2019 Renault Megane RS v Honda Civic Type R & Ford Focus RS!

Well, you asked for it. When we ran our last hot hatch comparison, Renault had rudely not yet launched its new Megane RS in Australia. So, we had to leave it out, and we wound up with winners in the Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus RS. But now the Megane RS is here... can it dethrone our heroes? We went back to the track to find out.
FULL STORY: www.caradvice.com.au/677854/2...
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FULL STORY: www.caradvice.com.au/677854/2...

[@StandingUpForBetter]

When I go to my garage I see a Type R and I LOVE IT! Actually I don't even have to go to my garage to get a smile. I am smiling right now just knowing it is there. I also LOVE the looks! So many people complain about the looks of the Type R and the large wing but they praise how it drives and it just amazes me they don't connect one of the main reasons why this front wheel drive car drives so well and is so planted on the road is because of how it looks. The Honda engineers just dialed in the aero on the car, rear wing included, which does not obstruct rear visibility out the back I have to add. Type R for me all day AND combine that with that legendary Honda quality it is the one I have happy to own. There is a reason why even used Type Rs hold their value so well. I have a 7 year manufacturer warranty and I know my Type R will outlast its warranty. Try saying that about the Megane with that 4 wheel steering set up and the RS especially with that amazing but very complex and expensive to fix all wheel drive system.

[@Drivecomau]

Great feedback! Thanks

[@frankluo230]

Every single time I go on a milti-day road trip, at some point it rained. In the mountain range, weather is just unpredictable. I think dry track test result is less realistic and more of bragging rights for hot hatches. Most buyers are not going on track most of the time. Back streets, twisties, country lanes are where these machines belong

[@ajames718]

Current owner of a RS 275 Trophy and you are spot on with the clutch pedal placement issue. The clutch itself engages almost immediately and there is too much of a throw when releasing the pedal fully out.

[@jameslovett8697]

It needs to be the bloody cup/trophy chasis....gotta wait till we get the trophy out here.

[@vasekvi]

Nice video. That wing is functional on the type R. I like the looks. It is appropriate for what it is.

[@Kurosaki990Ichigo]

No matter how many times you do the test and how many competitors you bring, that civic is just a better car overall. Its faster, better build quality, it has beaten the Europeans at their own game when it comes to chassis and suspension and it is way more reliable then both. And this comes from a guy that had 2 falcon 351s and a Clio 182 (which snapped a timing belt with 35k Kms on the clock)

[@EliteGi]

It kind of is a European car - designed and built in Swindon!

[@blazcvetko3849]

Rs takes the Ring record yet again :D

[@JazzysTrove]

Hi team! Thanks for another great comparison! But one question, is the RS Cup manual better than the I30n? Which is more fun? I've deleted the Type R from my shortlist as it's 10k eur. more than the RS witch cup option... Thanks!

[@adzmorris]

Cheers for the kind words mate. Very very tough call. They're both superb and honestly, in my opinion anyway, only you can choose which works for you. Go and test drive both and hopefully one of them will be a stand out for you. But either way, both brilliant.

[@Bking4G63t]

i'll take the type r. If nobody wants it 😎

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Youll be walking

[@nishalnandwani]

The wing does have a function: more downforce. And it looks fine with me.

[@johnvenable5638]

So many people criticize the type R styling. It follows a genre of Japanese illustrative art called Manga. Specifically Shonen Manga, or Manga for males. The R captures the Manga aesthetic in spades, and I'm sure that the designers are completely aware that they are creating a Manga styled car. Also, the car goes really well with a dubstep soundtrack. Perfectly complimentary to the R's styling.

[@stevethomas760]

Rumor has it that the '19 Type R will a smaller wing and a 19" rim option. Why not?

[@RomanJuri]

EVO or STI both have HUGE wings too but noone has ever criticized it as being boyracerish, childish or ridiculous...instead everyone always loved the looks of those two...I wonder why?

[@adzmorris]

Ummm, I've read and watched many criticisms of the Evo and STi wings and body kits in general.

[@tr0llbuster292]

Because they're AWD where as the Honda is FWD. There's this big thing where a wing on a FWD car makes it slower but I'm not too sure.

[@adzmorris]

It's not so much that it makes it slower but a wing will almost always create drag. But this drag will only really occur at a higher speed and at that point, it really doesn't matter which wheels are pushing or pulling the car along. AWD's real advantage occurs through more traction and forward momentum off the line or into and out of a corner. Once the car is up to speed and travelling either in a straight line or through fast corners, the AWD advantage diminishes. At that stage, it could be argued that the extra weight of the AWD system may be at a disadvantage to FWD or RWD but it's incredibly scenario based to get any real results. And yes a wing provides downforce but to feel any real world impact of downforce, the vehicle has to be travelling a very serious speed. It's argued that wings and aero body parts don't actually provide any advantage until the car is travelling above 120km/h. Below that speed the cars traction with the road comes down to its weight, suspension set up and most importantly tyres. And you then have to ask yourself how often is the car travelling above 120km/h vs below 120km/h and if you're only travelling above 120km/h very very occasionally, do you really need the wing at all? If you attend track days on a circuit that has very high speed corners and your driving abilities exceed what mechanical grip the car can generate, maybe a wing will help. But lets be honest, the guys that can achieve that level of driving are either pro drivers and there for would be in race cars or are track day specialists and in which case, probably own a track specific car.

[@tr0llbuster292]

@@adzmorris Ah, thank you. That really cleared up my confusion. Haha.

[@rsoul7282]

Where is the N12 Pulsar ET Turbo with a blown head gasket and a dodgy set of plug leads? Surely someone out there has one of these and is disappointed it was not included.

[@adzmorris]

We asked Nissan but they said the N12 ET is far to precious to lend out. And let's be honest, these cars would stand a hope in hell of keeping up with an ET Turbo, even with a blown head gasket. Especially with some kings springs, Auscar shadow spokes, cannon exhaust and a home tint job! (ah the memories!)

[@rsoul7282]

A.K Morris don’t forget the redback spider gear knob, SAAS steering wheel, and cheap arse braid kit for the hoses.

[@adzmorris]

Oh god, I just had a cold shiver run through my body. I need to lie down now.

[@FlyinGato]

Type R is the best driver's car, though I admit, I never tested a Megan RS, mainly because we don't get them in the US. Shame, really...

[@albertocarvalho8091]

I don't think that the focus rs did won in the dry, every time I get in to the track with my fk8, I have to literally push the f.rs out of the way because they can't keep up in turns (i know you'll agree with me :) you have the same experiences)

[@adzmorris]

It did win in the dry mate. Maybe you're just an incredible driver or maybe the Focus RS's you're passing aren't the Limited Edition model or aren't fitted fitted with the front diff and Pilot Sport 2's. The tyres play a huge part in the RS's dry lap time and let it down in the wet.

[@TahoeMacedon]

we dont need it in the usa buddy, renault cars are garbage. i used to live in europe and renault its a ridiculous brand

[@adzmorris]

zz mkd our of interest, how long ago was that?

[@NicB-Creations]

@@TahoeMacedon I agree, french cars are rubbish in general...Renault,Peugeot and Citroën. 😝

[@avrilcadabra]

Would like to see a head to head of the megane r.s against it's former swan song, the 275 trophy-r

[@supraJZA80s]

Very different cars (I owned a 275R). Trophy-r would be faster around a track but 280 is a much better all rounder

[@utb8536]

it is Rs Cup or standard??

[@adzmorris]

It's the Cup mate

[@graemearmstead9237]

What roads were used for this video?

[@adzmorris]

Loads of them but all out towards Whitfield in Victoria.

[@Tim._..]

The reason the rear wing is high is so that it doesn't obstruct your view when looking through the rear view mirror. I think they learnt that lesson from previous generations that had a wing/spoiler that cut the view in half. Also if you think the car looks ugly, why would you pick the colour that suits it the least? It looks best in white or black. Black would hide a lot of the styling especially with tinted windows. I actually like the big wing and I think it suits the car, and if you try to picture it without the wing then it would look a lot worse, you would have to completely redesign the rest of the car and then it would just end up looking similar to the Renault or Golf with a conservative and curvy 'feminine' look. People often complain about things without thinking though what the alternative would be like or how it could be better. I think the designers of the Type R were going for a masculine look. Also if you are concerned about looks so much... why do you like the Focus RS? That thing looks too tall and narrow, and it kind of has a gaping fish look at the front and a pretty ordinary uninspiring looking rear end with strange looking tail lights, the car as a whole just doesn't look right or proportional especially with an aggressive front with fairly conservative rear, the previous gen Focus RS looked far better in my book. Also AWD cars are a lot heavier, thirstier and more expensive to maintain, service and repair. Which is an important thing to consider. I don't think we need AWD much in Australia, where we live in a temperate and fairly dry climate, the trade off isn't worth it to me. The rest of the review was good and informative though.

[@adzmorris]

All great points Tim and the reason for the car being red is that that is the colour that Honda provided. When it comes to press cars, we generally take what we're given. When a car is as brilliant as the Type R, the demand from multiple publications for access to the press car is very high. There for, we don't have the luxury of picking what colour we'd prefer. But yes, we totally agree with you, in black, it looks awesome. Also all excellent points. As far as looks go, obviously, like anything looks based it's all subjective and as I mentioned, while the Type R doesn't suit regional Victoria, in Tokyo (or really any city), it looks awesome. Since we shot this, the looks have grown on me and I find myself lusting after the Type R. It's one of the best cars I've ever driven. Thanks for watching too.

[@MahyarJavadi]

I'm 6ft4 and the seats are at a perfect height for me, although I'm coming from an XR5, which also has high seats according to others, I've just never had an issue with sitting high, it's better for taller people as your feet don't feel like they're arching over the pedals.

[@adzmorris]

I think it's a matter of opinion mate. I'm 6ft2 and the seat height in the RS kills me. I like to sit as low as possible and I found the RS position at least 4cm too high.

[@MahyarJavadi]

@@adzmorris I know that's the point I'm trying to make I'm 6ft4 and I have minimal issues other than I can't see some lights/signs

[@adzmorris]

Ah ok@@MahyarJavadi

[@hartmutthomas989]

And the material quality of the Civic Type R?

[@adzmorris]

Very good

[@SilverScarletSpider]

You know that the Civic Type R’s Wing is needed even on FWD cars, wings provide stability and downforce in corners at high speed air doesn’t care about drivetrain.

[@azzurasquadra5552]

Ok...all sport cars need an ugly wing like this?? Come on...its an.amazing car...fast...reliable...but damn the looks...i had 3 civic's...si...SIR...just a bad design...

