BMW 1 Series vs Renault Megane
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Renault Megane

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2020 Renault Megane

By Chris Thompson

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Turbo 4, 1.8L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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8.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Bulked-up looks
Big power
Great colours

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

Not as good as previous RS Meganes
Four-wheel steering vagueness
Better options out there

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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2020 Renault Megane Summary

The Renault Megane RS is still here, in case you were wondering.

You may have let it slip your mind in recent times, because there’s been a lot of action in the hot hatch scene with the release of the new-generation Ford Focus ST, a fond farewell to the VW Golf R, and consistent talk of the upcoming Toyota Corolla GR hot hatch.

The Megane RS is more than just ‘here’, though. The RenaultSport Megane hatch range has expanded in recent times, and we’ve just spent some time with the Trophy model which first arrived in Australia late in 2019.

It is certainly keeping its presence known in 2020 Renault Megane RS Trophy spec, which represents the most powerful and fastest version of the standard model range before you get to the rip-snorting (and eye-wateringly expensive) Trophy R.

So what’s it like? Read on and you’ll find out all about it.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2020 Renault Megane

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

If the Renault Megane RS Trophy is your dream car let me say this: there’s no overarching reason that I’d say you shouldn’t go ahead and buy it.

But with so much amazing competition in this part of the market, it’s hard to put it ahead of its rivals. And it’s going to be even harder for it to stay high on the contenders list as more new metal arrives in the coming years.

BMW 1 Series vs Renault Megane What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Renault Megane
What's the difference?