Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Megane

A facelift in 2006 succeeded in freshening up the Megane, with improved interior quality and refined, efficient diesels.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Renault Megane
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Driving:
The Megane was revised in 2006, with much-improved steering. It's still not as precise as the class-best, but the artificial feel of old Meganes has gone - although it remains light for town work. Country roads aren't the Megane's forte, since it can roll and doesn't have much of a fun factor. It rides well though, particularly on standard wheels, though models fitted with larger wheels can on occasion patter too much over smaller bumps. Brakes are light and grabby and the aircraft-style handbrake is heavy and awkward. Engines are a mixed bunch; petrol units are average but diesels generally perform superbly, with a hushed nature even from cold, plus plenty of power and torque.

Marketplace:
When the second-generation Megane was launched in 2002, it was something of a shock. Facelifted models from 2006 retain the chiselled nose and bulbous back end, and continue to be offered in a boggling number of variants; three-and five-door hatch, estate, coupe-cabriolet and the Scenic range reviewed elsewhere. Five petrol and four diesel engines are offered, within a large and confusing range of trims. There's little to differentiate many model lines other than interior colour schemes; a lack of external trim identification doesn't help, though all are extremely well-equipped.

Owning:
That rounded rear gives the Megane real individuality but does harm boot access - the tailgate opening is narrow and the sill wide, while volume is no great shakes compared to most hatchback rivals. The estate and saloon are better in this respect. In the well thought-out cabin, rear passengers will grumble from a lack of legroom and seats they perch on rather than sit in - though again, saloons and estates, with their longer wheelbase, offer a little more space. The driver sits on a high seat but the position is comfy, and upgraded, soft-touch plastics on facelifted cars mean the cabin feels more robust. The well-sited control and dash still don't wrap around the driver, though. Economy of all Meganes, particularly diesels, is good, and lengthy service intervals of up to 18,000 miles trims costs. However, while the crash test score is excellent, reliability traditionally hasn't been a strong point.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £34,716
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,697
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025