[@StandingUpForBetter]

@@azzurasquadra5552 Not all cars perform like the Type R with that "ugly" wing. I for one love the wing and appreciate it more during high ways speeds especially with how planted the car is plus it does not obstruct rear visibility.

[@Braselton21]

The Megane is even slower than an I30n. It's around Gti speed. IT HAS NO BUSINESS dealing with the Type R & RS. That's another class

[@johnboy2436]

Thats funny the megane mk4 RS trophy is current the fastest FWD car in the world currently around the nurbrugring. Beating the i30n, civic, RS .... Ohh how ur comment aged haha! You have no bussiness making such silly comments. This megane even beats the new 2022 RS3 around the nurburgring.

[@johnboy2436]

Also your comment is BS the I30n... Quarter mile time is ....15.5 s @ 106 mph... The megan RS 300 is is 13.9 sec... LMAO! douche!

[@marcooconnor]

The Megane will outsell the Type R...and that's what Renault are most interested in. They looked at the weakness of the Honda, it's looks and aging interior. They knew that spending resources on shaping the car more towards a golf gti would appeal to a wider market. The running costs, including being a 1.8 are also more favorable.

[@holidaeyy674]

Wow typeR almost the same time with the rs crazy. .

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

wow, in the wet...and the time is pretty much the same between type R and RS?

[@aaronhope929]

It's all down to the tyre the on the focus, they are set up for dry conditions more so than wet. But yeah really close times.

[@rcurt9984]

Aaron Hope the R tires aren't exactly awesome in wet conditions.

[@arturmroczkowski4348]

aye best would be to compare all cars with same tires

[@adzmorris]

We test the cars as their delivered form the dealer to you mate. Zero modifications. If we start matching tyres, we'd have to start matching brake pads, then suspension and where does it end.

[@varmastiko2908]

@@adzmorris Even with the tires being different it's still incredible that the 4WD Ford could only just beat the Civic's time. I'm thinking maybe the Ford's 4WD has too much RWD split for it to find ultimate grip in the wet, or maybe the frankly preposterous weight of the Focus RS is emphasized in the wet. One thing though. I didn't see it mentioned on the video, but I take it that the Megane was the base model RS and not the Cup version? Not having a limited slip diff would be a huge minus on a wet track, but how much of the time difference would that account for? Having seen pretty much every review and test of the Megane RS available, the car is looking like a bit of a disappointment performance-wise, even though many rate it highly for road driving. Have RenaultSport lost their touch?

[@jaylocke9574]

Big wing. Car looks genuinely great in every way! Go down to the bowls club Tony. Retire and chat about the good old days of local manufacturing. Make the comparison fare, drive on a dry track.

[@adzmorris]

Jay Locke mate we were praying for a dry track. But we only had the one day where car availability, driver availability, crew availability, track availability and Tony and I were were around to do the track test. Even then, we only had an afternoon session to capture the entire track component. I’d suggest writing Mother Nature a strongly worded email for raining on our parade

[@B20Eric]

Jay Locke I’m with you here.

[@NicB-Creations]

For me the worst thing on the Type-R is the 20" wheels. It almost looks like a donk car. I've seen it on 18's and that's so much better IMHO.

[@tr0llbuster292]

Yeah, I think the Si's and sport hatches are the only ones rocking the 18 inch. I agree though.

[@justinkumbe1387]

The trophy is yet to come guys , that’s usually the benchmark setter as for now looking at the power figures the Renault Mégane RS was already the underdog

[@adzmorris]

And we can't wait to try it out. But, we all have a concern that the already very firm ride will just get firmer and while in Europe, that will work, in Australia with our rubbish road quality, the Trophy may just be too hard. Only time will tell. That and they need to sort the clutch placement.

[@justinkumbe1387]

A.K Morris indeed I got to test drive the cup , and it’s the clutch pedal is offset , sometimes I found myself pressing the acceleration pedal while I haven’t fully released the clutch due to its high placement.

[@adzmorris]

@@justinkumbe1387 I think it's purely a right hand drive market issue. None of the left hand drive reviews have mentioned the awkward clutch placement and I do hope they sort it because it's bloody great car.

[@justinkumbe1387]

A.K Morris indeed I’m looking forward on owning one actually, but I’d personally go for the lux because I’d use it as my daily driver and the road quality in South Africa is a bit harsh and the lux does a great job being comfortable

[@jaylocke9574]

The secret is in England where the Type R is assembled, each engine is sprinkled with magic fairy dust, before they drop the hood.

[@jaylocke9574]

Type R is half a second off the AWD focus in those very wet conditions. RS, should be ashamed.

[@adzmorris]

Jay Locke in its defence, and as we mention in the video, the tyres are not at all suited to wet conditions. In the dry, as we showed in the other track mega test video, those tyres helped the Focus RS walk away from the competition

[@jaylocke9574]

@@adzmorris Surely the trick "twister? " Type of AWD on the Focus accounts for more than different rubber. I was showing off my R to a friend today and traction light was still flickering in third. I'm don't think the Continental contact 6 enjoy that rain. If I had decided on the Ford with 50 more HP and AWD, it should have beaten the Honda by a much greater margin. Makes me wonder how an Evolution X would have done?

[@adzmorris]

Jay Locke there a huge difference between the pilot sport cup 2’s on the RS and the Conti’s on you R. In the dry, the pilots walk away from the Conti’s and no matter how much tech or drive a car has, if the tyre isn’t happy, lap times will suffer. And in the wet, the dry orientated pilots really didn’t want to play ball. What I’d love to see is your R in the dry with Pilots fitted. Maybe one day Honda will release exactly that and we’ll be more than enthusiastic to test it! The car would be even better. Hard to imagine as the R is one of the best cars I’ve ever driven.

[@jaylocke9574]

@@adzmorris You would know more than me for sure, if the cup 2's have my profile I'll buy them next. On the condition that they are not 600 a wheel. I wanted to share a video with you. It's Motor Trends channel of the XE Project 8 with Randy trying to beat a track time. Laguna Saga? The team at SVO Jaguar are amazing. It's definitely worth the time to view. Randy also talks about the Cup 2's. Easy to look up. It goes for approximately 5 mins. You can buy a Project 8 for 180,000 USA. Have a quick look, I'm sure you have heard of it. Also soon you can buy an F-Pace SVO for 140,000 AUS. That's where my money would be. Same price as Macan Turbo, but twice the animal. I would option the air suspension, to lower it during spirited driving and flying. Barging when the C63 is 170,000.

[@jaylocke9574]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpqueKl4h9ObhK8

[@BoliMeKurac]

Aero department engineers say: "This car goes 280km/h. We should put a spoiler on the back for stability and safety" Sime old guy says: "It doesn't need a wing because it looks ridiculous" Oh BTW it's not a wing, it's a spoiler. They serve a different function. Look it up...

[@adzmorris]

How often will it be doing 280km/h vs 60km/h? And even then, I doubt the car will go flying off into the scenery at the first corner at 80km/h if it didn't have a wing/spoiler. I'm sure it does help stabilise the car at high speeds but in Australia, with our extremely efficient Police force and our nanny state attitude towards speeding, high speeds hardly ever happen.

[@EJL2004]

I freaking love my upgraded 2011 WRX. How much better can a stock Type R be in the corners in the wet and snow and shitty roads ?

[@adzmorris]

A WRX would have the legs in truly horrible conditions mate but you'd be amazed at just how good the diff and traction is in the Type R. In the dry we had a pretty serious punt in the RS and Type R and the only time the RS pulled away was on the exits of the tightest corners. Besides that, the Type R just finds traction like you wouldn't believe. Congrats on the WRX too, great car.

[@EvanMcC240]

Great review guys - this is as good as a great TV show! Keep it up.

[@adzmorris]

Evan McCosham cheers mate. Really appreciate it.

[@goranEE9]

13:08 That priceless moment :)

[@cokabida]

The wing is ridiculous because your old.

[@abdelhakkhalil7684]

It is ridiculous and I am young! for what it is, everyone has his preferences. Age has nothing to do with it!

[@reubengoh7728]

Because his what?

[@RomanJuri]

EVO or STI both have HUGE wings too but noone has ever criticized it as being boyracerish, childish or ridiculous...instead everyone always loved the looks of those two...I wonder why?

[@B20Eric]

Honda haters 💯

[@biffon69]

The sti and evo never looked as ridiculous as the type R, sorry.

[@jamessquibb8861]

Tonic Yellow?......

[@upbeatmantis86]

Too boy racer? Cant believe your a motoring journalist .. the whole world applauded this car, its an evolution..

[@SloanZurnToto]

Guys are you not comparing which is the best drivers car, not which car looks the best. For out and out driving performance the Type R wins hands down, so what about the rear wing, you don't even see the wing when you are on track or carving through canyons.

[@adzmorris]

Very true mate but when buying a car, the looks and the image the car communicates does have an impact.

[@nixodian]

Exhaust noise is still impotent, for a car thats mechanically ace. thing that really puts me and family off is the CTR only seats 4 , why oh why not Honda just add 1 extra seatbelt in rear??! Adds massive convenience at minimum cost. It’s make or break for ppl who sometimes have to carry 5 ppl. what is there to lose by adding an extra seatbelt to rear.? Nothing, but everything to gain. l for one won’t choose one because of it, l often have 5 in car. Practicalities are essential for hot hatch. Like if feel the same

[@SilverScarletSpider]

The Honda Civic Type R is the complete driving package and can double as the perfect family car. The rear wing is functional no matter how much you bitch about it

[@EJL2004]

The seats in that Renault look wonderfully huggy!

[@spidermight8054]

We don’t get the Megane here in the USA. In fact, we don’t get any Renaults. I guess we are lucky to have finally gotten the Focus RS. But no longer. Ford discontinued the RS after the 2018 model. WTF?

[@adzmorris]

Because there's a new one coming. They'd be crazy not to send you guys the next gen.

[@spidermight8054]

A.K Morris Really? I thought I heard we won’t get another Focus RS, or any focus. In fact, I’ve heard Ford will no longer produce cars, except for the Mustang. At least here in the USA.

[@hesgotamotor8288]

0:39 I'm watching videos about factory cars and how they stack up along side each other and Ford is winning in all the videos

[@vishalcharan4094]

Track driver was not confident on Megane’s new tech. If he got used to the tech onboard, he would have had pushed the car little harder on the track.

[@adzmorris]

Oh mate he was confident enough but the conditions were horrendous for us. If we could have had these three cars on that track on any other day we would have but with how popular all three cars are, lining the schedules up just meant we had to deal with horrible conditions.

[@sourwords1808]

Under $60 grand? only in stralia.

[@sjb2471]

10,000 subscribers without a video really? Other than the US, where are these cars much cheaper? Throughout Europe - where all 3 of these are manufactured, the like for like price is around EUR40k, or AUD65k...

[@CJax749]

Not sure the wing does anything 😂 Okay pal - shows what you know

[@sinngsg9]

Still think the FK2 Type R looks better

[@kartel222]

How can the civic type r be a little better and it is much faster, more comfortable shift better and looks much better?

[@adzmorris]

joshua lawrence because the Megane is extremely good.

[@markc9274]

joshua lawrence it just is 😆

[@abdelhakkhalil7684]

Sometimes, a car is what it is because it has something that explicable that draws people to it.. that X factor! If you are not a fan of how the Type R looks, then no matter how good the car is, you would still want the Megan. Personally, I am not a fan of French cars!

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Honda make motor bikes enough said

[@leviathan5207]

focus rs had the ride comfort of a 1675 carriage

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Hater. But hurt little wanker

[@SilverforceX]

That is so weird, how can FWD car get so close to AWD car in wet conditions with similar power?! O_o

[@adzmorris]

It was all down to the tyres. Pilot Sport Cup 2 on the Focus are incredible in the dry, but in wet conditions, not so much.

[@StandingUpForBetter]

I would say it has to do with the tires and the aero.

[@Braselton21]

These Hot Hatches are pretty different (Price/Performance) {Mercedes A35 AMG } {Audi RS3 } {Ford Focus RS } {Golf R } {Honda Type R } {Hyundai i30N } {Renault Megane RS } {Golf GTI }

[@stefanlarsson1855]

that's why i own a focus rs limited edition

[@mariouroic6468]

Ford is the best.

[@ARodenas]

The FWD Honda Type R was only 0.3secs slower than the AWD Ford in wet!!

[@AlasTVRisHere]

This

[@starchaser5188]

Honda Type R!! Nuff said!!

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Rubbish type

[@marg2104]

Honda tipe r..... Very good car.

[@xconankunx4530]

Grandfather and grandson review! Cool duo.

[@adzmorris]

Cheers mate. The thing is not too may years seperate Tony and I

[@albertocarvalho8091]

Well, when I got to know that with you guys the focus rs won in the dry I couldn't stop thinking about it, either you lying on the results or your driver can't drive for shit (or even did drive slower on purpose to make the f. rs win) all the professional results you get between the fk8 and the f. rs (with professional drivers) the fk8 wins because it's a track car! So, I'm calling your BS results out, and at this rate I don't get surprised if the fk8 also win on the wet but you "change" the results lol

[@adzmorris]

No results weren't changed Alberto. As you can see in the wet, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 were at a disadvantage. The fact a FWD car came so incredibly close to an AWD in the wet is a huge testament to how brilliant the Type R is. But, as has been proven in rally and motorracing in general, AWD even on less than ideal rubber, is still bloody capable. In the dry, the Pilot Sport Cup 2's plus AWD are near impossible to beat. No matter how brilliant a FWD car is, that combination is just so competitive. IF we could have had the Type R on Pilot Sport Cup 2's, the results may have differed enormously BUT, if we had Pilot Sport Cup 2's on the Type R (and the Megane) in the wet, the FWD car would have been slipping and sliding all over the place. It was so hard to get any traction even with their more wet weather appropriate tyres let alone the track orientated Pilot Sport Cup 2's. The FK8 is not a track car. If anything the Focus RS LE is the more track focussed of the two. The FK8 is one of the best all-round cars I've ever driven. It's genuinely a brilliant thing but on track, on the tyres that come fitted with it from the factory, the Focus RS LE is just a tiny bit faster. But who cares if it's faster, I'd rather have the car thats more fun and better day to day and thats the Type R.

[@EliteGi]

@@adzmorris IN other words - if the RS had standard tyres the Type R would likely beat it in the dry, but the RS would be a couple of seconds faster in the wet.

[@adzmorris]

EliteGi it’s very circumstantial mate. Different tracks and roads ask different things of cars. Out of tight corners (especially rising corner exits), the RS with AWD pulls away but personally, I found it easier to get into more of a rhythm with the Type R which gave me more confidence to push harder, which “felt” faster. Here’s the thing about these two cars, they’re both incredible. I get that many are fans of one OR the other and will defend their favourite till the end of the world but coming from someone that has driven a heap of different examples of both cars, they’re both equally and exceptionally good. One isn’t better than the other as they offer different experiences. It’s like arguing which is better between Kendrick Lamar and The Foo Fighters. Both play music incredibly well but they do music in very different ways. As for which is faster, who cares! Fun is better than fast and fast certainly doesn’t equal fun. If you want just fast, go buy a full on track car like a Radical or an open wheeler of some sort. But for fun, they’ll both make you laugh out loud!

[@EliteGi]

@@adzmorris I agree! All hot hatches HAVE to be based on fun and practicality along with (or actually above) speed and performance. Personally I love the CTR styling but maybe that's because I'm a child at heart. After giving it a test drive, and the satisfaction a simple gear change it gives, I had to put my deposit down. I think a lot of people will base their preference on the styling mainly and then the other stuff secondly, which is fine. That's why these tests are good to try to look beyond our initial impressions. Oh, and Foo Fighters over Kendrick any day of the week ;)

[@-LK34-]

The type r is faster on track than the focus lol

[@bigozimak]

I can't remember who, but someone once said "anymore than 220HP through the front wheels is dangerous". These things are now making 300HP plus and surely FWD hot hatch days are numbered. So it's no surprise the AWD Focus RS and Golf R are much quicker (and safer). The surprise is just why (the once legendary) the WRX STI is so much slower?

