Mate, i personally would go after another DC5, or a newer CTR EP3.
DC5 would be my ultimate choice, even if i did not own one just now, so i aint really being biast. Its got the looks, handles superbly out the box, goes like stink out the box, economical when needed.
Its got the lot basically, and IMO its a lot of car for the money.
I have driven and owned a few Hot hatches, Impreza ect, and as a drivers car the DC5 does take some beating. There is no way i would move to anything else at present, as if i moved up the way in terms of performance, i would be bankrupted :lol: , and in all honesty for that little bit extra performance out of some of the above said cars, i personally just dont think its worth it.
Not driven the megane, i do like it though, had a 182 previous, but the build quality left a lot to be desired. I am quite sure if the R26 goes round bends as well as the 182 and has the power to back it up, then i can only imagine it will be a hard car to beat.
It also depends too on how long you are wanting to keep the car. Anything a bit older Non honda may cause you some problems along the way, some being expensive to repair, ie the Reno's, with the DC5 you know yourself if treated properly its gona run a long time by previous statistics with very little outlay.
At the end of the day, its your choice, if you aint planning on keeping a car that long, well go and try something different, i know i have on plenty of occassions. Why i have the DC5 now, is i am sick of throwing big money at cars, hence why the DC5 will remain standard, it serves its purpose well for me now.
Paul :wink: