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Renault Megane GT-Line Premium Wagon vs Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline Wagon

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium Wagon vs Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline Wagon

Two wagons typify their countries of origin: flair from France's Megane and efficiency from Germany's Golf.

value

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium

from $32,490

Renault is pushing hard to win buyers and a five-year unlimited distance warranty, five-year roadside assist and low-cost service program ($897 for three years) are convincing arguments. Features are more comprehensive than the rival Golf, adding a sunroof, leather, heated seats and lane-departure warning. Resale is an Achilles' heel at 48 per cent.

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline

from $33,840

A clinical Teutonic attitude to hauling mid-size loads, one of the world's best platforms ... this wagon will turn you off SUVs. Satnav, 17-inch alloys and eight-speaker audio team with superb fuel economy and lots of space. Capped-price servicing is $1246 for three years (also the term of the warranty) but it includes roadside assist. Resale is a high 56 per cent.

design

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium

Nicely styled but lacks the crispness of the Golf. The boat-tail rear end is pretty but brings cargo volume to 524L. Cabin styling is clean and simple, the pale grey palette lightening the interior. Some control placement is not intuitive.

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline

No-fuss lines blur the wagon's extra length over the hatch. The result is a pretty addition to your driveway. Comfortable four-adult seating on cloth and alcantara upholstery complements soft-touch dash with excellent build quality. Boot is 605L and rear seats fold flat. Rated to tow 1500kg.

technology

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium

The 1.2-litre turbo (97kW/205Nm) looks too small for the 4.6m wagon but performs well thanks to a slick CVT. Even with its shorter, lighter body, it uses slightly more petrol than the Golf, claiming 5.6L/100km. Wheelbase is longer than the Golf's, meaning more space for rear occupants.

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline

The 1.4-litre turbo (103kW/250Nm) is one of Volkswagen's new engines and one of its best. It claims 5.2L/100km but needs 95 RON and drives a seven-cog dual-clutch gearbox. The platform is a stretched version of the Golf MkVII.

safety

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium

A five-star car with six airbags and electronic brake aids matching the Golf. There are parking sensors, camera and daytime running lights, helpful lane departure monitor, auto-dip high beam and full-size spare wheel.

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline

Five stars, seven airbags, brake emergency display, driver attention detection, tyre pressure monitor, front and rear park sensors with reversing camera are all there. There are also heated mirrors and space-saver space (though a full-size will fit).

driving

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium

The 1.2-litre suggests wimpy performance but the wagon is actually a fun drive. Light steering and soft suspension take a bit of getting used to but the cornering is poised and predictable. The seats are softer than the VW's, making it more suited to short trips. Switches are less easy to use than in the Golf.

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline

his feels nothing like a wagon and is streets ahead of most SUVs in ride comfort, handling, power delivery and fun. The engine sparkles and even though there's still some annoying off-the-mark gearbox lag, you forgive it because it's so flexible and easy on fuel. Excellent switch and gauge design and placement. Wagon space takes a mountain bike and the flexible boot floor creates various partitions.

Verdict

Renault Megane GT-Line Premium

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Highline

The Renault surprises - it's cheaper, more comfortable and has more features. The Golf counters with a better engine, greater cargo space, a more engaging drive and better resale.