Renault Megane dCi 115 - Best diesels
The Megane is a front-runner in the compact hatchback class, especially in diesel guise
The latest Renault Megane arrived in the UK in 2016, and instantly issued a challenge to the class leaders in the hard-fought compact hatchback sector.
The Megane is attractive to look at, with a quality of design that raises the game with crisp styling lines and a nose that makes quite a statement with its big Renault badge and LED lamps. The fresh original looks are carried over inside with a cabin that makes most cars in the sector look a bit unimaginative – the portrait-orientated touchscreen in the centre console being a particularly nice touch. All trim levels are respectively well equipped too, and a comprehensive list of safety tech means the Megane has the full five-star NCAP safety rating after independent crash testing.
It’s great to drive, with decent handling (if not with as much driver engagement as the SEAT Leon) and refinement. But what really makes the Megane interesting from a diesel owner’s point of view is the dCi 115 model that returns a mighty 74.3mpg. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine makes 114bhp and 260Nm of torque, and will do 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds with a top speed of 116mph. For the economy conscious hatchback driver, those numbers are hard to beat.
Best diesel cars to buy in 2019
- • Renault Megane dCi 115
- • Vauxhall Insignia GS
- • BMW 320d
- • Mercedes-Benz S 350 d
- • Volvo XC90 D5 Momentum
- • Skoda Karoq 1.6 TDI
- • Honda Civic i-DTEC
- • Range Rover SDV6 Vogue
- • BMW 520d
- • Peugeot 3008 BlueHDi
