Why did you pick the Megane in the end?
I currently have a Megane Coupe 2.0 16v (1996) - which I bought new - which had been a very good car for me, reliable, quick, etc. so already had a soft spot for Meganes (it was a graduation present I bought myself).
I had a look at/drive of the Focus RS, but I just didn't like the styling and the "frenetic" drive and handling - no doubt it's probably quicker in the end than the megane, but I don't want to fight a car, I want to drive it.
I also had a look at/drive of the GTI R - but the handling is pretty weak compared to both the Focus and the Megane. The cabin didn't actually feel as nice as the Megane either, and the Focus's cabin is just awful, feels very cheap and nasty.
Also, strangely, the sales staff at Ford and Volkswagen were very poor - I had to ASK for a test drive, no offer of discounts (unless I took out finance) - as soon as I said I wanted to just pay cash they more-or-less gave up, I guess they must make a tidy percentage from making finance sales.
I walked into the Renault garage hopped into an RS 250 in the showroom and a guy comes *hurtling* over with a set of keys and says "I've got a demonstrator outside, let's go". It might not be the best reason for buying a car - but a little bit of salesmanship went a long way.
Plus I think the RS 250 looks awesome.
