Verdict
At RM399,900, the Honda Civic Type R costs RM31,012 more than the RM368,888 Renault Megane RS, but it brings 315 hp, a 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time and a 410-litre boot. The Renault matches its 420 Nm torque, uses a six-speed wet dual-clutch and adds rear-wheel steering, a Torsen limited-slip differential and launch control. For Malaysian buyers who want driver-assistance hardware and five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, the Honda justifies its higher entry price. The Renault is the cheaper automatic hot hatch, with five seats and a lower RM279 annual road tax.
Pick the Honda Civic Type R if you want the quicker 5.5-second sprint, 315 hp, Honda Sensing and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if you want a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel steering, launch control and a RM31,012 lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Honda Civic Type R RM399,900; Renault Megane RS RM368,888.
- Power and 0-100 km/h: Honda Civic Type R 315 hp and 5.5 seconds; Renault Megane RS 296 hp and 5.8 seconds.
- Transmission: Honda Civic Type R six-speed manual; Renault Megane RS six-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
- Seating and boot space: Honda Civic Type R four seats and 410 litres; Renault Megane RS five seats and 384 litres.
- Warranty: Honda Civic Type R five years, unlimited mileage; Renault Megane RS three years or 100,000 km.
- Annual road tax: Honda Civic Type R RM378; Renault Megane RS RM279.
Civic Type R
- 315 hp and 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Honda Sensing with autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction and adaptive cruise control.
- 410-litre boot and five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Costs RM31,012 more than the Renault Megane RS.
- Six-speed manual only, against the Renault's wet dual-clutch automatic.
- Has four seats, while the Renault seats five.
Megane RS
- RM368,888 price and RM279 annual road tax.
- Six-speed wet dual-clutch with paddle shifts and launch control.
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and Torsen limited-slip differential.
- 296 hp and 5.8-second 0-100 km/h performance trail the Honda's 315 hp and 5.5 seconds.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or collision warning listed.
- Three-year/100,000-km warranty is shorter than the Honda's five-year unlimited-mileage cover.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM399,900 | RM368,888✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM378 | RM279✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,996 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 315 hp at 6,500 rpm✓ | 296 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 420 Nm at 2,600 rpm | 420 Nm at 2,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 86 mm × 85.9 mm | 79.7 mm × 90.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8 | 9.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Getrag |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.5 seconds✓ | 5.8 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 272 km/h✓ | 260 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 181 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,593 mm | 4,364 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,407 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,734 mm | 2,669 mm |
| Weight | 1,423 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 410 litres✓ | 384 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/30R19 | 245/35R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/30R19 | 245/35R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | France (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Dampers | Cup Suspension, Rear-wheel Steering, Torsen Limited-slip Differential, Launch Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-A | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 3 Rear |
| Audio | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay | R-Link 2 Infotainment System with 8.7" Vertical Touchscreen and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's and Front Passenger's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Civic Type R & Megane RS for sale
Civic Type R vs Megane RS FAQ
Is the Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS better?
The Civic Type R is the better choice for outright pace, Honda Sensing, a larger 410-litre boot and longer warranty. Choose the Megane RS for its automatic gearbox and chassis hardware: rear-wheel steering, Torsen differential and launch control.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic Type R costs RM399,900 and the Renault Megane RS costs RM368,888, so the Honda carries a RM31,012 premium.
Which one is more practical for passengers?
The Renault Megane RS has five seats, rear air vents and three rear cup holders. The Civic Type R has four seats but a larger 410-litre boot, versus 384 litres in the Renault.
