BMW 1 Series F40 vs Renault Megane MK4
BMW 1 Series
F40 · 2019 – 2024
The third-generation 1 Series (F40), BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model.
Renault Megane
MK4 · 2016 – 2022
The fourth Mégane (MK4), on the CMF-CD platform with a comfort-focused ride.
BMW 1 Series
Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.
Renault Megane
Pick the MK4 for the comfortable, roomy Mégane with a proven and efficient engine range.
Performance
B38 118i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| BMW 1 Series | Renault Megane | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
240 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,5 s
Winner
|
9,5 s
|
| Top speed |
213 km/h
Winner
|
205 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
106,1 hp/t
|
109,4 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
124 g/km
|
119 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
5,6 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 1 Series | Renault Megane | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
380 L
|
402 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.240 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,32 m
|
4,36 m
|
| Ground clearance |
15,2 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
11,1 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.300 kg
|
1.500 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 1 Series | Renault Megane | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2/FAAR (transverse) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 48V mild-hybrid | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe (GT) · 1.5 Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · E-Tech PHEV |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual · EDC7 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 48V mild-hybrid system
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- 1.2 TCe (H5F, pre-2018): oil consumption and timing chain
- EDC6: jerky shifts at low speed
- Electronics and infotainment: freezes
Pros
- More cabin space than its predecessor
- Premium interior
- Efficient engines
- Comfortable, well-balanced ride
- Roomy boot for the class (384–402 L)
- Proven 1.3 TCe and efficient 1.5 Blue dCi
Cons
- Front-wheel drive (less playful than before)
- Firm ride on M Sport
- 1.2 TCe (early years): oil consumption and chain risk
- EDC automatic can be juddery
Driving experience
BMW 1 Series
Agile, sharp and impressively poised for a front-driver. Steering is quick, accurate and well-weighted, body control taut, and the 1 Series turns in keenly with little of the understeer you might expect. sDrive keeps it light and lively; xDrive on the M135i adds tenacious all-weather grip. The B38 triple is willing if a little coarse, the B48 four is smooth and eager, and the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay refined. The 7-speed dual-clutch is quick and slick. Overall a genuinely engaging hatch that feels more BMW than its platform suggests.
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.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
