Used Renault Megane (Mk4, 2016-2022) review and buyer's guide

Verdict

Small family hatches are some of the biggest sellers across Europe, and it’s easy to see the appeal. They’re big enough to be family-friendly but small enough to keep running costs down. They’re also easy to park and agile, so it’s a shame for Renault that this Mégane wasn't as popular as its predecessors. While earlier editions sold well, the Mk4 is a rare sight on British roads, despite the fact that this is a pretty talented car. 

It looks smart, has a high-quality and well equipped interior, plus it’s very good value for money as a used purchase. Its lack of sales success as a new buy means there aren’t as many to choose from on the used market as you might expect, but this is a car that’s worth seeking out.

Renault is one of the world’s oldest car makers; it celebrated its 121st birthday earlier this year, and it’s among the few car makers to survive to this day after setting up shop in the 19th century. Since then, this French company has acquired a reputation for creativity and a willingness to take risks. Just some of its greats include the Renault 16, 5, the 4 and the original Twingo.

Although all of these cars sold well, conservative buyers resulted in Renault’s products becoming less innovative, while cost-cutting led to shortfalls in quality that saw in its cars perform poorly in reliability surveys. Renault hit back with much-improved quality and more appealing designs but are these enough to make a used fourth-generation Mégane worth a look?

Models covered

• Renault Megane (2016-2022) - There aren’t many for sale, but this fine family hatchback is good value and worth seeking out

History

The Renault Mégane Mk4 arrived in July 2016 with two petrol engines (1.2 TCe 130, 1.6 TCe 205) and two diesels (1.5 dCi 110, 1.6 dCi 130). At first only a five-door hatch was available, but six months later a Sport Tourer (estate) appeared with the same engines, trims and transmissions.

The 1.6-litre Mégane GT dCi 165 joined the range in June 2017, a year before the line-up was simplified to include just three trim levels (Play, Iconic, GT line) and two engines (TCe 130, dCi 110).

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By spring 2018, the 1.3 TCe 140 had replaced the TCe 130. In July 2018 the 276bhp Mégane RS 280 was launched with a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine, four-wheel steering and manual or automatic transmissions; the 296bhp Mégane RS 300 Trophy went on sale six months later. The Megane Mk4 was replaced by the fifth generation, and all-electric, Renault Megane E-Tech in 2022.  

Which one should I buy?

The hot RS editions are brilliant to drive, but costly to buy, while the more mainstream models offer decent economy, comfort and performance. The EDC auto works well, so we wouldn’t steer you away from any version.

The entry-level Mégane Expression+ has cruise control with speed limiter, 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, air-con and a DAB radio. Dynamique Nav adds automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, extra driver aids, dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch touchscreen display.

Dynamique S Nav gets a rear camera and front parking sensors, 17-inch alloys, an 8.7-inch infotainment display and privacy glass. Signature Nav features leather trim, LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. There were also GT Line and GT Nav editions –sportier-looking versions of the Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav respectively.

Alternatives to the Renault Megane

If you’re in the market for a small family hatch of this age, the Ford Focus should be at the top of your list; it’s great value, plentiful, fun to drive, and cheap to run, plus there’s a wide model range. All of these things also apply to the Vauxhall Astra, which can’t match the Ford dynamically, but is still very competent.

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The SEAT Leon is another cracker, as is its cousin, the Volkswagen Golf; both come with excellent ergonomics, efficient engines and high-quality interiors, plus there are plenty to buy. The Mazda 3 is another appealing design that’s a blast to drive and has a superb interior, while the Peugeot 308 is decent value, readily available and comes with some impressive engines. Two others that major on value and quality are the Kia Ceed and its cousin, the Hyundai i30.

What to look for

Spare wheel

The Mégane came fitted with a tyre inflation kit as standard instead of a spare wheel, although you could buy one for £200.

Handbrake

The Expression+ trim level comes with a conventional handbrake, while all other versions are fitted with an electronic one as standard.

Warranty

There was an initially a four-year warranty, but this was increased to five years or 100,000 miles – whichever comes first – from late 2019 onwards.

Interior

Most of the used Méganes for sale are in higher specifications, and these have an interior that’s far plusher than you’ll find in entry-level editions, with better cloth and leather upholstery, as well as additional trim pieces. The large portrait-format infotainment display looks very classy and is fairly easy to use, while the cabin materials and build quality are impressive for a car of this class.

