The auto industry, auto buffs, and most importantly, prospective car buyers love crossovers, the sales charts confirm as well. However, there's still a sizable portion that desires a hatch. Here we are talking about performance hatches that, apart from carrying a potent power plant, are decked with high-tech features. Today we are putting two such amazing cars in the ring that may be small on the outside but display big numbers on the instrument cluster - the V.W. Golf and Renault Megane R.S.

The car's hail from the premium hatch segment, are stylish and will satisfy the passionate driver in you. But when it comes to selecting one over the other which one hits the bull's eye - the German performer or the French beast? Here we'll be comparing the two hatchbacks on different aspects - design, power, safety, etc, so let's get started.

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Dimensions

Specifications	VW Golf	Renault Megane R.S.
Length	4,258 mm	4,626 mm
Width	1,799 mm	1,814 mm
Height	1,492 mm	1,428 mm
Wheelbase	2,620 mm	2,712 mm

In the dimension game, the Megane R.S. seems to have a slight upper hand on paper. However, when compared one-on-one, the difference is negligible.

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Exterior

Volkswagen Golf R showcases a dynamic design, and it is a jewel of the automaker's performance lineup. Its exterior gets enough striking and powerful character that makes the Golf R an appealing car. Part of its dynamic outer profile are elements like full LED headlights with LED DRL, LED taillight, and 19-inch Pretoria Black wheels. Distinguishing from the rest of the Golf range is the 'R' styling package that can be found on the front, side, rear, spoiler, and bodykit. Making the Golf safer and reliable is the dynamic headlight range control and cornering lights.

Colour options: Lapiz Blue, Pure White, Deep Black, Tornado Red, and Indium Grey

The Renault Megane is one stylish car that has been tastefully designed by the French automaker. The front is explicitly its most attractive bit with the grid-design grille, full LED Pure Vision headlight with multi-reflector LED RS Vision system. The car's design agrees with its sporting performance with elements like side extractor vents, central exhaust exit, and a wide lip spoiler in the company's exclusive Orange Tonic bodywork. It also spots Formula 1 inspired blades at the front and a wide diffuser at the back.

Colour options: Diamond Black, Pearl White, Orange Tonic, and Liquid Yellow

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Cabin comfort and features

The Golf R cabin is designed to offer maximum comfort and is an example of V.W.'s finest work. Like the exterior, the interior too benefits from the R package that includes the R gear-knob, illuminated door scuff plates, stainless steel pedals, multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, and Vienna perforated leather seat upholstery. The 'Climatronic' air conditioning helps passengers get a desirable cabin climate. Further, enhancing the comfort meter is the 12-way electric adjustable driver seat with memory features, including electric lumbar support and interior ambient LED light.

The Megane R.S. features a sporty cabin that looks inspired by racing cars. The carbon grey interior with red trim calls for a full of energy vibe. With features like sport seats, leather steering wheel, and personalisable dashboard, the hatch is enabled to take the road. Increasing its comfortable quotient of the car features like height-adjustable driver and passenger seat, rain & light sensor, dual-zone automatic heating, and air-con system with air recycling and toxicity sensor, LED ceiling lights, heated electric door mirror, and heated front seat. Taking care of passenger comfort is the 8.7-inch touchscreen with a connected multimedia system, and Bluetooth connectivity and navigation system.

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Engine

The Golf R is powered by 2.0-litre TSI power plant that develops a maximum power of 290 PS at 5,500-6,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 380 Nm at 2,000-5,400 rpm. This mill is connected to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. The 4MOTION-All Wheel Drive system provides the best possible traction at all speeds, road conditions, and weather. The said engine can take you from 0 to 100 km in just 5.1 seconds.

Under the hood of Megane R.S. rests a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes 280 PS at 6,000 rpm and 390 Nm at 2,400-4,500 rpm. The hatch is available in two transmission options - 6-speed manual and 6-speed Dual-Clutch EDC automatic. Both the MTand AT variants can reach the 100 kmph mark in 5.8 seconds. As for as the top speed is concerned, the M.T. trim can reach 255 kmph and the AT can do 250 kmph.

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Safety

Both VW Golf and Renault Megane are cars packed with best-in-class safety features.
The table given below will give you full details about the two car's safety kit -

VW Golf R	Renault Megane R.S.
7 airbags (x2 front, x2 front side, x2 curtain & x1 driver knee)	6 airbags (x2 front, x2 front side, x2 curtain)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	ESC Electronic stability control and ABS with emergency brake assist
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (APCBS)	Automatic full central locking when in motion
Cruise control system with speed limiter	LED indicators integrated into door mirrors
Driver Alert System	ISOFIX
Electronic Stability Control	R.S custom braking system
Electronic Differential Lock	Tyre pressure monitoring system
Engine Drag Torque Control
Intelligent Crash Response System

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Price

VW Golf R	Renault Megane R.S.
294,905	270,088 - 288,218

Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TSI R vs Renault Megane R.S. : Conclusion

Both VW Golf R and Renault Megane R.S. are powerful, capable, and efficient cars that are a fantastic mix of performance and luxury. While the Megane R.S have a more stylish exterior and interior, the Golf R comes with a bigger safety kit and capable engine. We'd suggest you take a thorough test drive before landing on a decision.

Also Read: Volkswagon Golf: Top reasons to buy