Renault Megane

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.