Honda Civic Type R vs Renault Megane RS
Verdict
Both are CBU, petrol, front-drive manual C-segment hatchbacks, so this is a proper like-for-like hot-hatch fight. The Honda Civic Type R asks a RM120,012 premium, but gets 315 hp, 420 Nm, 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h, a 272 km/h top speed, AEB and a five-year warranty. The Renault Megane RS is close on pace at 276 hp, 390 Nm and 5.8 seconds, while adding a fifth seat, a 50-litre tank and a stated 7.9 L/100 km figure.
Pick the Honda Civic Type R if you want the quicker, more powerful manual hatch with AEB, a bigger boot and the longer five-year warranty.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if you want a manual hot hatch that costs far less, seats five and still does 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Key differences
- Price: Honda Civic Type R RM399,900; Renault Megane RS RM279,888
- Output: Honda Civic Type R 315 hp/420 Nm; Renault Megane RS 276 hp/390 Nm
- Acceleration/top speed: Honda Civic Type R 5.5 s/272 km/h; Renault Megane RS 5.8 s/255 km/h
- Seats/boot: Honda Civic Type R 4 seats/410 L; Renault Megane RS 5 seats/384 L
- Warranty/AEB: Honda Civic Type R 5 years/Yes; Renault Megane RS 3 years/—
- Road tax: Honda Civic Type R RM378 yearly; Renault Megane RS RM279 yearly
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 399,900 | RM 279,888✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,996 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Power | 315 hp✓ | 276 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm✓ | 390 Nm |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 5.5 s✓ | 5.8 s |
| Top speed | 272 km/h✓ | 255 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 7.9 L/100km |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 410 L✓ | 384 L |
| Fuel tank | 47 L | 50 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5✓ | 3 |
| Road tax / year | RM 378 | RM 279✓ |
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.
Civic Type R
- More power and torque: 315 hp and 420 Nm
- Quicker 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- AEB plus a five-year warranty
- RM120,012 dearer than the Renault Megane RS
- Four seats, not five
- Fuel economy and CO2 figures are not stated
Megane RS
- RM279,888 price is much lower
- Five seats versus the Honda’s four
- 7.9 L/100 km fuel economy is stated
- Lower output at 276 hp and 390 Nm
- Slower 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Three-year warranty and no AEB shown
Civic Type R vs Megane RS FAQ
Is the Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS better?
The Honda Civic Type R is better for outright performance and safety kit, with 315 hp, 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h and AEB. The Renault Megane RS is better value if you need five seats and can accept 276 hp and 5.8 seconds.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic Type R costs RM399,900, while the Renault Megane RS costs RM279,888. That makes the Honda RM120,012 more expensive.
Which one is more practical?
It depends on what you carry. The Honda Civic Type R has the larger boot at 410 litres versus 384 litres, but the Renault Megane RS has five seats instead of four.