Verdict
The Volkswagen Arteon is the more rational Malaysian buy: it costs RM77,876 less at RM291,012, reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, uses 7.4 L/100 km and carries 563 litres in its boot. Its 2,837 mm wheelbase is 168 mm longer, too. The Renault Megane RS answers with 296 hp, 420 Nm, Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and a Torsen limited-slip differential, so it is the specialist choice rather than the practical one. Its 260 km/h top speed also exceeds the Arteon’s by 10 km/h.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if 296 hp, 420 Nm, rear-wheel steering and its Cup suspension matter more than price, boot space and driver-assistance equipment.
Pick the Volkswagen Arteon if you want the quicker 0-100 km/h time, all-wheel drive, a 563-litre boot and stronger safety and convenience kit for less money.
Key differences
- Price: Renault Megane RS RM368,888; Volkswagen Arteon RM291,012.
- Performance: Megane RS has 296 hp and 420 Nm; Arteon has 276 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Megane RS 5.8 seconds; Arteon 5.6 seconds.
- Economy: Megane RS 7.9 L/100 km; Arteon 7.4 L/100 km.
- Boot space: Megane RS 384 litres; Arteon 563 litres.
- Wheelbase: Megane RS 2,669 mm; Arteon 2,837 mm.
Megane RS
- 296 hp and 420 Nm exceed the Arteon’s outputs.
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and Torsen limited-slip differential.
- 260 km/h top speed versus 250 km/h.
- RM77,876 more expensive.
- 384-litre boot is 179 litres smaller.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control.
Arteon
- RM77,876 lower purchase price.
- 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time and all-wheel drive.
- 563-litre boot, 360-degree camera and autonomous emergency braking.
- 276 hp and 350 Nm trail the Megane RS.
- 250 km/h top speed is 10 km/h lower.
- Road tax is RM372 a year versus RM279.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,888 | RM291,012✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-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 with Twin-Scroll Turbocharger, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | 1,798 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Horsepower | 296 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 276 hp at 5,100 rpm |
| Torque | 420 Nm at 2,400 rpm✓ | 350 Nm at 1,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 79.7 mm × 90.1 mm | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2 | 9.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch | 7-speed DSG |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Volkswagen AG |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | 7.4 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 260 km/h✓ | 250 km/h |
| Co2 | 181 g/km | 164 g/km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,364 mm | 4,862 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,871 mm |
| Height | 1,445 mm | 1,450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,669 mm | 2,837 mm |
| Weight | 1,405 kg | 1,600 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 66 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 384 litres | 563 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/35R19 | 245/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/35R19 | 245/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full-Size 19" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | France (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Interlagos Alloy | 19" Montevideo Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Interlagos Alloy | 19" Montevideo Two-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 | Adaptive Dampers |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 Airbags, Stability Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projectors with Cornering Lights and Auto High Beam |
| 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 | 14-Way Power-adjustable with Driver's Side Memory |
| 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 Rear, 2 Front USB-C, 1 Front Qi Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (3 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 3 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | R-Link 2 Infotainment System with 8.7" Vertical Touchscreen and 8 Speakers | Discover Pro 9.2" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 12-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 | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 3-year/45,000 km Free Service |
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 & Arteon for sale
Megane RS vs Arteon FAQ
Is the Renault Megane RS or Volkswagen Arteon better?
The Volkswagen Arteon is better for most buyers because it is cheaper, quicker to 100 km/h, more economical and far roomier. Choose the Renault Megane RS for its higher power and torque, plus Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and a Torsen differential.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Megane RS costs RM368,888 and the Volkswagen Arteon costs RM291,012, so the Megane RS is RM77,876 more expensive.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Volkswagen Arteon has the bigger boot at 563 litres, compared with 384 litres in the Renault Megane RS. That is a 179-litre advantage for the Arteon.
