Renault Megane RS Trophy vs Honda Civic Type R - Best All Round Hot Hatch?

This week Tiff Needell and Paul Woodman put the Renault Megane RS Trophy vs Honda Civic Type R FK8 to see which is the best all round Hot Hatch between the two.
They take the cars around the city of Bristol before shooting off to Castle Combe race track to see how they perform on track. Tiff faces disappointed when they get to the track when he realises, we had arranged for another racing driver by the name of Ollie Chadwick, brother of W Series winner Jamie Chadwick, to carry out the track driving.
Which of these hot hatch rivals will they choose to go home in, the Renault Megane Trophy or the Honda Civic Type R FK8. Watch to find out!
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[@lovecarsTV]

Which one for you?

[@QuitMC]

Type R

[@Neklank]

@@QuitMC 2nd that Type R all the way

[@ALMX5DP]

Yes

[@AlexSennah]

Test drove the Type R yesterday and its quite a bit of kit!

[@prokopius1994]

Megane... Type-R might be better, but its not that much better to ignore the look, I hate it

[@FlyinGato]

I may be a little biased, but the fact that car companies are still benchmarking the Type R three years later means something...

[@psewgobind]

It's crazy. In all that time, they haven't dethroned the Type-R. Even more crazy, the Type-R is based on global mass production chassis and kicking the butts of these purpose built sports car. Another advantage, because of global chassis/production, it'll be easier to find parts if you're going to keep it forever.

[@99Lezard99]

same story back when the r35 gtr came and conquered.

[@nasirshal7633]

Most certainly

[@gaycha6589]

Not on looks, they aren't. Still eeeeeewwww, 3 years on.

[@shaunsimpson3499]

So the best on the road and the best on track came second.

[@tyebo51]

Hey I'm 49 and it's the Type R for me! Remember age is nothing but a damn number! Oh by the way I own a 2017 Championship White...

[@lovecarsTV]

Good point!! And our main guy owns the identical car!

[@SuperWolffie]

Tye ....Perhaps the Golf is the better build car for the interior but the Renault looks stunning outside and makes you want one.....

[@aB_S_NiNo]

Tye Smith Dude you not that old...You are 49 not 69

[@sugarrfree]

Want to sell it? 😎

[@JohanSalvattore]

Exactly! I hate when people try and put age brackets to cars. Noooo! A car is a car and you pick whichever captivates you and suits your character. Period!

[@kristisrb]

You have the best driver on the show and still get someone else to do the fast laps? Come on... And I would have loved to see what Tiff thinks about i30n as well

[@lovecarsTV]

We like to mix things up every now and now 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@teovm]

@@lovecarsTV You can mix them with a dogfight or just a comparison between drivers. Something to compete with. Mixing is good, but we want Tiff to do some laps and some Drifffffffts.

[@robhackney9307]

Kristis Balčiūnas couldn’t agree more! There’s no point having tiff on the show if you’re not gonna let him loose on the track. It’s like his natural habitat. It isn’t that there was anything wrong with Chadwick, but tiff has so much more charisma!

[@Jo3yPropane]

Type R is definitely the dream, but they are holding value very stubbornly, whereas the non-trophy RS (with or without Cup pack) can be had for 22-23k with less than 10k, which is a lot of car for the money... And the Renault is best looking hot hatch on sale today (and that's coming from someone who actually LIKES the look of the Civic!).

[@skrypka]

Good point Tiff! It is simply silly to compare lap times of cars on Nurburgring if they are not driven on the same day, same conditions, tires, driver and etc.

[@GeorgeSoroceanu]

May I suggest a bit more soundtrack equalisation to future videos? In the current one, I think the volume level variation between dialogues, ambient/car noise and music seems a bit annoying and gives a less professional editing vibe... P.S.: Not judging the musical theme choice, which is totally subjective. ;)

[@lovecarsTV]

We certainly agree George, this one was not edited by our usual team. Thanks for watching and feeding back 🙂

[@ehudk215]

I’m 45 and still will pick the Honda. Better drive, faster, better to sit in and will probably be more reliable

[@lauremalleval5816]

I said exactly the same thing! I'm 45 years old... sorry for my english... from France. 🤗

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

Reliability wise, there are lot more Golf GTIs with over 150k miles than Type Rs, which speaks for its self. I can also find more high mileage Megane RS than Type Rs. It doesn't exactly translate to better reliability, but which handles better is purely subjective, and the Honda isn't really faster, unless you consider a difference of 5 kph 'faster'.

[@ufx808]

Honda for me. Tiff, why weren't you doing the fast laps?

[@lovecarsTV]

We like to mix things up sometimes as well as give new talent opportunities 🙂

[@irfaan7868]

Dodgy knees

[@ryanjames702]

Great content, really professional. Love TIFF’s feedback on all cars.

[@Tbiddz1]

Fifth gears loss not having Tiff. Big gain for love cars. Love it keep up the good work .

[@lovecarsTV]

It’s great having him on the team 🙂

[@Tbiddz1]

@R8 OWNERS UK Dont watch it then . Simple!

[@martinevans1256]

Renault Megane rs for me

[@superhulkful]

I personally own a '19 Rallye Red Honda Civic Type R and I'm loving it as if I had bought it today. All I can say is that if you really want to get one you should do it now. The 2020 isn't much different it only has a few outside changes and safety features added. Other than that same performance and fun in what you would expect in a true hot hatch. I've driven the Ford Focus RS and yes it's a lot faster however the handling is a bit too stiff and it's not as smooth/versatile as the Type R. People need to understand something... The Type R is an extension of the formula 1 from Honda. Meaning it's meant for a track and not a drag race. It's an amazing machine with diligent engineering. But in the end the car you choose is up to you. I hope I helped out someone with this information and be safe on the road!

[@jonovison8231]

superhulkful actually from A roll, the type R gaps the focus

[@Kendotheifzz]

Well said!

[@opadilla123]

From a roll i kill focus rs , now after the custom tune i have this type r i s another beast im at 376 hp

[@johnla5159]

Totally agreed! Best car I have ever driven. 2018 brilliant sporty blue 🚙

[@Maroco918]

The 2020 has 2 piece rotors standard as well

[@Tefloncoated]

I was behind a Renault the other day in my Golf R and I have to say my car looks very ordinary in comparison. That’s the feeling I was getting anyway.

[@Miester7]

I was behind a Gold R the other day in my Clio V6 and thought "a hatch back with 4 exhaust tips lol"!

[@lucianocelestino8208]

your clio v6 it's better than the golf r in every aspect

[@KING0SISQO]

What??? The golf r is less stylish than the gti. It’s a better car but it’s certainly not exciting.

[@syther112]

Because the Golf hasn't changed style in so long!

[@Tefloncoated]

Luciano Celestino in every aspect? 🤪

[@twosheds1749]

I have the Honda and it is a great car! I had hot Renaults before and though they were good they fell apart after a few years!

[@idiotsandwich6727]

That is bullshit mate, have a clio 197 for 13 years now. 280k kilometers still runs like its new. Also had a 5 turbo and a 182 trophy. None of them have had problems whatsoever

[@Alan-zi2rw]

Nice car and video. Thanks for sharing. Watching from San Francisco. USA.

[@GOBbluthagain]

Just saw this on my recommended.....saw tiff and subscribed instantly !!!

[@vladimirmitrovic4151]

Megane RS🏴‍☠️all day

[@petermcelvogue7521]

I totally agree for looks the Renault but for the drive & the interior the Honda. Both great cars either way & I'm sure whatever you go for your gonna enjoy it. If I was going to go for a hot hatch I'd choose the Leon Cupra R I love the copper accents

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, yet another great video Chaps.

[@krekimuki]

Test drove all the Hot Hatches (and some none hot hatches) and I went with the Mégane Trophy. All good and well the Civic being a few tenths quicker round a circuit, but how often do people drive flat out at a track? Mégane has a much classier interior.

[@krekimuki]

@@AlasTVRisHere The Civics is very tacky. Trying too hard to be young cool and hip, and the colours are way too bright and garish. Cheapens the quality of the interior. Speaking of quality, ask a Honda technician how many gearboxes they've had to replace under warranty for the Type Rs. The results will surprise you ;)

[@krekimuki]

Ahhh a typical Honda fan boy. Last Honda I had was the Accord Type R. As stated in my first comment, I did choose something else haha. Something the motoring world all agree is the better looking car. And taking that precious Nurburgring record off the Civic as well with less "aero" and power. Enjoy your rice box x

[@krekimuki]

Boomer haha. Nice one ;)

[@YK-fj5bj]

Nice little fun, not-so-serious video. Enjoyed that and been a fan of Tiffany Dell since forever. Good work 👍

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you 😊

[@g00dfeeling]

Woooow, that CX at 3:37. Love it, one of the most beautiful cars ever!

[@felipequintero6766]

You guys hould be the new Top Gear presenters, loved your video, now subscribed.

[@grantadamson3478]

So good to have Tiff back.

[@oldfart8127]

thumbs up for having Tiff Needell in the video

[@Gwril76]

Gotta be a Honda any day.

[@lovecarsTV]

Cracking car 👌🏻

[@adamsuhail8861]

hey, for the next video can you compare that two car with stinger.

[@DonFather]

I'm only watching a hot hatch video coz you 2 are presenting. Guess I'm getting old too. LOL. Good job guys

[@lovecarsTV]

Haha thanks!

[@king-manu2758]

Tiff has got to be one of my fav car commentators of all time.

[@roadrunner8667]

1440p for your videos ?

[@robertl2856]

Good work lads, Honda for me please

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@chrismunsey3185]

I’m 43 but give me the CTR please!! Both badass machines tho.👌🏽

[@vinnyvsx]

Did you happen to bump into Dan Grazier whilst driving through Queen Square? I hear he loves cars.

[@lovecarsTV]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@V5869]

IF the Megane RS was offered in the U.S. I would love to have one!

[@lapamful]

Great fun as always guys, and nice to see you getting comfortable in making these videos. But just a little comment, the volume is all over the place. But anyway, I'd say the Renault for looks, the Honda for driving and real-world reliability.

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you for the feedback. Noted on the volume thank you

[@mawaboutcars671]

As much as I absolutely adore you two as a duo, these reviews aren’t particularly thorough nor descriptive

[@lovecarsTV]

We try to concentrate more on the experience and just have a bit of fun. But feedback taken on board thank you 🙂

[@adambeaver1749]

Type R for me....I've not long bought one in Championship White! I love the looks, styling, the drive,engine....the complete package...its bang on for me....oh and I'm 48! All with added bonus of Japanese reliability!

[@Wonkanaut]

Before my CTR i was a Subaru STi owner for the past 8 years. Switching back to Honda was the best decision made. I love my Championship White CTR

[@albertocarvalho8091]

sinds i've got the fk8 i never regret it, and i pretty much test drive all the hothatchs except peugeot before going for the honda

[@lovecarsTV]

Amazing cars 👍🏻

[@aimanroslan6082]

Im experiment car guys.i gonna that honda.first is reliable.second easy tuning. Third space for long distance.

[@saidur9]

I would take the Mégane, let Tiff know they've updated the interior infotainment for 2020 facelift.

[@lovecarsTV]

We’ll be sure to check that out!

[@geetee4037]

Actually, I'd have that Citreon CX that made a cameo on the film!

[@tracktimevideos5164]

The Megane looks so much better. FWD is no longer for me though.

[@Pistonjockey]

Tiff!! My all time favourite Auto journalist ⭐

[@DAF.truck.]

Why didn't TIFF do the lap times?

