Standing out – petrolhead Khalil Dagher and his Renault Megane RS

When Khalil Dagher graduated from the Lebanese American University of Beirut, he thought he would end up working at the United Nations full time.

Born in the United States – he’s lived in Sierra Leone, Guinea, the UK, and Lebanon before settling in the UAE – definitely earned his Globetrotter badge!

Now a leading PR executive in the automotive sector, Khalil’s journey has brought him full circle.

Avid writer. History buff. Geography aficionado. Hardcore Man United fan – Mikaniki went behind the scenes with the petrolhead himself in an exclusive scoop featuring:

• Automotive influences
• Why a Renault Megane RS is his car of choice
• Why he doesn’t add performance mods to his rods
• Admiring Yoshihiko Matsuo
• And more!

Give it up for Citizen of the World: Khalil!

Oh and, COVID notwithstanding, if you can’t get him on his cell – he’s either at a car meet or at a museum.

Born a Petrolhead

I got into cars at an early age because of my uncle and father – who were also into cars. They used to say that as a 5- or 6-year-old, I was able to name different cars with ease. 

Growing up in Africa, it was all about SUVs. But I remember my dream car as a kid was the 1967 Shelby GT500, from Gone In 60 Seconds.

Standing out from the crowd

Ever since I was old enough to drive, I wanted a car that stood out and turned heads. I used to love the Volvo C30 T5, for example, because literally nobody had one.

This is why I chose the Renault Megane RS. Apart from being an incredible hot hatch – I didn’t want to be like everyone else and buy a Golf R, Ford Focus ST or Audi S3 – it’s a car that really sets itself apart and surprises people. More importantly, it’s fun to drive!

Any performance mods?

Apart from cosmetic modifications – black rims, red calipers, ceramic coating – nothing. I honestly don’t believe in modifying cars. 

This is just my opinion, but I’d rather buy a car that is stock and enjoy it for what it is. Even after two years, my Megane RS surprises me everyday – I know there is still more to discover. If I want more power then, hopefully one day, I will buy another car that can give me that.

Favourite car designer?

I’m a huge fan of JDM cars and hope to one day own one. 

With that in mind, my favourite designer is Yoshihiko Matsuo, who designed the iconic Datsun 240z. He broke a lot of rules when Nissan/Datsun executives tried to steer the design in a different direction. 

He had the foresight to see he could create a car that would be the perfect mix between form and functionality. In turn, he created a legend and – to be honest – one of my favourite cars.

Other cars you’d like to see in your garage?

Always a tough question. 

I am a petrolhead – so would want like 30 cars! 

One car that I think would be the ultimate dream for me: the one and only 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. 

Another, hopefully more attainable option, would have to be the Nissan Skyline GTR R34.

Hobbies outside cars

I’m a massive football fan – I played as a left-winger in my youth. I also enjoy reading and watching documentaries about ancient history (maybe a bit too much!).

I’m an avid writer and history and geography aficionado. I enjoy museums and learning about history and have also taken a stab at writing my own novel. 

Follow Khalil

Absolutely wonderful to catch up with Khalil – petrolhead extraordinaire – and his Renault Megane RS.

You can follow him on Instagram: @k_dagher

Until the next time – sayonara!