Renault Megane

The third generation Megane represents a long-awaited return to form for Renault.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
For : Fresh looks, competitive pricing, decent handling
Against : Lack of rear space

Styling/Image
Renault’s designers have brought their family model bang up to date. The distinctive rear end of the old hatchback has been ditched in favour of a much sleeker look. Details like the over-sized rear light clusters are a bit heavy handed, but the third generation Megane is a marked improvement on its predecessor. The Honda Civic is more striking and the VW Golf more elegant, but the Megane is arguably the best of the rest. Renault has dubbed the three-door hatch a Coupe. Its sportier styling sets it apart from the more practical five-door version.

Interior/Practicality
The interior is a bit of a mixed bag – you get only adequate rear legroom, but one of the biggest boots in the family car sector. The smart cabin design is pleasing to the eye and features decent quality trim, but the digital speedo looks like a gimmick and the controls for the stereo, ventilation and cruise control are fiddly. Question marks remain over interior build quality, too.

Engine/Performance
A broad selection of petrol and diesel engines means there should be something for everyone in the Megane line-up. Entry-level 1.5dCi diesels provide impressive economy, low CO2 emissions and cheap road tax. The more powerful oil-burners provide more punch but still won’t break the bank at the pumps. Petrol options include a 178bhp 2.0-litre turbo unit. It powers the hatchback from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.

Driving experience
The Megane has always been a comfortable family car, but the latest model is both capable and entertaining to drive. It doesn’t have the handling finesse or high grip levels of a Ford Focus or Honda Civic, but the Renault is an excellent all-rounder. The steering is well weighted and precise, while the suspension delivers smooth and refined progress.

Ownership Costs
Renault prides itself on its competitive pricing and the third generation Megane is no exception. Generous equipment levels also help to make it a value for money choice. The diesel engines all provide impressive economy, while their low emissions help to cut road tax bills. Predicted residual values are also on a par with its mainstream family car rivals.

Safety/Environment
A solid performance in Euro NCAP tests makes the Megane a competitive choice. Its green credentials are pretty strong too, especially in economical diesel guise. Lower powered oil burners fall into band B for road tax and even the flagship diesel emits only 134g/km.

Our Choice: Dynamique dCi130

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1 Comment

Megane Sport Tourer dCi 110 Dynamique TomTom

I'd agree with everything AE say about the Megane, including the lack of rear space (legroom) with the 5-door hatchback.
But go for the Sport Tourer and you get an extended wheelbase - and with that comes MUCH more legroom. My lanky 18 year old son can vouch for the rear legroom!
Styling is refreshingly different... ahem, saying that I'm beginning to find it difficult to differentiate between Megane, Astra and Focus from behind because of the light cluster design being quite similar!
Inside, initially, the digital speedometer did put me off, but within days it seemed so natural and it is so clear and easy to check one's speed.
The stereo/satnav controls can seem daunting, but a few weeks to familiarise oneself with them - and a good read through the manual (yes, I actually read it) - and it does begin to make sense... even the standard-fitment bluetooth/phone controls don't cause this doddering old fool to grind to a halt!
The ST's interior is very versatile... individual folding rear seats, awkward load partitions in the long boot and a forward-folding front passenger seat backrest... plus good sized door pockets, glove locker, front and rear centre armrests/cubbies, front underfloor lidded compartments. The list just goes on...and on.
In terms of fuel economy the 110 dCi turbo diesel is an absolute corker: granted, I'm not a young boy-racer anymore, but even so, a 57mpg real-world average makes the Megane very wallet- and environmentally-friendly beast of burden.
I bought the Megane primarily to haul both my university-student kids and all their gear up and down the country and cope with two bikes on the roofbars, countless trips north of the border and my daily drive to the office.
It had to be reliable, environmentally clean, economical, roomy and NOT expensive. I'm not afflicted by the urge to drive something German (no soul, too corporate, too complex...and expensive when they go wrong). I'm an individual...not a clone, so a Renault Megane suits me just fine.
Would I buy another (with my own money)? YES, but in a few years, when wife and I are empty-nesters and I don't need the huge boot/luggage capacity... then I'll treat myself to the Megane Coupe!

By TenereT on 22 December, 2011, 4:11pm

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