Used test: Honda Civic Type R vs Renault Mégane RS vs Volkswagen Golf R
Buy any of these absolutely cracking hot hatches at a couple of years old and you'll have yourself a bargain, but which one will look best on your driveway? We have the answer.....
Our verdict
The Golf R has many strengths, but the majority of 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 corners. If it’s the classy interior, decent practicality and VW badge that appeal, the GTI offers those things for a lot less cash, especially at two years old.
The fight for the win is a tighter affair, and the Civic and Mégane are undoubtedly two of the best hot hatches you can buy. The Civic will cost you a fraction more to buy and own, but we reckon it’s worth the premium. It’s a wonderfully well-engineered machine that’s both astonishingly capable and great fun. That it’s easy to live with only adds to its appeal.
The Mégane isn’t the best all-rounder, but the way it changes direction embarrasses even the Civic, and the fact that it’s a little cheaper than its rivals at this age means it’s a well-deserved silver medal for it here.
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1st – Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo
For Staggering high-speed cornering ability; brilliant gearshift; driving position; easily the most practical
Against Terrible infotainment system; road noise
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full used Honda Civic Type R review >>
Find used Honda Civic Type R for sale >>
2nd – Renault Mégane RS 280 Cup
For Incredible agility; sweet-sounding engine; cheapest at this age
Against So-so performance; firm ride; poorly equipped
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full used Renault Megane RS review >>
Find used Renault Megane RS for sale >>
3rd – Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 300 DSG
For Devastatingly fast; reasonably quiet and comfy by hot hatch standards; classiest interior
Against Shown up through corners; most expensive to buy here; smallest boot
What Car? rating 3 out of 5 stars
Read our full used Volkswagen Golf R review >>
Find used Volkswagen Golf R for sale >>
Specifications: Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo
- Engine size - 2.0-litre petrol
- Power - 316bhp
- Torque - 295lb ft
- 0-60mph - 5.4sec
- Top speed - 169mph
- Fuel economy - 35.1mpg (Official average)
- CO2 emissions - 176g/km
Specifications: Renault Mégane RS 280 Cup
- Engine size - 1.8-litre petrol
- Power - 276bhp
- Torque - 287lb ft
- 0-60mph - 5.9sec
- Top speed - 158mph
- Fuel economy - 39.8mpg (Official average)
- CO2 emissions - 161g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 300 DSG
- Engine size - 2.0-litre petrol
- Power - 306bhp
- Torque - 295lb ft
- 0-60mph - 4.5sec
- Top speed - 155mph
- Fuel economy - 32.8mpg (Official average)
- CO2 emissions - 164g/km