Cabin space is rather strong as well, with plenty of head and legroom in the back seats for adults, while the 384-litre boot is bigger than you’ll find in most rivals. Fold the back seats down and this expands to a spacious 1,247 litres.

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Running costs

All Méganes need to be serviced every 12 months or 18,000 miles – whichever comes first. Services alternate between minor and major, whichever engine is fitted. Once a Mégane reaches its fourth birthday, it needs more new parts.

The brake fluid should be replaced every three years or 72,000 miles, fresh coolant is required every five years or 90,000 miles. While all petrol engines are chain-driven, the diesels have a cambelt that should be replaced every six years or 90,000 miles.

Recalls

Renault has recalled the Mégane Mk4 six times so far, the first two both in April 2017. The first was because some early cars had faulty child locks on the rear doors, while the second was for problematic clutches.

Faulty airbags were the reason behind the third campaign, which was launched in September 2017, while the next recall came in January 2019 because poorly routed wiring could lead to a short circuit that could prevent the car from starting – or, even worse, might see the engine switch off as the car was being driven. Engine cooling fan problems led to the fifth recall, in March 2019, then six months later came the most recent action, introduced because some cars were fitted with a faulty oil pressure solenoid valve, which could lead to damage to the engine.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

While the third-generation Mégane has appeared in Driver Power surveys, its successor hasn’t. Renault did feature in our 2020 Brands survey, though, in mid-table 15th place, putting it above Volkswagen (19th). A few owners have left reviews on Carbuyer.co.uk, generally awarding the full five stars thanks to the Renault’s blend of smart styling, low running costs and strong performance with refinement.

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Renault Megane (2016-2022) review: What we said

Extracts from our in-depth review of the Renault Megane in 2021...

The Renault Megane is more stylish than ever, although it’s not the sharpest car in its class to drive. It has the looks and enough ability to attract some attention from buyers but, ultimately, it comes up short against the top competition.

A facelift in 2020 has added a little zest, while the introduction of fresh on-board tech and extra standard kit should strengthen the Megane's appeal. The plug-in hybrid version could be of interest to those with an eye on low running costs, although there isn't really a compelling reason to recommend Renault's family hatchback over its more complete rivals.

About the Renault Megane

The Renault Megane is a staple of the compact hatchback class and has been on sale since 1995. The current car is the Megane Mk4, and it was launched in 2016 after the Mk3 had a relatively long eight-year shelf life. The latest Megane, facelifted in 2020, builds on the talents of past models by adding some much needed quality and technology to the mix.

The Megane has an evolutionary look, which is no bad thing when you consider how radical past versions have been. The shape is similar to before, but with larger dimensions that are designed to create more interior space, while details such as the C-shaped daytime running lights on higher-spec cars and the prominent Renault badge on the nose help the Megane to stand out from the crowd.

The Megane Mk4 was sold as a five-door hatchback or as a Sport Tourer estate. The third-generation Megane was sold as a sporty three-door, and there was the Megane CC folding hard-top convertible, too. 

For those wanting increased performance, Renault offers the R.S. 300 and R.S. Trophy, along with the track-ready Trophy-R model.

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Engines, performance and drive

It doesn’t take long behind the wheel of the Renault Megane to discover that the brand’s engineers have focused primarily on comfort and refinement. Not only does it ride well, but noise levels are generally low. This relaxed approach extends to the car’s outright acceleration, though, with the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel falling short of punchier rivals. 

On the road, however, the diesel Renault feels reasonable enough, plus its slightly shorter sixth gear means you’re less likely to need a downshift from the slick manual box on the motorway. There’s decent grunt, and it doesn’t sound too brash, either. 

The 1.3-litre TCe 140 petrol engine needs to be worked hard if you're after decent acceleration, which can impact on refinement. We feel the Volkswagen Group's 1.5 TSI is the more sophisticated unit. If you seeking more driving thrills then perhaps look towards the R.S. 300, R.S. Trophy or Trophy-R models.

At low and medium speeds the Megane still soaks up bumps with the sort of supple finesse for which French models used to be famous. It’s also settled at motorway speeds, but sharp ridges send a shockwave through the cabin. Overall, it’s calm and composed.

The steering is a little light and the Megane turns in a little lazily, but once settled, the Renault grips hard. And while there’s some roll, body control is good, with mid-corner bumps failing to knock the Megane off line.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The diesel-engined Megane uses a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 113bhp. It manages 0-62mph in 11.1s in six-speed manual guise, with the seven-speed auto a tenth quicker.

Opting for petrol power, sees the 138bhp TCe 140 manual version dispatch the same sprint in 9.4s, while the auto version is slightly slower this time at 9.7s.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Renault has long prided itself on its economical diesel engines – and the point is proven in the latest Megane. The manufacturer claims the dCi 115 unit, in combination with the seven-speed automatic transmission, will return as much as 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. The six-speed manual version is only a fraction behind this figure at 61.4mpg.

CO2 emissions for both variants are 121-122g/km, which means company car users will pay a 28% Benefit-in Kind rate.

The TCe 140 petrol still offers solid economy with the manual car proving to be the most efficient, returning 48.7mpg versus the auto's 47.9mpg. CO2 emissions are 130g/km and 133g/km respectively, which puts the petrol-powered Megane in the 30% BiK bracket.

Private buyers will be heartened by the brand’s PCP deals, which feature low APR rates and dealer contributions to help get you behind the wheel. 

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Interior, design and technology

There’s no denying Renault has pulled out all the stops for the design of the latest Megane. At the front is the brand’s trademark diamond logo, flanked by a pair of headlamps framed by distinctive C-shaped LED running lights. Look down the sides of the car and you’ll spot the bulging rear wheelarches and neat kick in the window line ahead of the C-pillar, which are both reminiscent of the Clio supermini. At the rear are the eye-catching LED tail-lamps that run nearly the whole width of the bootlid.

Renault has made big strides with quality, and soft-touch materials are used throughout, while the interior feels robustly built. Everything falls neatly to hand, and the dials are easy to read.

The facelift in 2020 introduced new LED headlights, revised taillights with scrolling indicators and redesigned front and rear bumpers, while Renault has also increased the alloy wheel options and available exterior paint colours.

Inside, we like that Renault has returned to using rotary dials for the standard dual-zone climate control system, instead of having to use a touchscreen function - it’s much easier and safer to use on the move.

Choosing the Iconic specification brings 16-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control, while spending an extra £2,000 on the R.S. Line gives you bigger 17-inch alloys, sports seats, a rear parking camera and sportier R.S. branded trim.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Renault has introduced new tech for the facelifted Megane, with a 10-inch digital dash for the top R.S. Line trim. It features clear, crisp graphics, although the resolution and responses from the 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system don't function quite as well. Iconic-spec cars make do with a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen and a digital driver information display of the same size.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard, while you have the option to upgrade the audio set-up on the R.S. Line version to a seven-speaker Bose system.

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Practicality, comfort and boot space

Despite being almost identical in length and width, the Renault Megane boasts a bigger boot than both the SEAT Leon and Vauxhall Astra. Better still, the 434-litre load bay is well shaped, although there’s a step down to the boot floor. A Peugeot 308 has a bigger boot, too.

This emphasis on luggage carrying ability means there’s a fraction less legroom in the rear, but extra features such as the rear air vents add a touch of luxury for passengers. Elsewhere, there’s plenty of handy storage, including flock-lined door bins and a trinket tray that also houses the USB and 12V connectors. Yet as with many French cars, the Megane’s glovebox is tiny as it has to share space with the fusebox – a problem not found when the car is converted to European left-hand-drive markets. 

Size

The Megane’s external dimensions are a match for both the SEAT Leon and Vauxhall Astra. At 4.36m long and 1.81m wide, it’s feels easy enough to manoeuvre, while also offering decent interior dimensions.

Leg room, head room & passenger space 

While the front seats are supportive, they eat into legroom in the back slightly. Despite being nice and wide, the Megane doesn’t offer any space advantage over its rivals, and occupants will find the Renault is no more roomy in the back than a Vauxhall Astra. 

Boot

With its 434-litre boot, the Megane serves up decent practicality. However, fold the rear seats down and the 1,237-litre load bay this creates is actually smaller than the area found on both the SEAT Leon and Vauxhall Astra. There’s also a pronounced loading lip that you’ll have to lift cases past, while underfloor storage is eliminated if you specify a space-saver spare and optional Bose subwoofer.