Used test: Honda Civic Type R vs Renault Mégane RS vs Volkswagen Golf R

Our verdict

The Golf R has many strengths, but the majority of them aren’t the sort that make a great hot hatch. Yes, it’s devastatingly fast in a straight line, but it’s outclassed through corners. If it’s the classy interior, decent practicality and VW badge that appeal, the GTI offers those things for a lot less cash, especially at two years old.

The fight for the win is a tighter affair, and the Civic and Mégane are undoubtedly two of the best hot hatches you can buy. The Civic will cost you a fraction more to buy and own, but we reckon it’s worth the premium. It’s a wonderfully well-engineered machine that’s both astonishingly capable and great fun. That it’s easy to live with only adds to its appeal.

The Mégane isn’t the best all-rounder, but the way it changes direction embarrasses even the Civic, and the fact that it’s a little cheaper than its rivals at this age means it’s a well-deserved silver medal for it here.  

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1st – Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo

For Staggering high-speed cornering ability; brilliant gearshift; driving position; easily the most practical
Against Terrible infotainment system; road noise

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Read our full used Honda Civic Type R review >> 

Find used Honda Civic Type R for sale >>

2nd – Renault Mégane RS 280 Cup

For Incredible agility; sweet-sounding engine; cheapest at this age
Against So-so performance; firm ride; poorly equipped

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Read our full used Renault Megane RS review >>

Find used Renault Megane RS for sale >>

3rd – Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 300 DSG

For Devastatingly fast; reasonably quiet and comfy by hot hatch standards; classiest interior
Against Shown up through corners; most expensive to buy here; smallest boot

What Car? rating 3 out of 5 stars

Read our full used Volkswagen Golf R review >>

Find used Volkswagen Golf R for sale >>

Specifications: Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo

• Engine size - 2.0-litre petrol
• Power - 316bhp
• Torque - 295lb ft
• 0-60mph - 5.4sec
• Top speed - 169mph
• Fuel economy - 35.1mpg (Official average)
• CO2 emissions - 176g/km

Specifications: Renault Mégane RS 280 Cup

• Engine size - 1.8-litre petrol
• Power - 276bhp
• Torque - 287lb ft
• 0-60mph - 5.9sec
• Top speed - 158mph
• Fuel economy - 39.8mpg (Official average)
• CO2 emissions - 161g/km

Specifications: Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 300 DSG

• Engine size - 2.0-litre petrol
• Power - 306bhp
• Torque - 295lb ft
• 0-60mph - 4.5sec
• Top speed - 155mph
• Fuel economy - 32.8mpg (Official average)
• CO2 emissions - 164g/km

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