[@souravmmishra]

Watching Tiff with hot hatches reminds me of young myself watching Fifth Gear.

[@stevenw11]

Why didn’t you use the Trophy-R, which is the logical Megane for the comparison ?

[@oarias5158]

Great matchup.

[@lovecarsTV]

Glad you like it 👍🏻

[@ManiaCop100]

This is where Tiff has been hiding Glad I've found this channel :)

[@lovecarsTV]

Good to have you 🙂

[@fantheman1126]

I wasn't sure if I was watching a bristol tourism video for a bit then! Maybe spend the time looking at practical stuff like passenger space, boot size, running costs, spec etc I can report The FK8 is a great daily....and a great track car as we saw

[@lovecarsTV]

We do like to mix it up every now and then, but appreciate your feedback 🙂

[@pollumG]

❤ Lovecars

[@cosminmihu9963]

i've looked at many hatches but the type r is definitely the best for me. Best gearbox, best precise handling, perfect low seating position (never sat so low in a hatch). Yes the engine note is disappointing but there's quite a lot of induction noise at high rpm. Everything is made for the driver and feels perfect. I used to own the previous Megane RS which was considered one of the best hatches at the time and the Type R beats it. Those adaptive dampers are amazing, goes from a soft lazy ride to a stiff racing monster. Only upgrade it needs is Cup 2 or some semi-slicks for it to use that chassis ability.

[@nastystew6942]

Awesome

[@sparkford04]

I 'm 68 and a retired automotive & aerospace engineer by background for me the quality of engineering employed by the Honda engineers stand out in this Type R. Having driven both of these cars it reinforces my view . Honda all day long. Great shame that Honda design & manufacturing is leaving the UK. Iwould still have my Golf R as my daily in the UK.

[@markrhoden68]

For me it would have be the Renault.....simply can't get on with the Halfords extras that seem to cover the Honda. To be honest I'd not buy either but I guess that's down to my age now (50).......I much prefer comfort and performance over track day ride, bright colours and big spoilers nowadays

[@Vano233]

Great vid. As much as I like Renault, but must admit that Civic is way superior in power and steering departments. That styling tho...

[@obmf9050]

I like the Renault more then the civic. Only type r civic I would get is the ek9

[@Pionirish]

Atrocious turning circle is all part of the traditional Type-R ownership experience!

[@lovecarsTV]

A small trade off for an otherwise excellent car 🙂

[@99Lezard99]

crappy turning circle usualy meant better/sharper steering ratio. not sure if thats still the case today with these modern racks but back when cars where analouge the steering ratios where fixed. so you would probably have nicer steering when the turning circle is bad.

[@spinkick9270]

Great video should have been a bit longer maybe 10 to 15 minutes longer. I'd choose the Renault it looks very very classy. The tail lights are extremely elegant.

[@damienhowell3727]

Type r all day just wait till the catalogue of upgrades arrives to compliment the car smh epic

[@AbandonEarth911]

They are both very nice hot hatches, it boils down to personal choice.

[@MrWachira98]

Tiff needel + hot hatches Best combination

[@milo6507]

You guys know what's good! Renault off course

[@supernova1976]

Had the EP3 2003 Type R and drove it like i stole it every single day and never stopped was the most fun I had , you can throw it in any corner and play with over and under steering using the throttle , made me feel I was a good driver lol . Then I bought a Leon Cupra and found out I wasn't a good driver 🤣

[@93remix]

I woulda like 2 have seen these line up and go head 2 head. Not everyone is gonna be able 2 get 2 a track

[@nicolafertin3154]

Better to drive in town, better on a track.. and we choose the other car.. it's based on looks?

[@nevillebowman8419]

What is the build quality of the Renault like though? For French cars, reliability and quality have always been interesting concepts for future reference. You know the Honda will be tight and fast 10-15 years from now. Anyone kept a Renault for any length of time?

