Renault Megane Sport Tourer

It will be the first time the Megane has been offered with this bodystyle in the UK, as the last-generation estate was never sold here. Despite this, Renault expects this more stylish model to be a major player in its class.

From the front it retains the familiar Megane face, but from the side and rear it has a distinct resemblance to the more expensive Laguna Sport Tourer. In common with the Megane Sport Saloon - which also arrives in November - it features the same long-wheelbase platform the seven-seat Grand Scenic will use.

With an extra 61mm between the axles compared to the hatchback, the Sport Tourer is able to provide ample rear legroom and longer back doors. In addition, the bodywork behind the back wheels is increased by 230mm to create a massive boot.

At 520 litres with the seats in place, the luggage area is 45 litres bigger than that of the Laguna Sport Tourer, and identical to the Ford Focus Estate's cargo hold. It's comfortably ahead of challengers such as the Peugeot 307 SW (503 litres) and the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon (510), too.

Three petrol engines and two diesels, plus three spec levels, will be offered, but it's the frugal yet powerful oil-burners which seem sure to be the most popular with British buyers.

As with the C-C, it's the 120bhp 1.9 dCi which is the pick of the bunch, while a 100bhp version of the Clio's 1.5 dCi will be introduced later, to expand the choice further. Sharing 80 per cent of its components with the Sport Hatch, the Tourer retains the same capable driving manners and comfortable ride quality seen across the rest of the range.