Verdict
The Honda Civic Type R is RM399,900, RM31,012 above the RM368,888 Renault Megane RS, but brings 315 hp, a 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time and Honda Sensing autonomous braking, collision warning and lane-keeping steering correction. Its 410-litre boot also beats the Renault’s 384 litres, though it is a four-seater. The Megane RS counters with a five-seat cabin, 6-speed wet dual-clutch, rear-wheel steering and Torsen limited-slip differential, while costing RM99 less annually in road tax. For a Malaysian buyer, the Honda is the faster, more safety-equipped choice; the Renault is the lower-entry automatic hot hatch.
Pick the Honda Civic Type R if you want 315 hp, a 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time and Honda Sensing driver assistance.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if you want a five-seat hot hatch with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel steering and a lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Honda Civic Type R RM399,900; Renault Megane RS RM368,888.
- Power: Honda Civic Type R 315 hp; Renault Megane RS 296 hp.
- 0-100 km/h: Honda Civic Type R 5.5 seconds; Renault Megane RS 5.8 seconds.
- Transmission: Honda Civic Type R 6-speed manual; Renault Megane RS 6-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
- Seating and boot space: Honda Civic Type R 4 seats and 410 litres; Renault Megane RS 5 seats and 384 litres.
- Driver assistance: Honda Civic Type R has autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist; Renault Megane RS has neither.
Civic Type R
- 315 hp and 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Honda Sensing adds autonomous braking, collision warning and lane-keeping assist.
- Larger 410-litre boot and 4 front parking sensors.
- Costs more to buy than the Renault Megane RS.
- Six-speed manual instead of the Renault’s dual-clutch automatic.
- Four seats versus five in the Renault.
Megane RS
- Lower purchase price and RM279 annual road tax.
- 6-speed wet dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifts.
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering, Torsen limited-slip differential and launch control.
- 296 hp and a 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time trail the Honda.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist.
- Smaller 384-litre boot.
| 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✓ | 296 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 86 mm | 79.7 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 | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, 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 | 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 | — | 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 better for outright pace, with 315 hp and 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h, plus autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist. Choose the Megane RS for its dual-clutch automatic, five seats and Cup chassis hardware.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic Type R costs RM31,012 more than the Renault Megane RS. The Honda’s annual road tax is also RM99 higher, at RM378 versus RM279.
Which hot hatch has more practical cabin space?
The Renault Megane RS has five seats to the Honda Civic Type R’s four. However, the Honda has the larger boot at 410 litres, compared with 384 litres for the Renault.
