chuckovski Posted 26, August 2014 Report Share Posted 26, August 2014 So ... I'd love to buy one of these, and I'd be keen to know if anyone can squeeze their children (and associated paraphernalia) in the back of either of these. It's one thing going to the dealership, but I'd love to know about some real life experiences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaesh Posted 26, August 2014 Report Share Posted 26, August 2014 Hi Mate and welcome, I own a 2012 RS250 CUP and i'm also a parent with 2 kids. 1 is 6yr old and the other is just coming up to 4 months. Have a booster seat and a rear facing child seat in the 250 and I've had no issues. Mind you though I am only 170cms or so so getting in and out isn't really an issue for me. at the end of the day the Clio is a 5 door Auto 1.6ltr while the Meg 3 is a Manual only and is a 2ltr beast. One is a great stop start traffic with the occasional mountain run/track day while the meg was built for twists and tracks.I use ours as a daily as well, I would say for us even though we were planning on more children decided to go with the meg purely based on wanting a real drivers car. hope that helps and if you have any other questions please ask away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted 26, August 2014 Report Share Posted 26, August 2014 Great post, so glad i found it. I was gonna ask exactly the same thing. I was looking for a daily family vehicle and considered the new clioEDC. I also considered the focus st and the new mazda 3. Don't know why, but i only recently thought of the Megane 250. I actually thought that 3 dr cars would be difficult to live with, with the kids. Kaesh, do you ever think "geez i wish a had a 5 door car?" Im just trying to imagine if it would be an issue getting the seat and baby in and out all the time. Im really excited now about test driving a Meg 250! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 26, August 2014 Report Share Posted 26, August 2014 We have a 200EDC and went baby seat shopping on the weekend. Currently the contender is this: http://www.babykingdom.com.au/shopexd.a ... 4208&bc=no as it's the compact version so fits ok in the rearward facing position for the first 6 months. My understanding is after the seat is in the forward facing position, fitment isn't really an issue for most cars. We went with the 200 because of its 5 doors and the wife will be driving it most of the time so ease of access is key. We've been weighing up changing cars for something bigger but after the test fit of the seat and pram, we're thinking we'll stay with the Clio as it's easy to park around our place which has narrow streets and tight parking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaesh Posted 27, August 2014 Report Share Posted 27, August 2014 Kaesh, do you ever think "geez i wish a had a 5 door car?" Im just trying to imagine if it would be an issue getting the seat and baby in and out all the time. To be perfectly honest no, only reason is that although we have a 5dr focus I don't use it and as the partner works early hours it is often up to me to get the kids organised for school/childcare. so I would say that they are in the Meg 75% of the week while we it might sound a bit weird seeing as we have a 5 door but I would rather drive the Meg and live with a little discomfort for me then drive something bland if that makes sense? we have a capsule which makes it a lot easier as baby is secured into the seat before he goes in the meg and the giant 3 wheel "Jogger" pram we have has an attachment so that we can just take the whole capsule out and click it into the pram.This makes it easy. In saying that we also bought a second seat and this one isn't a capsule but a normal rear facing and for this one there is a little discomfort getting in and out with baby, But as the meg has a slightly higher roof for the back passengers it makes it easy at my height to get baby in and out.For me there is a plenty of room and my 6yr old gets in and out perfectly fine. I find that having those small triangular passenger windows a great thing too as the sun is kept right out of baby's eyes It might not be to everyone's liking so i would say try and get in and out on your own from the back of the meg especially in tight spaces as those doors are huge in my opinion and f you can live with that then the Meg 3 might be for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staity Posted 27, August 2014 Report Share Posted 27, August 2014 Best of both worlds you could look at the GT220. Has the space for all the kids gear (and there is alot of that) plus its 5 door for easy access and you still have the sporty feel and engine to boot. Yes I will admit its no 250 or 265 but it still drives well and is a great compromise IMHO. I am biased (who isnt) but I love mine and think its a great way to get the kiddies around town. Just throwing it out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaesh Posted 28, August 2014 Report Share Posted 28, August 2014 And I forgot to mention when we were looking was back in 2012 so there was no Clio IV EDC200. Or a GT220 so both are good choices and have 5 doors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VSPEC.RS Posted 29, August 2014 Report Share Posted 29, August 2014 with the clio IV, I can vouch that you can easly fit 2 baby seats in the back and sit an adult in the middle without issue as there is no centre arm rest and there is plenty of head room. well...I'm only 180cm tall. the good thing with the clio front seats is that the backing of the front seats are soft leather (cup trophy) so if you have long legs, you wont bang your knees in hard plastic. The clio rear door also opens extra wide which makes life much easier when climbing to the back and install/remove the child seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VSPEC.RS Posted 29, August 2014 Report Share Posted 29, August 2014 forgot to mention, there are 3 anchor points on back of clio for 3 baby seats if you have that many children! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 5, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 5, September 2014 Hi everyone, Many thanks to all of you for your replies. I was particularly surprised (and pleased!) that you could fit your family in there kaesh. We'll be looking this weekend at an RS265, RS200, and an ST, and see how the boss finds them. Would love an RS265 ... The other option is the Octavia RS but we'll wait until there are some more reasonably priced demos around. Great to have so many options to choose from, we're all spoiled for choice! I have to ask those owning the Clio Cup: it looks like the tyres are the most expensive on the planet. What tyres do people use, and how much would it cost? The prices make it almost impossible for me to justify the cup version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace Posted 5, September 2014 Report Share Posted 5, September 2014 The GT220 wagon would be the go. Its by far the best value sports wagon around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 7, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 7, September 2014 Ace you're right, even just the five door (which I've seen has been released as part of the facelift update) gt220 would be great family cars. However we already have a Skoda superb for the daily drive with child, this topic I should have started by stating that this is a second car that I need to be able to transport a child if needed. More of a desired car than one of need and practicality. My dream car for the last few years has been the Renault sport megane and I finally have the opportunity to get one, and running it past the Misses the question she's always had is the one of practicality. For just one family car, Octavia rs or gt220 would really be the only options in my mind. And maybe the Clio or focus if you're good at packing (I'm not). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedfiend41 Posted 7, September 2014 Report Share Posted 7, September 2014 I have an RS265 which carries my 6 year old and my older two kids with no issues. The wife has a Vectra for days when the five of us need to go somewhere together (rare occasions). The RS has a fair amount of rear seat room once you're in there. I don't get the whole 'justification for the missus' thing. She's got a car, get the car you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 7, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 7, September 2014 Yes I agree, but it's also justification for myself (maybe I'm just blaming my wife for me talking about baby seats!) - I want to be able to drive the whole family in my car. So just to be clear Speedfiend41 - three children in the 8:08? All in the back or one in the front? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted 8, September 2014 Report Share Posted 8, September 2014 250 here with 7 & 9 year olds. No dramas at all, although they don't really like not being able to see out the window. 7 year old has just ditched the booster but it wasn't an issue. I actually convinced myself that I needed a 4 door when the kids were younger, so I traded my old 172 for an XR5 and regretted it. We do have the family barge (SV6), but I still do the school run in the Meg a couple of days a week. Also not a problem carting all 4 of us around, but we do use the SV6 for the family holiday trips due to the extra boot space. Speedfiend nailed it with his last sentence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimMelb Posted 8, September 2014 Report Share Posted 8, September 2014 250 here with 7 & 9 year olds. No dramas at all, although they don't really like not being able to see out the window. 7 year old has just ditched the booster but it wasn't an issue. I actually convinced myself that I needed a 4 door when the kids were younger, so I traded my old 172 for an XR5 and regretted it. We do have the family barge (SV6), but I still do the school run in the Meg a couple of days a week. Also not a problem carting all 4 of us around, but we do use the SV6 for the family holiday trips due to the extra boot space. Speedfiend nailed it with his last sentence. We have a similar set up. I randomly use the RB8 for whenever I need to take the kids or family. If its a long drive then we take the SUV. Kids are 6 and 14 with the little one still in booster. You just make do with what you have, I don't think 2 doors is an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace Posted 8, September 2014 Report Share Posted 8, September 2014 Ace you're right, even just the five door (which I've seen has been released as part of the facelift update) gt220 would be great family cars. However we already have a Skoda superb for the daily drive with child, this topic I should have started by stating that this is a second car that I need to be able to transport a child if needed. More of a desired car than one of need and practicality.My dream car for the last few years has been the Renault sport megane and I finally have the opportunity to get one, and running it past the Misses the question she's always had is the one of practicality. For just one family car, Octavia rs or gt220 would really be the only options in my mind. And maybe the Clio or focus if you're good at