[@davidknell9676]

I would of taken the type R regardless of what hatch you put up against it. Used to have an vti import back in the day and have love fast civics ever since

[@NaeemKhan-rg6de]

Why do I feel like I’ve seen that number plate on so many vids “G8 HUK”

[@lovecarsTV]

It is a Honda press car 👍🏻

[@NaeemKhan-rg6de]

Ahh so that’s what it is, thanks that clear my suspicions

[@sasicuomo9217]

Renault 💜👍

[@jesterarts8082]

Head: Honda Type-R. Heart: Renault RS. Accountant: VW UP!

[@10Tenths]

Two of the most track focused hot hatches on the market today! I think I'd go for the Renault!

[@lovecarsTV]

Both amazing cars!

[@KING0SISQO]

Without watching. The RS. IF it was £7k cheaper, I’d of bought one instead of my gti

[@goranEE9]

Come on, is Opel (Vauxhall) Astra your next rival for the mighty Civic Type R? Ollies driving is the only serious part of this shootout, so congrats to you Mr. Chadwick!

[@sujeethnadella6856]

I may be inexperienced in driving hot hatches but the precision of the type r and the day to day usability of it make it better than the Renault for me

[@mattw1406]

No country road test? Most people want their hot hatch to shine on a country road, so why focus on the town driving (which you didn’t really review other than turning circle) and track driving?

[@stephenagnew670]

Buy the renault I did in black an love it to bits

[@gweflj]

A used, perfect, R.26R please.

[@bossviola8306]

Renault the best 💓💓

[@stephenlee62]

Not even slightly interested in hot hatches - just watching for you two guys. Great rapport and excellent presenters. But please, let Tiff drive the hot laps. He is able to drive and talk at the same time. The young bloke sounded like he still had his training wheels on. Keep up the good work tho and good luck with it all.

[@lovecarsTV]

As mentioned in a previous comment, we like to mix things up sometimes and give new talent opportunities. Tiff will be our ‘driver’ always, but it’s also nice to try new faces 🙂

[@petar_crni872]

RS!

[@joro353]

Type R is the poor man's Lamborghini. I'm 47 and would pick the Type R any day of the week. I love the Megan but it's so ordinary.

[@nix294]

I would rather go for overaggressive styling than less aggressive styling anyday . So , Type R it is ! Also , I've seen too many cars with similar body style as the Megane and it's so boring . Type R ended the boredom with it's bold designs , gives me some fresh air to breath .

[@BobK5]

Honda, it’s a legend

[@mosca3289]

I was gonna say, cool. But I guess I should say, hot!

[@ukturk7510]

Reading through the comments the TR is the clear winner and gets my vote to 🏁🏁

[@supernova1976]

Would have loved to see Tiff doing a dog fight with the younger race driver like the good old days. i am sure there was a reason we dont know about.

[@jeryjohn]

So the honder is faster and more comfy and roomier but they choose the renault?🤔

[@lovecarsTV]

I’d be happy with either 🙂

[@oneeleven9832]

Megane for me...can’t get over the Max Power looks of the Civic..thats probably my age though

[@lovecarsTV]

Very subjective when it comes to looks with any car, we think they both look great 🙂

[@corone2018]

TypeR all day I felt a bit squashed in the trophy not practical enough and not fast enough.

[@viperggg]

Megane #1

[@leroy7647]

If only they hadn't overdesigned the Civic's rear into oblivion, it would actually be a car I'd be willing to pay the extra money for compared to much of the competition. But instead I went for an i30 N. I think it's the best compromise of this generation of hot hatch. Probably on par with the new Focus ST.

[@jklmnoable]

RS for this one. In person the MRS has presence, on the other hand the CTR back is fugly and the front is ok.

[@johnchong8559]

Megane for me!

[@kindra11111]

Renault. .. sell in canada yet???

[@x_sweetleaf_x8169]

bristol my city

[@InfinityR319]

Type R is the obvious answer since Renaults has no prescence in America, which is a pity.

[@markwood9987]

Renault for me please.

[@panos323]

I am here for the type r