Either OR - Renault
17.05.2019
Renault has under the sub-brand A lpine a legend revived and the A110 of modernity created. A car that has already garnered a lot of laurels in specialist circles for its agility, systematic lightweight construction and sheer driving pleasure. On the other hand, there is also an authority in terms of sportiness and dynamism: the Mégane R.S. A riot-brushed compact with many qualities. Which concept can convince in the end? Let's find out (in detail in the video below).
The format
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The editors Patrick Lang and Thomas Grau always deliver in the format either OR Buying advice on two models from the same manufacturer to find out which car is better for you.
First, let's quickly explain what Awaits you here. In our “Either OR” format, the two editors Patrick Lang and Thomas Grau always compare two vehicles from the same manufacturer. We do not collect any measurement data or test according to the classic auto motor und sport scheme. This is about buying advice and finding out which of the two models is right for you. We take a look at the configurator, check the interior, the exterior and the trunk. In addition, there are of course impressions from driving in terms of clarity, comfort, sportiness, assistance systems and so on. Depending on which criteria can be applied to the respective vehicles.
Little leeway in the configurator
The two opponents of this series have the 1.8-liter four-cylinder in common, but they do could otherwisecould hardly be more different. It starts with the configurator. While for the Mégane R.S. there are tons of options, there are exactly two versions of the Alpine. These differ significantly in how thick the seats are upholstered and whether they can be adjusted in more than one direction. Pure and Légende are the names of the two versions for which we opted for the former because they better reflect the basic idea of lightweight construction and agility. Although - actually we don't choose either, because our test car is one of the limited “Première Edition” (which are basically better equipped Pure models). If you still want to individualize a bit, you can choose from six colors and four rim designs. By the way, you can now play around more in the configurator than at the time of our comparison. The price, however, has not changed: you have to pay around 58,000 euros for the Alpine A110 Pure at least shell out.
The Mégane RS are available from around 34,000 euros, and there is already a lot in it as standard. All-wheel steering, sports exhaust system, sports suspension, rear parking aid and smartphone integration are, for example, directly on board. The first choice to be made is the gearbox - manual gearshift or seven-speed dual clutch? For better comparability, we choose the EDC that also works in the Alpine. The machine in the Mégane R.S. has an output of 280 hp and 390 Newton meters. That is 28 horses and 70 Nm more than in the Alpine, but here you have to move a few more kilos. Almost 500 kilos, to be precise - because the compact one weighs 1,512, the sports car only 1,088. No wonder, because 96 percent of the Alpine body is made of aluminum, and even the seats weigh only 13 kilos each.
Manageable space
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The greater suitability for everyday use of the Mégane RS is undisputed. But what should you do if your heart beats for the Alpine anyway?
Okay, the Mégane also offers a bitmore room. For people, for example, because instead of two there can also be five. And for luggage there is a volume of up to 1,247 liters with the seats folded down (otherwise 387). The Alpine has a manageable 196 liters, divided into two small compartments at the rear and under the front hood. But she by no means wants to be a packhorse, she knows better about load changes. Rear-wheel drive and balanced weight distribution ensure cornering fun par excellence. After just a few meters behind the wheel, the noticeable light weight puts everyone in a good mood. There is also a soundscape that could not be composed more beautifully by a four-cylinder. The little sweeper sprints to 100 km /h in 4.9 seconds, and it's over at 250 km /h. The Alpine manages all of this without losing a trace of everyday comfort.
Although the Mégane R.S. makes a lot of riot compared to its civilian model brothers, it delivers the much more subdued driving experience in this duel. Of course, you have more cars around you and a greater variety of driving modes, the spread of which is actually noticeable. Just for the record: They are in the Alpine too, but it only starts where others stop with their sport mode. In any case, the Mégane can be quite comfortable on the move without it being able to completely disguise its sporty nature. Well, which R.S. customer should want that too? There is drama in sport mode via the exhaust system - including hissing and spluttering. The Mégane still needs almost a second more than the A110 up to 100 km /h.
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