which had the same issue. The unit doesnt always auto update as it should so go in and manually check for updates and it should download the latest.

[@oootaffooo501]

Great video manual alday long for me 😁👍

[@AndreiDragonulBGS]

life110 is a company that makes aftermarket parts for the alpine a110, and they offer some paddleshifters that are 10mm closer to the wheel and 20mm longer top and bottom. They say they fit the clio rs as well, so I think they should fit the megane too? Beeing 10mm closer to the wheel I think they sould clear the volume controls too. I know alpine a110 and clio rs use different volume control units so you might have to make some mesurements in terms of the clearence

[@MickDrivesCars]

I'll check this out, thanks!

[@brettgosper6003]

The manual 300 is fine - it's the same as the meg 275. If you want the lower seats, you should have got the recurs

[@MickDrivesCars]

See I got the impression that the recos are slightly higher which is why I went standard + alcantara. Needs more research from me, maybe you're right

[@lucagevaert61]

I had a 275... That manual can't even be compared to the meg 4...

[@lucagevaert61]

​@@MickDrivesCars recaros are lower indeed

[@gcm747]

I'm literally worried about the paddles for track use. Is there a fix for this? Whats the gearbox ratio like for highway use? What are the engine revs at 100kph?

[@PambosZeniou]

All cars have both positive and negative aspects. The most important thing is to love and enjoy the car you have. You won't find a car, even one that costs $500000, that doesn't have any drawbacks.

[@Matteusz768]

#hate5 there was an easylink update partially fixing that, also you can just change driving mode and changes will be applied

[@MickDrivesCars]

I actually took the car back to Renault for this issue. They did apply the update but nothing changed. Good to know about driving mode, that's much quicker! Thank you!

[@tomazpogacar8372]

Hello, would you be so kind and "tell" what is the software version number of this update? I have the same problem with BOSE on my Megane + what do you mean by partially fix? Is this common problem with all BOSE sistems in Megane, if you know ?

[@Matteusz768]

@@tomazpogacar8372 Don't have any photo, it was a year ago. partially because usually audio settings work just after starting the car but sometimes need changing mode anyway

[@tomazpogacar8372]

@@Matteusz768 That is exactly as with mine. They even changed the unit with new one to eliminate possible hardware problem. No luck - it is strange the BOSE software problem persist for couple of years now with no solution :(

[@stephenagnew670]

I'm in Australia I have a manual an its fine2019 rs300

[@Kingtroy007]

Glad you didn't talk about the car being so stiff its uncomfortable. and the tires, @VersionOneUK said something about the S007s being way better, so do check em out. And, is your RS300 the Trophy model?

[@MickDrivesCars]

My model is a sport, not a trophy. I actually preferred the sport after driving them both. If I was in a trophy I would definitely complain about it being too stiff if I'm honest. I have a full video on my channel comparing sport/trophy if you're interested.

[@Kingtroy007]

@@MickDrivesCars I bet I’ve seen all your videos where there was a megane

[@Kingtroy007]

Too bad we don’t have the sport 300s in SA🇿🇦 Edit:added flag

[@brettgosper6003]

the 300 trophy isnt that stiff.... the damping is good - it handles bumps/uneven surfaces really well

[@Kingtroy007]

@@brettgosper6003 now hearing that soothes my heart

[@k9any]

Can you retrofit longer paddles on these?

[@MickDrivesCars]

There are companies that make them but they will always be a little awkward because of that audio control thing

[@LARGE_COKE]

I have an RS 280 in manual and it's like a winchester rifle between gears it gives a little click, could be as its a low mileage box? As i've also heard they are pretty average manual boxes for the type of car it is. I'll check back in 10k miles and see if anything changed.

[@MickDrivesCars]

Everything I've read suggests they feel very mechanical but not super precise... I'd love to have a go in one so I can give a better opinion

[@vhakisa]

The paddles are okay. You just need to get used to it

[@nathanielsmith8217]

If that's all you have to worry about you have nothing to worry about

[@grtbgf]

Hello! Can anyone tell me if the car remembers your driving mode on the next startup? If not, how convenient is it to change it? I plan on driving my car in sport mode for stiffer steering feel (it's not an RS car) so changing it evry time would be a nightmare, i guess. Also how good is bose stereo compared to the stock one?