[@antaslis3229]

WRX STI is quite outdated , so it is heavier , this means less power to weight ratio , so slower.

[@adzmorris]

You're right Michael, they are faster but as the Type R has shown time and time again, it may not be the fastest in a straight line but it is the most fun. And through the twisty stuff, the Type R keeps up with the RS in all but the tightest of corner exits. AND the drivetrain and power delivery certainly doesn't feel compromised. And someone once said many many years ago that the human could never with stand speeds of more than 60km/h. FWD hot hatch's are here to stay and if anything, will just get better and better.

[@jaylocke9574]

@@adzmorris When AMG first released the A45 it shocked the industry and completely changed the game. We have a lot to thank AMG for small very fast cars. I think it was around 265 or 285kw, unheard of in a 2.0 LTR production car. The STI and evolution we're the kings and AMG smashed them overnight. Then it was on..

[@cooleye8887]

That old dude saying the Type R doesn't needs a wing is laughable. MOST track cars have wing,... even the new Porsche track editions have wings from the factory lol. What a dumb comment. He just lost his credibility to me. I understand if he doesn't like the type r look which is subjective and to me btw looks great and aggressive, but to say that it doesnt needs a wing is a stretch and sounds bias.

[@sonnyse7en]

Funny though that they are testing the Mégane RS but not the Trophy? Why?! You were out of budget shooting the video? Should have taken the Megane GT also, why not? 😣 Redo this test with the Trophy and it will be 1st, just like in every other test made over the world on KZbin. Just check Trophy has a different chassis, better brakes, lighter, more firm suspensions, etc..

[@Khanh2khanh]

The Honda, mechanically, and ride is perfect. The look, its not.....Honda, please design.

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Ford is best in every video I've seen the other cars are only quicker to blow up

[@cyrillmanser1877]

defenetly the focus as well xD

[@nkosicollier4984]

Where's the i30n? 👀

[@Drivecomau]

That's explained in the video... this is a hitout between the winners of our 2018 Hot Hatch Mega Test, and the new Megane RS. The i30 N didn't win our Hot Hatch Mega Test.

[@nkosicollier4984]

@@Drivecomau it should have 😒 but nevertheless I enjoyed it. To me the megane have the looks but after the i30n the civic is the next big winner.

[@CrazyAboutTrains1955]

Had been waiting for this Megane RS test. Bummer that the Renault could not beat the Civic but still love the new design and the interior. Surprised that on the track the Megane was slower than the Focus and the TYPE R. But still love the Renault. Good review guys.

[@shaneburrows175]

Still finishing its lap from the previous test 😂

[@abdelhakkhalil7684]

Way slower! I was genuinely surprised!

[@hesgotamotor8288]

12:02 who won?????? Ford?////ooh but its got all wheel drive etc, yeh that's right hense why it wins right????? Ford wins right???

[@roger41450]

Where is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV!!!

[@chrisb9156]

Love the casino

[@werunthesestreets]

Nice yeezys bro

[@adzmorris]

Cheers mate

[@UTubeSL]

I would possibly have bought the Type R if it didn't look so hideous. Absolutely astonishing car though!

[@abdelhakkhalil7684]

Agreed! However, you might be labeled "Old" because of your comments by some "young" people :P

[@UTubeSL]

@@abdelhakkhalil7684 Haha yes that's true :)

[@doublerfanatic5641]

Mate how can you not buy a car just because it has a big wing? Why not just buy it and take off the wing?

[@blacknindo37]

man I don't know what is wrong with the world . in years past the evo and Subaru has had big wings that blocked your view oh and so has the car everyone wants the r 34 skyline , not a bad word was spoken . honda has a wing that you can't see from inside the car ? moan bitch and complain .

[@MrBrasilMexico]

its not just the wing man, the car in general looks "ricer" to be honest. Excellent car... but no, not for me

[@24preludeh]

black nindo I agree It's cause it's a Honda so it automatically gets hate...Mitsubishi and Subaru have big wings and they get no hate it's annoying as fuck!

[@babisotonggg]

I believe evo and Subaru the styling/bodykit is not as extreme as the fk8r as you can see the shape/whole bodykit is kinda extreme, I don't mind the spoiler though just the bodykit is kinda over.. BUT as I read/heard that all those thing has it function.. so why not..

[@jaimusicxx]

poor review guys; why wouldn't you include a straight line drag race which is probably what most of these car will do in the real world....? it would have been interesting to see the results in rainy conditions - this was really self indulgent and pointless; sorry (that my opinion anyway)

[@blacknindo37]

you could go buy them and do that .

[@SC-ou9gm]

Not watch hot hatches are about

[@adzmorris]

Funny you mention that John. We had planned on doing exactly that. The thing is on this circuit there is only one section to safely do a drag race and that section was literally under water. I attempted it in the Civic and unfortunately it was just pointless. I'm sorry if you feel that because we didn't have a drag race, the entire review is rendered pointless. We worked our arses off to try to create a comprehensive and entertaining video. Thanks for watching it anyway.

[@blacknindo37]

+A.K Morris great test my favourite car didn't come out on top but there is always someone faster in the world . drag races are lame but we all know who buys cars like these to go drag racing but we won't mention them .

