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...
Our verdict
The Golf R has many strengths, but the majority them aren’t the sort that make a great hot hatch. Yes, it’s devastatingly fast in a straight line, but it’s outclassed through the corners and is very expensive – particularly if you’re buying on PCP finance. If it’s the classy interior, decent practicality and VW badge that appeal, the Golf GTI offers those things for a lot less cash.
The fight for the win is tighter affair and the Civic and Megane are undoubtedly two of the finest hot hatches you can buy. The Civic will cost you more to buy and own, but we reckon it’s worth the premium. It’s a wonderfully well-engineered machine that’s both astonishing capable and great fun. The fact it’s so easy to live with only adds to its appeal.
The Megane isn’t the best all-rounder, but the way it changes direction embarrasses even the Civic, and the fact it’s so much cheaper than its rivals means it still deserves a five-star rating.
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For Staggering high-speed cornering ability; brilliant gearshift; driving position; easily the most practical
Against Terrible infotainment system; road noise
Recommended options None
Rated 5 out of 5
Read our full Honda Civic Type R review
Find a great Honda Civic Type R deal
2nd – Renault Megane RS
For Incredible agility; sweet-sounding engine; cheap in this company
Against So-so performance; firm ride; you’ll want to add a few options
Recommended options 19in alloys (£950); metallic paint (from £550); Safety Pack Premium £400)
Rated 5 out of 5
Read our full Renault Megane RS review
Find a great Renault Megane RS deal
3rd – Volkswagen Golf R
For Devastatingly fast; reasonably quiet and comfy by hot hatch standards; classiest interior
Against Shown up through the bends; most expensive to buy and own; smallest boot
Recommended options Metallic paint (£575)
Rated 3 out of 5
Read our full Volkswagen Golf R review
Find a great Volkswagen Golf R deal
Also consider:
Specifications: Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo
Engine size 4cyl, 1996cc, turbo petrol
List price £31,525
Target Price £31,300
Power 316bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque 295Ib ft @ 2500-4500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 5.4sec
Top speed 169mph
Gov't fuel economy 35.1mpg
CO2 emissions 176g/km
Specifications: Renault Megane RS 1.8 280 Cup
Engine size 4cyl, 1798cc, turbo petrol
List price £28,995
Target Price £28,995
Power 276bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 287Ib ft @ 2400rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 5.9sec
Top speed 158mph
Gov't fuel economy 39.8mpg
CO2 emissions 161g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 300 DSG
Engine size 4cyl, 1984cc, turbo petrol
List price £34,910
Target Price £31,873
Power 296bhp @ tbc
Torque tbc
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 4.5sec
Top speed 155mph
Gov't fuel economy tbc
CO2 emissions tbc
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