[@Shay-tech]

You forgot 2 main problems that can drive you crazy The window buttons are too far back It amazing that they thought its ok 2.why the car stage always goes nack to sense and dont stay in the one you used last time?

[@MickDrivesCars]

So true about the window switches! I forgot that you're too right! As for the driving modes I think it's an emission regulation thing, many other cars also do this. Especially because Megane RS disables stop/start in sport and race.

[@Shay-tech]

My last car was alfa gullieta qv and it stayed the same Also the start stop button You prees ot ones and it satay off But we like the r.s as is Good luck with your channel

[@johnboy2436]

never noticed this with the window buttons i just get on with it. i dont feel they have been much different to any other car iv used. im going to think about this next time i put the window and either be like ok its not that bad or ok they are far back. Never noticed it thou LOL the second one you can change using ddt4all. my car starts up in perso as thats what iv set it to using ddt4all. a guide for this can be found on the renault forums.

[@JonasWindey]

you mention the Bose system but are you sure your car has them? I don't see the Bose logo on the speakers. I have a facelift '22 Trophy myself but I heard that the Bose was supposed to be standard but wasn't fitted due to the supply issues. You can check your subwoofer in the trunk to see if you have Bose.

[@MickDrivesCars]

I do indeed have bose - the audio settings shown only display when you have bose. I also have the sub under floor of boot.

[@lint8391]

@@MickDrivesCars Bose in audiophile circle are considered to be absolute junk. Even worse than B&W 😁

[@F-MK96]

the tone controlls is a bug renault admited i think

[@MickDrivesCars]

They never pushed a fix! I think I mentioned it every single time the car was ever at the dealer

[@F-MK96]

@@MickDrivesCars that sucks easy link systems are not the best and they had alot of problems I think thats why they went to this new Android Open linkR systems...

[@wtfronsson]

Tires that don't work in wet conditions? Ship them with cars sold in UK! Nice bit of French humor from Renault.

[@MickDrivesCars]

Hahaha too true!

[@davidhocevar8510]

bridgestone is in the same category as pirelli p zero, useless below 10C, dangerous below 3C, and OKish at 20+, not worth the money...

[@MickDrivesCars]

Yep this is pretty much how I feel. Brilliant in the dry above 15C though They're wearing down nicely now, looking forward to putting some Pilot sport 5 on

[@lint8391]

Some things I don't like about it: The cost. Far too high for me. Renault's track record for iffy reliability, build quality, longevity. No heated leather seats. Dashboard / cockpit area - unergonomic. Compared to - for example - Saab 900's from the 1980's. Seats. Not as comfortable as Volvo, or Saab (when they were in their prime). Fuel economy, not so good. Not that big inside. Only seats 5. Front wheel drive. Interior is plasticky. Insurance cost.

[@frankvandenbroeck8373]

torqsteer?

[@MickDrivesCars]

Literally none

[@nerko0genius]

Just put ps on it and you’ll be all right

[@MickDrivesCars]

Ended up with Goodyear asymmetric 6. Phenomenal difference. Wanted PS5 but they were out of stock at the time.

[@billx4266]

Nice review but its a bit useless, you cannot buy this car anymore here in europe, those stupid carmakers stopped making hothatches. They only sell stupid suv's

[@billx4266]

@@sport300-uk4 not worth the price they can keep them.

[@dsitum]

I know that all the Renault boys are going to tear me apart, but have you considered buying Hyundai i30N? It's only a bit less powerful, and doesn't have 4-wheel steering, but LSD comes as a standard, as well as adjustable suspension stiffness. Pretty mental car IMO

[@dsitum]

@SPORT300-UK To me, they look beautiful, especially the front-end. Way more beautiful than the megane. And from the back Megane looks quite a bit sad when rear lights turn on. Not telling that the rear of that Hyundai is 10/10, but definitely looks better to me. But, to each his own taste 🙂

[@michaelmarchei8539]

This guy 🤦‍♂️