Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, these are sharply different C-segment hatchbacks despite sharing five doors and front-wheel drive. The Nissan Leaf costs RM168,888, a RM200,000 saving over the Renault, and brings a 40.0-kWh battery, 270-km EV range and 435-litre boot. The Megane RS is the outright performance choice: 296 hp, 420 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds against the Leaf’s 148-hp motor, 320 Nm and 7.9 seconds. Its Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and Torsen differential make that extra outlay about driving rather than mere transport.
Pick the Nissan Leaf if you want the far lower entry price, 270-km electric range, a larger 435-litre boot and autonomous emergency braking.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if 296 hp, a 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time, 19-inch tyres and its Cup chassis hardware matter more than EV running and luggage space.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Leaf RM168,888; Renault Megane RS RM368,888.
- Power and torque: Leaf 148 hp and 320 Nm; Megane RS 296 hp and 420 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: Leaf 7.9 seconds and 155 km/h; Megane RS 5.8 seconds and 260 km/h.
- Energy storage and consumption: Leaf 40.0-kWh battery with 270-km range; Megane RS 50-litre petrol tank and 7.9 L/100 km.
- Boot space and kerb weight: Leaf 435 litres and 1,544 kg; Megane RS 384 litres and 1,405 kg.
- Rear suspension and wheels: Leaf torsion beam with 17-inch alloys; Megane RS multi-link with 19-inch alloys.
Leaf
- 40.0-kWh battery with a 270-km EV range
- 435-litre boot, 51 litres larger than the Megane RS
- Autonomous emergency braking and Around View Monitor
- Slower at 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h versus 5.8 seconds
- 155-km/h top speed trails the Megane RS's 260 km/h
- Torsion-beam rear suspension lacks the Megane RS's multi-link, rear-wheel steering and Torsen differential
Megane RS
- 296 hp and 420 Nm through a six-speed wet dual-clutch
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering, Torsen limited-slip differential and launch control
- Dual-zone climate control, rear vents and an 8.7-inch touchscreen with eight speakers
- Costs RM200,000 more than the Nissan Leaf
- 384-litre boot is 51 litres smaller
- 7.9 L/100 km petrol consumption and RM279 annual road tax versus the Leaf's RM100
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM168,888✓ | RM368,888 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM279 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 296 hp |
| Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 79.7 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.2 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 148 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 320 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 40.0 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 270 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 50.0 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | Constant Ratio Gearbox for EV | 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Nissan | Getrag |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 5.8 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 260 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 181 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,364 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,540 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,669 mm |
| Weight | 1,544 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres✓ | 384 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 245/35R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/50R17 | 245/35R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop Enasave EC300 | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | France (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | e-Pedal, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control | Cup Suspension, Rear-wheel Steering, Torsen Limited-slip Differential, Launch Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 Airbags and Autonomous Emergency Braking | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 3 Rear |
| Audio | 5" Display Radio/CD Player with USB, Bluetooth, AUX-in and 4 Speakers | R-Link 2 Infotainment System with 8.7" Vertical Touchscreen and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver'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 | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Around View Monitor (AVM) | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | 6.6 kW Wallbox, 7" Information Display, Climate Control Timer | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Complimentary Usage of Nissan SUV, MPV or Pick-up for 23 Days per Year | — |
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 Leaf & Megane RS for sale
Leaf vs Megane RS FAQ
Is the Nissan Leaf or Renault Megane RS better?
The Leaf is the better choice for lower upfront cost, electric driving, a 270-km range and a 435-litre boot. The Megane RS is better for performance and chassis hardware, reaching 100 km/h 2.1 seconds sooner.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Megane RS costs RM200,000 more: RM368,888 versus RM168,888 for the Nissan Leaf.
Which is quicker, the Nissan Leaf or Renault Megane RS?
The Renault Megane RS is quicker, completing 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and reaching 260 km/h. The Nissan Leaf takes 7.9 seconds and has a 155-km/h top speed.