Holden Astra vs Renault Megane
What's the difference?

Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

View pricing & specs

Renault Megane

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Holden Astra

2020 Renault Megane

By Peter Anderson

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

8.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Bulked-up looks
Big power
Great colours

Dislikes

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

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

2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2018 Holden Astra 2020 Renault Megane

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

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.

Holden Astra vs Renault Megane What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Astra vs Renault Megane
What's the difference?