Verdict
The Mk4 facelift is the faster, more complete Megane RS: 296 hp and 420 Nm cut the 0-100 km/h time to 5.8 seconds, while the Mk3 makes 265 hp, 360 Nm and takes 6.0 seconds. It also adds five doors, a 384-litre boot, rear-wheel steering and a Torsen limited-slip differential. But the RM171,000 gap is enormous in Malaysia. At RM197,888, the 265 hp Mk3 manual with Recaro fabric seats is the far cheaper route into a Renault Sport hatch; its RM379 annual road tax is RM100 higher, however.
Pick the Renault Megane RS Mk3 Facelift if a six-speed manual, Recaro sport seats and a RM171,000 lower purchase price matter more than extra doors and performance hardware.
Pick the Renault Megane RS Mk4 Facelift if you want 296 hp, 420 Nm, a wet dual-clutch gearbox, five-door practicality and its Cup chassis equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Mk3 RM197,888; Mk4 RM368,888.
- Output: Mk3 265 hp and 360 Nm; Mk4 296 hp and 420 Nm.
- Performance: Mk3 reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and tops out at 250 km/h; Mk4 does 5.8 seconds and 260 km/h.
- Practicality: Mk3 has three doors and a 344-litre boot; Mk4 has five doors and a 384-litre boot.
- Chassis: Mk3 uses a torsion-beam rear suspension and Sport Chassis; Mk4 gets multi-link rear suspension, rear-wheel steering and a Torsen limited-slip…
- Running figures: Mk3 is rated at 8.2 L/100 km with RM379 annual road tax; Mk4 is rated at 7.9 L/100 km with RM279 road tax.
Mk3 Facelift
- RM171,000 cheaper to buy.
- Six-speed manual gearbox and Recaro sport fabric seats.
- Larger 60-litre fuel tank.
- 265 hp and 360 Nm trail the Mk4's 296 hp and 420 Nm.
- Three doors and a 344-litre boot are less practical than the Mk4's five doors and 384 litres.
- Lacks the Mk4's rear-wheel steering, Torsen limited-slip differential and launch control.
Mk4 Facelift
- 296 hp, 420 Nm and a 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Five doors, 384-litre boot and rear air-con vents.
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering, Torsen limited-slip differential and launch control.
- Costs RM171,000 more.
- 31 kg heavier at 1,405 kg.
- Smaller 50-litre fuel tank than the Mk3's 60 litres.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM197,888✓ | RM368,888 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM279✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 296 hp✓ |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82.7 mm | 79.7 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6MT | 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Renault | Getrag |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds | 5.8 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 8.2 L/100 km | 7.9 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 260 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 190 g/km | 181 g/km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,299 mm | 4,364 mm |
| Width | 1,848 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | — | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,636 mm | 2,669 mm |
| Weight | 1,374 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 3 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 344 litres | 384 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/40R18 | 245/35R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/40R18 | 245/35R19 |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Spain (CBU) | France (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Sport Chassis | Cup Suspension, Rear-wheel Steering, Torsen Limited-slip Differential, Launch Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Side, Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point belts | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-Xenon Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Normal bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual adjustment, Recaro sport fabric seats | Manual Adjustment |
| 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 |
| Power Sockets | 1x front | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map lights, Ambient | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | Two front | 2 Front, 3 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers | R-Link 2 Infotainment System with 8.7" Vertical Touchscreen and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | 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 | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 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 cars for sale
Mk3 Facelift vs Mk4 Facelift FAQ
Is the Renault Megane RS Mk3 Facelift or Renault Megane RS Mk4 Facelift better?
The Mk4 is better equipped and faster, with 296 hp, 420 Nm, rear-wheel steering, a Torsen limited-slip differential and five doors. The Mk3 is the better value choice if you specifically want a manual and can accept 265 hp, three doors and less equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Megane RS Mk4 Facelift costs RM171,000 more than the Mk3 facelift.
Which Megane RS is more practical for daily use?
The Mk4 is more practical: it has five doors, a 384-litre boot, four power windows, rear air-con vents and a reverse camera. The Mk3 has three doors, two power windows and a 344-litre boot, though it carries 10 litres more fuel.