[@jaimusicxx]

A.K Morris Fair call - I do appreciate the work that goes into bringing these videos to us so thank you for that - i'm looking forward to seeing the drag races in future videos though guys! (provided conditions and safety allow)

[@stopspin]

The Type R is technically aerodynamically designed car, don't be fooled by that big wing for looks. We don't live in the fast and furious age anymore even street car guys modify their cars like track cars now, in this current age. That wing serves a purpose. It adds alot of downforce and rear stability at the rear, which has been tested in their wind tunnels. There are many videos to prove that fact. Worst possible time to test cars, most other vids spoke highly of theses cars when tested. The old fellow knows nothing about the history about honda just based on his comments. If you don't understand eastern culture or japanese culture you will not understand the design culture around the civic, if you have not been to Japan. If you looking at the civic with European cultural lenses, which are minimalists in outward appearences and bland like potato mash and peas, then the civic is not for you.

[@Baturatus]

fine wet day for hothatch lol

[@marg2104]

Civic r.....

[@malcolmscott4150]

Brilliant review however Megane had already won in my book - maybe biased however my RS265 is sublime

[@biffon69]

Malcolm Scott is keep your 265. Hopefully the next generation of Megan will be a more involving tool.

[@04tsxpower]

First review where the ford is faster.....lol

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Don't hate ford, that is just thick, ford was the first cars that people could actually buy ford got the whole world driving cars , if you hate ford that's like hating being alive if there was no ford alot of people wouldn't even exhist

[@04tsxpower]

@@hesgotamotor8288 wow you feeling alright? I'm commenting on video result

[@Ckavwalk]

That Type r is a beast. Only 3/10ths behind the focus in the wet!

[@muckspreader1able]

Greezy wetness and megarne?At least pronounce the word properly .

[@1989rs500]

Ford badly needs the 2019 Focus RS on market to make any progress. The current RS is too firm and too tight inside

[@yusufyesil7845]

Renault sports rs win!!!

[@TahoeMacedon]

renault and ford reliability sucks. honda has a great history of reliable engines. no idea why the older guy at the begining of the video was saying that the type R wing wasnt needed, seems like he knows more than the honda engineers. Honda is FWD but on the Sema auto show in Vegas, now at the end of Oct 2019 there will be new concept presented on the type r, on a yellow type R that belongs to HondaPro Jason and the back wheels will have electric motors making his car the first type R AWD.

[@AddisRS]

WTF at this review. Are you guys using 95 octane in the type r or something? The type R power and delivery is leagues ahead of the RS. Its not even in the same universe let alone comparable. In fact, the type r feels noticeably quicker and pulls harder than a focus rs. Lost all credibility with this one. Disliked.

[@adzmorris]

We used BP Ultimate 98 octane on the test. Type R power and torque is 228kW and 400Nm while the RS LE is 257kW and 440Nm. I'm not sure what universe you're from but 29kW and 40Nm is extremely comparable, even when its the Ford that out powers the Honda. Yes the Type R is lighter by nearly 200kg but the RS has a hell of an AWD system to get that power down. We had a very spirited run both up and down our mountain test road and while the RS pulled away on the exit of tighter corners, the Type R felt more confident on medium to longer corners. They're both incredible cars and to pick which you'd buy comes down to looks as their performance ability is incredibly close in real world conditions.

[@AddisRS]

@@adzmorris I respect you guys being level headed with your response. I apologize if I came across as an ass. I have tested all the above cars and came to a complete different conclusion in terms of power delivery. It could be the location, fuel or many variables. I found the type r hit peak power towards redline. It keeps on pulling and pulling. The focus RS I found had immediate torque but power would lose steam hence why the type r pulls on it by 10 car lengths. The Megane engine felt lazy.

[@adzmorris]

Addex I totally agree. The Honda definitely feels that it has more urge higher in the rev range when compared to the Ford. The Ford has a lovely thick torque curve but the Honda just “feels” more energetic. I wonder if the lower weight helps with that. As for the new Megane RS, we loved it but just wanted more from it. As I think I may have said in the video, it’s more an evolution than a revolution. If the Type R was even 20% more subtle in design, it would be sitting in my garage for good.

[@tnc760]

good;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; r s malaunwala;;;;;;;;SHIMLA

[@danjackson140]

When the time comes to sell the re-sale value of the Focus will be streets ahead of the CTR, in the UK that is. The Civic looks like a teenagers car, to many bolt on unnecessary plastic bits, not a good look 😟 A tiny percentage of drivers drive these cars anywhere near their limits, all will feel great to drive for the average hot hatch owner.

[@Baturatus]

honda

[@benamarayoucef9402]

The Renault is the best and you will see in the truck .. the megane will bit all of them

[@juniorgraham3554]

The Civic Type R is better than the Ford. just imagine the Civic Type R with four-wheel drive say no more

[@biffon69]

Just imagine that it doesn’t have AWD... because it doesn’t... because they built it that way...

