Megane has ‘ kerb appeal’

YOU can always rely on Renault to come up with style and innovation in their cars and the latest incarnation of the ubiquitous Megane proves the rule.

This is a very nice, well- made car, packed with technology, and with loads of kerb appeal.

The new five- door hatchback, which has received a 5 star Euro NCAP rating, is available in Expression, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, GT Line Nav and GT Nav trims.

The test car provided by Paul White from Renault main dealers Menapia Motors in Wexford was the very impressive looking Dynamique S Nav DcI 110 version, which retails for € 26,840, although the range starts at € 21,005.

There is a wide range of fuel- efficient, low- emission powertrains available. Two Energy TCe turbocharged petrol options of 1.2 litres/ 130hp and 1.6 litres/ 205hp ( GT).

The turbodiesel alternatives are the 1.5- litre 110hp unit, with manual or EDC transmission, and a 1.6- litre dCi unit developing 130hp. The CO2 of the manual dCi 110 is just 96g/ km, while at the other end of the scale the TCe 205 GT is capable of 0- 100km/ h in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of more than 230km/ h

Mated to a slick, six- speed gearbox, the Megane was no slowcoach and quickly delivered its power.

The Mégane’s distinctive front and rear lighting signatures are permanently lit when the engine is switched on, while unique- in- class features include a configurable 7- inch Thin Film Transistor ( TFT) colour instrument display, R- LINK 2 connectivity systems via either a 7- inch landscape or 8.7- inch portrait tablet, and Multi- Sense technology.

The technology is intuitive and easy to use, adding to the attractive cabin ambience with high- quality, soft- touch materials.

There is an unmistakable cockpit feel to the car thanks to the design of the centre console.

Upholstery on the sculpted, accommodating seats has been inspired by leather goods and stylish furnishings.

Discreet top- stitching on the seats and door panels further underlines the quality.

The Megane is great to drive and very sure- footed despite piles of wet leaves on the roads around the county which could have made driving difficult, but didn’t.

The overall finish of the Megane is excellent with plenty of top- drawer fabric and plastics to satisfy even the most car proud amongst us.

It is lower, with a longer wheelbase and the widest front and rear track in the class – to give it even more dynamic and balanced proportions.

And the The taut, precise appearance of the car is emphasised by broad, sculpted shoulders and wheels of up to 18 inches.

In 2017 a Hybrid Assist diesel- electric powertrain will be added to the range, based on the Energy dCi 110 unit. Renault is targeting a class- leading CO2 figure of 76g/ km, with fuel economy in the NEDC combined cycle below 2.9 l/ 100km.

The GT range will be extended in 2017 with the addition of a new 1.6- litre dCi 165 unit, with a new 7- speed EDC transmission.

All- New Mégane allows owners to personalise the driving experience via Multi- Sense.

Accessed via the R- LINK 2 display, Multi- sense features customisable driving programmes, which adapt engine sounds, steering response, engine power and even the LED ambient lighting, something that you don’t really think you need, but it’s a nice touch when you have it.

With its fuel- sipping abilities, high- tech, and good looks, the Megane is a very appealing set of wheels.