Verdict
At RM368,888, the Renault Megane RS costs RM50,076 more than the RM338,812 Volkswagen Golf R, yet the Volkswagen is quicker: 329 hp, 420 Nm from 1,500 rpm and 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h against 296 hp, 420 Nm from 2,400 rpm and 5.8 seconds. Its 4Motion all-wheel drive, seven airbags and autonomous braking strengthen the case. The Renault answers with Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and a Torsen limited-slip differential, plus a 384-litre boot versus 341 litres. It is the more specialised choice, but the Golf has the broader equipment advantage.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering, a Torsen limited-slip differential and the larger 384-litre boot matter more than outright acceleration and driver-assistance equipment.
Pick the Volkswagen Golf R if you want 329 hp, 4Motion all-wheel drive, a 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time and more active safety for RM50,076 less.
Key differences
- Price: Renault Megane RS RM368,888; Volkswagen Golf R RM338,812.
- Power and acceleration: Renault Megane RS 296 hp and 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds; Volkswagen Golf R 329 hp and 4.6 seconds.
- Driveline and gearbox: Renault Megane RS front-wheel drive with a six-speed wet dual-clutch; Volkswagen Golf R all-wheel drive with a seven-speed wet…
- Boot space: Renault Megane RS 384 litres; Volkswagen Golf R 341 litres.
- Safety: Renault Megane RS has six airbags and no autonomous braking; Volkswagen Golf R has seven airbags and autonomous braking.
- Warranty: Renault Megane RS gets three years/100,000 km; Volkswagen Golf R gets two years/unlimited mileage.
Megane RS
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and Torsen limited-slip differential.
- 384-litre boot is 43 litres larger.
- Three-year, 100,000-km warranty.
- RM50,076 dearer despite 33 hp less and a 1.2-second slower 0-100 km/h time.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist.
- Six airbags versus the Golf R's seven.
Golf R
- 329 hp and 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 4Motion all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.
- Autonomous braking, collision warning, steering correction and seven airbags.
- 341-litre boot is 43 litres smaller.
- Two-year warranty versus the Megane RS's three years.
- RM372 annual road tax is RM93 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,888 | RM338,812✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM279✓ | RM372 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,798 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Horsepower | 296 hp at 6,000 rpm | 329 hp✓ |
| Torque | 420 Nm at 2,400 rpm | 420 Nm at 1,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 79.7 mm × 90.1 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch | 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | BorgWarner |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds | 4.6 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 260 km/h | — |
| Co2 | 181 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,364 mm | 4,296 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,789 mm |
| Height | 1,445 mm | 1,454 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,669 mm | 2,629 mm |
| Weight | 1,405 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 384 litres✓ | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/35R19 | 235/35R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/35R19 | 235/35R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Continental MaxContact MC6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | France (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Interlagos Alloy | 19" Estoril 2-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Interlagos Alloy | 19" Estoril 2-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Cup Suspension, Rear-wheel Steering, Torsen Limited-slip Differential, Launch Control | 4Motion AWD with Torque Vectoring |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | IQ.Light Matrix LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with 3-person Memory, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 3 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | R-Link 2 Infotainment System with 8.7" Vertical Touchscreen and 8 Speakers | 12.9" Digital Cockpit Pro with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 9-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, 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 | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive 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 | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years✓ | 2 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 Megane RS & Golf R for sale
Megane RS vs Golf R FAQ
Is the Renault Megane RS or Volkswagen Golf R better?
The Volkswagen Golf R is the stronger all-round choice: it is quicker, less expensive, all-wheel drive and has more active safety equipment. Choose the Renault Megane RS specifically for its Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering, Torsen differential and larger boot.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Megane RS costs RM50,076 more than the Volkswagen Golf R.
Which has more luggage space?
The Renault Megane RS has the larger boot at 384 litres, compared with 341 litres for the Volkswagen Golf R. That is a 43-litre advantage for the Renault.
