Skip advert
Advertisement

Used car test: Renault Megane RS vs Leon Cupra

Dare to be different with a Renault Mégane RS or SEAT Leon Cupra R225

twin

There’s no shortage of hot hatches on the used market – and everyone has a favourite. Whether it’s the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTi or Honda Civic Type R, a flick through the classifieds of any trade paper or website will throw up loads of popular pocket-rockets.

However, there’s no need to follow the herd. If you search hard enough, there are some unique gems that offer great value for money and brilliant road manners. Take the Renaultsport Mégane RS and SEAT Leon Cupra R225. Both are a real hoot to drive and can be found for around a third of their value when new. So what better way to stand out from the hot hatch crowd and have fun?

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mégane and Leon each have turbocharged engines rated in excess of 220bhp, and will whisk you from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds. There’s little between them price-wise, too.

The Leon R225 starts at around £6,750 for early 2003 models and rises to £12,000. Renaultsport Méganes typically range from £7,000 to £10,000-£11,000 for last-of-the-line, low-mileage 06-plate examples. Both cars offer a reasonable amount of kit for your cash: ABS, traction control, airbags, CD player, electric windows and mirrors are all standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

EcoSport

2022 Ford

EcoSport

62,385 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £8,200
View EcoSport
Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

48,018 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £12,800
View Qashqai
Kuga

2022 Ford

Kuga

27,687 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £15,800
View Kuga
AMG A35

2022 Mercedes

AMG A35

33,630 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £24,497
View AMG A35

When it comes to options the Leon falls down, though. Leather trim, cruise control, electric sunroof and xenon headlights are not available on the SEAT, but they are all on offer for the Mégane. This makes kitted-out examples of the latter even more desirable.

If you’re an attention seeker, the Renault is definitely the one for you. It’s an imposing machine with a wide grille, trademark bulky rump and bulbous arches. It’s practical too, and plenty of storage space and luxuries make for a comfortable long journey. However, the engine is too refined for a raucous hot hatch.

It’s suffered some faults, too, so be sure to check for dodgy shock absorbers and door locks plus electrical problems such as failing automatic lights and windscreen wipers.

The Leon looks more subtle than the Mégane, but it makes up for this behind the wheel. Its turbo is much more eager to kick in and the driving position is superb. It is certainly the faster car – it’s a shade quicker from 0-60mph and will carry on up to 150mph. Although it lacks the Renault’s flair, it is a great
compromise between practicality and performance. Points to watch are a dodgy gearbox synchromesh and parking dents – the Leon has poor rear visibility.

Remember though: if a car is less than three years old and has fewer than 60,000 miles on the clock, it will still have warranty protection and problems should be simple to sort out.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card
Presidential Renault Rafale - front static

Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card

The Rafale was chosen to showcase ‘French excellence and art de vivre’
News
16 Jul 2025
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025