@ Renault Group Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Renault Mégane vs VW Polo – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Mégane or VW Polo?

Mégane @ Renault Group Media

Electric Elegance vs. Petrol Power: Renault Mégane and VW Polo

The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, and two timeless brands, Renault and Volkswagen, have continually adapted with strong vehicular representations: the Renault Mégane and the VW Polo. While both cars cater to different segments of the market, they are strong contenders in their respective categories. Here’s how they compare based on their technical aspects, innovations, and what they offer the modern driver.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Design and Dimensions

The Renault Mégane presents itself as an SUV, embedding a stylish blend of innovation and utility. Its dimensions of 4200 mm in length, 1768 mm in width, and 1505 mm in height, coupled with a trunk capacity of 389 liters, serve well for families or individuals needing space for adventure gear or daily commute essentials.

On the other hand, the VW Polo remains a quintessential hatchback, with a sleeker and more compact build at 4074 mm in length, 1751 mm in width, and up to 1451 mm in height. Its trunk offers 351 liters of space, making it ideal for urban dwellers looking for a nimble yet practical vehicle.

Mégane @ Renault Group Media

Performance and Power

The Renault Mégane steps into the future with its electric engine, available with power outputs ranging from 130 to 218 HP, translating to 96 to 160 kW respectively. It’s a front-wheel-drive paired with an automatic transmission and a reduction gearbox. With zero CO2 emissions, it showcases an acceleration from 0-100 km/h in as little as 7.4 seconds, reaching a max speed between 150 and 160 km/h.

Contrarily, the VW Polo opts for traditional combustion options with its petrol engine, boasting a power range that peaks at 207 HP (152 kW). With various configurations such as manual and dual-clutch automatic, the Polo is aimed at petrol aficionados. Its acceleration spectrum ranges from a modest 15.6 seconds to a zippy 6.5 seconds, with top speeds going up to 240 km/h.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Innovation and Efficiency

The Renault Mégane emphasizes sustainability with a CO2 efficiency class of “A” and a negligible emission rate of 0 g/km. Its electric range varies between 308 to 460 km depending on the drive configuration, marked by consumption rates of 14.9 to 15.4 kWh/100 km, making it a leader in eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the VW Polo presents itself with practicality in mind, recording fuel consumption figures ranging from 5.2 to 6.5 L/100 km. Though standing in CO2 efficiency classes “D” and “E”, it's designed for those who prioritize performance and traditional driving experiences. It carries CO2 emission ratings from 118 to 149 g/km.

Mégane @ Renault Group Media

Conclusion

While the Renault Mégane represents the future of mobility with its electric prowess and eco-friendly credentials, the VW Polo delivers on its brand promise of performance and dependability for the conventional driver. The choice ultimately depends on what the driver values more: sustainable innovation or proven performance. Regardless, both the Renault Mégane and VW Polo stand out vividly in their respective lanes, catering precisely to their target audiences' unique needs and desires.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Polo has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 17000 £, while the Renault Mégane costs 35100 £. That’s a price difference of around 18056 £.

Mégane @ Renault Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault Mégane has a minimal edge – offering 218 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 11 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the Renault Mégane takes 7.40 s. That’s about 0.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Polo performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 240 km/h, while the Renault Mégane tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 80 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Polo pulls slight stronger with 320 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm difference.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Polo is convincingly lighter – 1143 kg compared to 1719 kg. The difference is around 576 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Mégane offers barely noticeable more room – 389 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 38 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Mégane performs to a small extent better – up to 1332 L, which is about 207 L more than the VW Polo.

When it comes to payload, VW Polo minimal takes the win – 457 kg compared to 446 kg. That’s a difference of about 11 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Polo proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Polo is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £17,000
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L

Renault Mégane

The Renault Mégane blends Gallic flair with practical everyday charm, showing that sensible transport can still have personality and poise. It’s a smart pick for buyers who want a comfortable, stylish hatchback that feels a little more special than the usual commute companion.

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VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

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Renault Mégane
VW Polo
Mégane @ Renault Group Media
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
35100 - 38500 £
Price
17000 - 30400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
15.40 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
452 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1719 kg
Curb weight
1143 - 1378 kg
Trunk capacity
389 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4200 mm
Length
4074 mm
Width
1783 mm
Width
1751 mm
Height
1505 mm
Height
1431 - 1451 mm
Max trunk capacity
1332 L
Max trunk capacity
1125 L
Payload
446 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
218 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.40 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
171 - 240 km/h
Torque
300 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
160 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Renault
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Renault Mégane?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.