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Renault Mégane Coupé vs. Rivals

Renault Mégane Coupé vs. Rivals

Renault is back on form – but can its attractive new Mégane Coupé beat the VW Scirocco and Volvo C30

January 2009

Flair, flamboyance and style – the French are known for doing things with a bit of panache. But is the nation’s reputation deserved?

It has been a long time since France’s talent for fashion has been evident on a car, yet the country’s design has always been successfully sent across the Channel – the stunning Worcestershire chateau in our picture is a fine example.

Renault is hoping to have a French fancy to tempt car buyers in the shape of its new Mégane Coupé. It’s the latest model from a firm that’s undergoing a design revolution. As with its revitalised five-door counterpart, the newcomer aims to mix distinctive looks with competitive prices, strong performance and sharp driving dynamics.

However, the Mégane faces a talented welcoming committee. The latest entry-level version of the Volkswagen Scirocco is equally eye-catching and packs an innovative powerplant that promises to be powerful and efficient.

Finally, the Volvo C30 is a style benchmark. The sleek Swede entered the compact coupé market in 2006, and age hasn’t diminished its ability to turn heads. There’s no denying the Renault certainly has its work cut out to make a mark on British soil.

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Facts and Figures

Verdict

When style is of key importance for a new car, designers can afford to be a bit fickle. Every one of our cars here has features you won’t tire of discovering over and over.

First to be eliminated, though, is the Volvo. Its low price and classy exterior are highlights. Buyers will also be attracted to a cabin that mixes space with premium car desirability. But its poor straight-line performance and uninspiring driving dynamics are thrown into sharp relief by its talented rivals.

So that leaves the Renault and VW to scrap it out for top spot. In three-door form, the French model is even more desirable than the five-door. It has smart looks, and its raw pace is unmatched.

Better still, it has a versatile, well built and generously equipped cabin. Only poor ride comfort and an ultimate lack of driver involvement count against it.

No such criticisms can be levelled at the Scirocco. In base trim, with its clever twin-charged engine, the VW makes an irresistible case for itself. The German model is great to look at, drive and own. Its ratings are unbeatable across the board, securing victory and a position as one of the UK’s most desirable new cars.

 
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