packing (I'm not). Easy answer here mate, get a 250. I have 4 kids and I occasionaly have to take them to school or pick them up and had no problems. Initially my 2 youngest were in booster seats, even then I could still fit my daughter in the middle in the back (just). Just do it already, you'll be amazed how much room there is in the back. Prior to the 250 I had a Passat R36, there was definitely more room across the back seat in the 250 than there was in the Passat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedfiend41 Posted 8, September 2014 Report Share Posted 8, September 2014 I have had the 265 loaded up with me (6'2), my son (same height), 15 year old daughter (5'9) and 6 year old daughter ( she's tall enough to not need a booster seat). It's cosy but not uncomfortable. I wouldn't drive to Melbourne with all of them but for an hour at a time there's no issues. I've had two doors since my first Beetle (blah) and six RS2000's in a row. The styling advantage is well worth the effort! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 9, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 9, September 2014 Easy answer here mate, get a 250 Yes, I think the answer is the Megane. Thanks everyone for your input! Time to start shopping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 15, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 15, September 2014 So, we're (myself and the missus) both happy with both Clio 200 and Megane 265 Went for a test drive on the weekend and holy crap - I LOVE these cars! Both of them. But I love the 265 more. I couldn't believe the amount of torque steer I got in the 200. I And why the hell does anyone complain about the ride quality in these cars? I drove over some of the worst tarmac in our suburb with no difference from our 'normal' Mazda 3. Also I didn't have any complaints about the gear shift changes even in just sport mode with the 200. It may be that my manual changes are just too slow ... So ... deposit paid on demo capsicum red 265 Trophy + AWESOME!! Will post some pics somewhere when I take delivery. Probably some with a baby seat so that others can see - I was impressed with the back seat room being as big as Ace mentioned. I reckon there's more space than the clio, just less doors. Also many thanks to all of your contributions elsewhere on the forum - things like fuel consumption and tyre cost was starting to make my head hurt and my wallet already bleed, so it was reassuring to hear some real world figures and prices (who would have thought buying tyres on eBay would not be a stupid thing to do?). For those who are looking at a GT220 this would be hard to go past - this kind of value made me think twice: http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/detai ... =4&sdmvc=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomerRS Posted 15, September 2014 Report Share Posted 15, September 2014 Congratulations mate and welcome to the RS family. Not many reds around so you will have something a little different and very cool. Just be aware the RS handling is only as awesome as the tyres letting it keep grip with terra-firma. It's 1 area you don't want to scrimp on come time to replace or the whole driving experience might dull a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedfiend41 Posted 15, September 2014 Report Share Posted 15, September 2014 Congratulations mate! Awesome car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaesh Posted 15, September 2014 Report Share Posted 15, September 2014 congrats mate!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 15, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 15, September 2014 Thanks everyone MM-RS250, any specific recommendations? The general consensus from the forum appears to be the continental contisport contacts (which I assume the car comes with OEM), but people have mentioned Goodyear F1GSD3s. I guess I'm wanting a short cut - not keen to read through all 1200 posts (in total) on that topic! But I guess I will get there =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomerRS Posted 15, September 2014 Report Share Posted 15, September 2014 I will say the Conti's mate but only because they are OEM on our's and after 22000km only just at half wear. Have had a few good drive days on them and rate them very highly. They should make the 3 years and roughly 35000km easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 23, September 2014 Author Report Share Posted 23, September 2014 Thanks MM Hopefully it will be a while until I buy some new ones - the car (when if finally gets here) will only have around 4200km (however these will have been fairly tough km) Thanks also for the info re life span! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekyage Posted 3, October 2014 Report Share Posted 3, October 2014 Great thread here guys, I'm in a similar situation to many of the posters. Can I ask where the anchor points are on the Megane RS 250/265? By looking at a few pics it looks like they are behind the back seats, is that right? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themarvel2004 Posted 3, October 2014 Report Share Posted 3, October 2014 Q - perhaps off topic - has any one fitted a baby seat in a Clio III (ie 197) & can tell how it goes? Congrats on 265 too. Wish I had the $. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdrei Posted 4, October 2014 Report Share Posted 4, October 2014 We (wife and I) have two car seats in the back of our 225 (3-door). One is an isofix Maxi Cosi convertible. It's rear facing at the moment and the only inconvenience is the passenger seat, which is in front of it, is slightly more forward than we'd have it, but not uncomfortably so. Unless you own a long wheelbase Bombodore, there isn't a car I've been in that could handle front seats right back in a comfortable position while the child seat is rear facing. I am 182cm tall and wife is 167cm. "So why do I post this given you ask if someone has this set up in a Clio III?" I hear you ask. Well I've had exactly the same set up in the RB7. While it's slightly smaller than the 225, again I wouldn't call it uncomfortable. This is with the Recaros. We tend to use the 225 for the kids as it's the wife's car, so is fitted and equipped with everything that is naturally a pain in the a*** to swap into the Clio unless there's a long drive ahead (e.g. nappy bags, Elmo wipes, pram, change of clothes, toys, etc.). While both cars have no rear passenger doors we don't want to get rid of either. We both enjoy driving. For reference, the kids are 13 months, and 5 years old. The youngest had his first ride in the 225. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themarvel2004 Posted 5, October 2014 Report Share Posted 5, October 2014 Thanks drdrei - most helpful. How do you go with the pram in the boot BTW? Any troubles fitting? Or just selective about the size you got? My other car is a Camry... So have acres in there, was just concerned that a Clio won't be a great back up if needed. However, have just looked at the Clio III - surprised by the extra rear seat room over the mkII. Could actually work... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK RS Posted 6, October 2014 Report Share Posted 6, October 2014 I was faced with the same concerns about having 2 baby seats in the back of a rs250, and decided to just take the plunge as it would never be the primary car to transport the kids. After having the car for 3 months now. I can say that I haven't looked back or regretted it. I have a 4 yr old and a two and a half yr old who absolutely love getting into the rs. My main concerns were picking up and out once they had fallen asleep, but the recaros move so far forward it's no problem at all. So in short my advice is go out and buy one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themarvel2004 Posted 6, October 2014 Report Share Posted 6, October 2014 Having now driven a 5dr 225 & Golf Gti, I'm quite liking the extra room. Still feels too big compared to the Clio though... Decisions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 7, October 2014 Author Report Share Posted 7, October 2014 cheeky age there are three anchor points down the bottom of the seats, so for some baby seats you may need an extension for the top clip. I have a photo but haven't figured out how to post it! Also have a photo with the baby seat in it. It's pretty easy to get her in and out but she's front facing, not sure how rear facing would go. By the way, our daughter LOVES this car, perhaps more than I do (no, that's going a bit far) so for any skeptics out there, I can't think of a better endorsement!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 7, October 2014 Author Report Share Posted 7, October 2014 Oh and don't forget there are isofix anchor points too, but you still need the top one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdrei Posted 7, October 2014 Report Share Posted 7, October 2014 Thanks drdrei - most helpful.How do you go with the pram in the boot BTW? Any troubles fitting? Or just selective about the size you got? My other car is a Camry... So have acres in there, was just concerned that a Clio won't be a great back up if needed. However, have just looked at the Clio III - surprised by the extra rear seat room over the mkII. Could actually work... In the 225 the pram is not a problem at all. We have a Strider Deluxe which you have to take one of the rear wheels off to fit in the boot of the 225. In the Clio RB7 you needed to take both wheels off. Now that the second child is more than 8 months old (he's 13 months now) we reverted to using our Maclaren. These prams are very underrated as they fold into very tight spaces. In fact, this particular pram has been in 7 cars (excluding hire cars), on three trips to Europe, 4 trips on flights interstate, dragged who-knows how many kms, and operates like the day we bought it. It shows a bit of wear and tear, but for what it's capable of I'd get one again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekyage Posted 7, October 2014 Report Share Posted 7, October 2014 cheeky age there are three anchor points down the bottom of the seats, so for some baby seats you may need an extension for the top clip. I have a photo but haven't figured out how to post it! Also have a photo with the baby seat in it. It's pretty easy to get her in and out but she's front facing, not sure how rear facing would go. By the way, our daughter LOVES this car, perhaps more than I do (no, that's going a bit far) so for any skeptics out there, I can't think of a better endorsement!! Thanks for your info chuckovski! The photos would be great to see how it looks all set up. Is anyone else using ISOFIX? I think there are only a couple of Australian approved manufacturers who are supplying child seats with ISOFIX. I just recently came across this - http://www.caradvice.com.au/308969/isof ... australia/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 15, October 2014 Author Report Share Posted 15, October 2014 hi cheekyage No worries Sorry I still can't figure out how to post a pic (I didn't think I had no idea about those kind of things) I've been looking at some other baby seats and I've found Mother's Choice models seem nice and compact which would probably pretty easily fit 3 across (mind you I haven't tried). Not many baby seats have Isofix in Australia, and the ones I've found are pretty expensive. Mind you I think it would be worth it - I would imagine it would be much safer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekyage Posted 17, October 2014 Report Share Posted 17, October 2014 No worries mate. Thanks for the update though So if you buy the ISOFIX seat you still need the anchor strap that hooks into the back clip of the seat yeah? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portal Posted 17, October 2014 Report Share Posted 17, October 2014 Correct! Britax have the trufix model out now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 11, January 2015 Author Report Share Posted 11, January 2015 Well a new arrival is due in April, so I'm going to see how a rear facing seat goes in it and give you all an update. My daughter still loves it - she always points to the Megane when we're going into the garage and is always disappointed when she ends up in the Skoda Superb! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 12, April 2015 Author Report Share Posted 12, April 2015 Finally figured out how to post pictures! I hope it's clear: plenty of room, currently has the largest baby seat you can buy sitting in it, it's a 0-8yo. Had a smaller one in before but that's gone into the family car. Only issue is my daughter putting her foot on the side around the speakers but if her shoes are off there's no issue. On the drive day in early April there were a few people with baby seats; no complaints from anyone about the space. I would recommend buying a seat with the shortest base (height wise) otherwise lifting a 14kg bag of cement into the seat when it has a high base is quite bad for your back. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekyage Posted 14, April 2015 Report Share Posted 14, April 2015 Thanks for the update mate [emoji4] Looks like there is still plenty of room back there. Is that an ISOFIX seat you have installed? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 18, April 2015 Author Report Share Posted 18, April 2015 Thanks for the update mate [emoji4] Looks like there is still plenty of room back there. Is that an ISOFIX seat you have installed? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk No isofix I'm afraid, they're all too expensive. They're all allegedly new models so they charge a premium, and the extra fiddly bits I guess cost more to manufacture; whereas if a 'normal' seat has a new color coming out this season the old one sells for $100. Can't say no to that! Mind you this one cost us $380. Thought it would save us money buying 0-8 but never did the maths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJAM Posted 19, April 2015 Report Share Posted 19, April 2015 Yep I have the Recaro CS in mine and the child seat. My 4 year old is completely happy back there. He calls it his cubby house for kids only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 24, July 2016 Author Report Share Posted 24, July 2016 Thought I'd update this thread saying that I've had the eldest on the car regularly, and now the new little bloke is in front facing he's in there. No issues. No regrets. Both the kids love the car, but as I think kaesh mentioned in the first few posts the windows are hard to see out. Sent from my XT1068 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbj4701 Posted 25, July 2016 Report Share Posted 25, July 2016 Fml. No stat warranty of course. 200k from dealer it's hesitating and backfiring when boost comes in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 25, July 2016 Author Report Share Posted 25, July 2016 Fml. No stat warranty of course. 200k from dealer it's hesitating and backfiring when boost comes in.Have I missed something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAWLER Posted 18, July 2018 Report Share Posted 18, July 2018 Bit of a thread resurrection. Am looking at the same question, non-ISOFIX front facing child seat in the back of an RS 250. Have found 2 potential set of anchor points - 1) set of silver rings along back of second row seats and 2) heavier set of rings under the carpet attached to the floor in each corner corner of the boot. 1) is in the expected position but look a bit flimsy compared to other cars I’ve had 2) looks stronger but harder to use. Seems like these are the points according to the manual also. If anyone confirm the correct anchor points would be much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 18, July 2018 Author Report Share Posted 18, July 2018 Bit of a thread resurrection. Am looking at the same question, non-ISOFIX front facing child seat in the back of an RS 250. Have found 2 potential set of anchor points - 1) set of silver rings along back of second row seats and 2) heavier set of rings under the carpet attached to the floor in each corner corner of the boot. 1) is in the expected position but look a bit flimsy compared to other cars I’ve had 2) looks stronger but harder to use. Seems like these are the points according to the manual also. If anyone confirm the correct anchor points would be much appreciated!There are some horizontal bars embedded in the back of the seats. I'll take a photo of them soon. Don't use whatever you're looking at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckovski Posted 18, July 2018 Author Report Share Posted 18, July 2018 My mistakeThe D rings about 4/5 the way down the back are the anchor points Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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