Audi A3 8V vs Renault Megane MK4

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

Renault Megane

MK4 · 2016 – 2022

The fourth Mégane (MK4), on the CMF-CD platform with a comfort-focused ride.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the A3 for a premium, digital interior and efficient engines in a compact hatch.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Megane

Pick the MK4 for the comfortable, roomy Mégane with a proven and efficient engine range.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel) — post-2020 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	Audi A3	Renault Megane
Power	150 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s Winner	9,5 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	109,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km Winner	119 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km Winner	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Renault Megane
Boot	380 L	402 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L	1.240 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,67 m Winner
Length	4,31 m	4,36 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	—
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,1 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Renault Megane
Platform	MQB (transverse)	CMF-CD
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe (GT) · 1.5 Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · E-Tech PHEV
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

Renault Megane

1.2 TCe (H5F, pre-2018): oil consumption and timing chain
EDC6: jerky shifts at low speed
Electronics and infotainment: freezes

Pros

Audi A3

High-grade interior quality
Efficient EA211/EA288 engines
Optional quattro drive

Renault Megane

Comfortable, well-balanced ride
Roomy boot for the class (384–402 L)
Proven 1.3 TCe and efficient 1.5 Blue dCi

Cons

Audi A3

Firm ride on S line
Dated pre-facelift infotainment

Renault Megane

1.2 TCe (early years): oil consumption and chain risk
EDC automatic can be juddery

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

Renault Megane

Competent and composed for the compact class, with steering that is light but accurate enough for daily use. Body control is improved over the previous generation, with a comfortable ride on normal roads that becomes firmer on larger wheels. The 1.3 TCe and 1.5 Blue dCi feel responsive for everyday driving; the early 1.2 TCe is adequate when healthy but less refined. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can show low-speed hesitation or judder on some examples. RS versions are significantly firmer and more focused. Overall a refined, easy-to-drive compact rather than a driver's car.