[@tr0llbuster292]

I like Ford a tiny bit better, the issue for me personally is reliability... which is why I switched back to Honda. Lol

[@TahoeMacedon]

there is a new concept of making the back wheels electric and making the type R awd. the new concept will be presented end of oct 2019 at the sema auto show in Vegas

[@coopsnz1]

it would be 100kg more with awd , power to weight would be 9kw a tonne less from 165kw tonne to 154kw a tonne . Weight will effect Type r handling on a track

[@hesgotamotor8288]

Ford vs Honda pffffffff gone in 60 seconds, mad Max, bullet, FORD vs Ferrari, enough said

[@sasicuomo9217]

Renault❤️

[@corone2018]

So the best car on the road and track is the the type r but cause of the wing and the look the other 2 shit cars win.jajajajaja mate i know which car ill like to live with and the looks well its not for evryone but evryone looks at it and says nice car bro ... both RS are boring looking for boring people

[@adzmorris]

I wouldn't call the other two shit. They were both excellent cars. Type R was awesome on the test but turning up in the Type R to meet older more conservative clients just won't work. Unfortunately in my job what you drive can dictate how your perceived and as brilliant as the Type R is, in Australia it looks very boy racer and it's a comparison I'd rather steer away from. Hence why I picked the Megane. The Megane is so so close to being as good as the Type R but the more conservative looks suit my career and lifestyle.

[@patrickbateman7122]

Megaaaaan haha come on aussies pronounce like your English cousins at least lol

[@adzmorris]

I'll stick with my pronunciation mate. Cheers

[@patrickbateman7122]

@@adzmorris 😂😂😂

[@MarcraM82]

Who seriously considers the RS these days???.. engine is an absolute lemon. You would be an idiot to buy one of these.

[@adzmorris]

Many seriously consider it and many are still buying it. The engine issues (head gasket drama) has been solved and Ford have come to the party with repairs and even engine replacements.

[@ToddHendry]

MarcraM82 which RS?

[@hesgotamotor8288]

People that hate ford has no reason to, because they don't drive them or buy them and their hate is from being but hurt by getting smoked by them, FORD is massive, there's movies featuring fords cars, mad Max, bullit, gone in 60 seconds , Ford vs Ferrari,

[@KingSadim]

Saw the wet conditions, rolled my eyes and left. Amateurs!

[@Drivecomau]

We will make sure the rain doesn’t rain next time.

[@KingSadim]

Did you just counter my roll eyes with your roll eyes. Thumbs up haha!

[@radimarazim514]

MEGANE RS CUP EDC!!!!MANUÁL!!!MODE!!!!goooooo

[@feshty22]

megaaaarn lol

[@ronaldov09]

You didnt give all cars the same tires for a track test????? What an absolute joke.

[@adzmorris]

ronaldov09 We test the cars as you’d buy them from the dealer. So it’s not a joke, it’s the most realistic way of test brand new cars.

[@ronaldov09]

Yes and if you were testing them within normal driving parameters that wouldnt be an issue, but you're not, you're testing these cars on a race track...big difference.

[@adzmorris]

Totally agree but we test the cars as the manufacturer intend the car to be sold when new. We don't modify or change anything on the car apart from sticking cameras on them. Also, we attend a huge amount of track days and excluding when a race series runs a control tyre (e.g. F1), the brand and model of track tyres on any given car vary enormously, to the point that many people attending track days, don't drive on R spec or track focussed tyres, they drive on performance road tyres. If we start changing tyres, the manufactures engineers that setup these cars will then all have to agree on a single tyre brand and model that suits their individual setups and then the road segment of the test is compromised as track tyres can potentially fail in the far from ideal conditions we had on road test. And if we have a control tyre, shouldn't we then also have a control brake pad, and/or control damper? Where does it end? It makes more sense to test the cars in the way you'd buy them from the dealer with full warranty and manufacturer support.

[@vids940]

These tests are designed to review cars based on how the manufacturers have chosen to spec them. If anything it should be on the manufacturer to put the most appropriate rubber on them for the track (if that's what the manufacturer intends for the vehicle). Ultimately, tests like this are meant to find the best track car in a set. It's useless to go, "this car is the one you should buy...but you need to spend an extra $2000 on tyres." And where do you draw the line with making garden variety mods to vehicles and then comparing them? Do CarAdvice start removing seats? Different engine tunes? Intake, exhaust and engine mods? Swapping to lighter components? These are all things people who track cars do, but it's not feasible for CarAdvice to explore all those avenues.

[@ronaldov09]

Then just test them for normal, day to day average use. Some spirited driving on some back roads, highway commute, city....like what 99.9% of what they will be used for. But for a test track day, I would want to see same brake pads and same tires used, and I dont think that is really asking too much and also think its fair. If I tracked any of these I would straight away do pads and have a separate wheel/tire for racing.

[@holidaeyy674]

That ford rs just look so outdated cheap. .

[@johnmclaughlin2845]

Focus rs going to destroy them in the wet 🙈💨💨💨💨

[@markc9274]

John mclaughlin To be honest on a public road it doesn’t really, the awd system does have the edge, however the Type R both FK2 and FK8 are so well setup through the front wheels it really doesn’t render them useless so destroyed they won’t but the Focus much easier confident drive in bad conditions, having said that it’s heavy and no where near as involving as the Type R. It all depends what you want from a car. The Type R really is a good an old school fwd hot hatch with all the latest gadgets. I do like awd but they have there downfall being heavy and not very engaging. If you want a fast confident car in wet conditions it’s got to be the Focus RS. If you want a fast light cornering hatchback for those dry sunny days well it’s got to be the Type R. I think the Megane falls short against both it’s more comparable to the Focus ST or Golf GTI etc.

[@exoticcarsoffrance287]

Mégane RS the best