New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

What's the best hot hatch on sale today? To find out we're pitting the new Renault Megane RS against our reigning champion, the Honda Civic Type R, and Volkswagen's freshly tweaked Golf R...

New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

This area is unlikely to be your top priority, but one of the advantages of hot hatches over proper sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5 is that you don’t have to leave your kids at home – unless you want to, of course.

 

New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

The Civic is the roomiest in the back; it doesn’t have quite as much head room as its rivals, but there’s loads more leg room. The Mégane would be your last choice if you had to sit in the back.

 

New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

It’s an easy win for the Civic when it comes to boot space, too. It has the longest and tallest load bay and swallowed the most carry-on suitcases (seven). The Mégane accepted five and the Golf four, although the former has the narrowest boot opening and the biggest lip to negotiate when you’re lifting stuff in and out.


Honda Civic Type R

 

New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

Boot 420-1209 litres Suitcases 7


Renault Megane RS

 

New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

Boot tbc Suitcases 5


Volkswagen Golf R

 

New Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

Boot 343-1233 litres Suitcases 4