Audi A3 8Y vs Renault Megane MK4

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

The fourth-generation A3 (8Y), on the MQB Evo 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 8Y for the MIB3 cockpit and the 48V 1.5 TFSI — ideally a 35 TFSI.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (1.5, 150 hp, 48V) or 35 TDI (2.0, 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 evo 35 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	8,4 s Winner	9,5 s
Top speed	224 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,3 hp/t Winner	109,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	126 g/km	119 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km Winner	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Renault Megane
Boot	380 L	402 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.240 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,67 m Winner
Length	4,34 m	4,36 m
Ground clearance	14,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,0 m Winner	11,1 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Renault Megane
Platform	MQB Evo (transverse)	CMF-CD
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI 48V · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI · 40 TFSI e PHEV	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 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

MIB3 infotainment: software bugs and reboots on early 8Y cars
1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo, 48V): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
48V mild-hybrid (BSG): belt-starter-generator needs checking on early cars

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

MIB3 cockpit with large touchscreen
1.5 TFSI has 48V mild-hybrid and cylinder-on-demand
MQB Evo body is stiffer and lighter than the 8V

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

Touchscreen-heavy MIB3 controls take getting used to
Manual gearbox only on lower-output versions

Renault Megane

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

Driving experience

Audi A3

Precise, polished and genuinely premium for a compact hatch. Steering is quick and accurate, body control taut, and the A3 feels agile and planted through bends. Front-drive keeps it light and easy, while quattro adds tenacious grip and a more sure-footed feel on the faster versions. The ride is firm but composed, and the cabin stays impressively quiet for the class. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and eager, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 40 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and slick, the manual precise. Overall a refined, tech-rich compact that drives with real poise.

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.