Classy style and economy make the Megane worth a second look
18 RENAULT recently released the fourth generation of its popular Megane family hatchback.
The new Megane is a handsome vehicle and its design will not not split opinion in the way that some of its predecessors did.
With more than 6.5 million sales notched in the last 20 years, the Megane has been very important for the French company and it has priced the new range aggressively to make sure it continues to compete.
Longer and wider than before the new Megane is very stylish and has a muscular stance.
The nose is dominated by a large Renault diamond badge and distinctive LED day-running lights.
The neat rump features an attractive LED light display and the tailgate gives easy access to 434 litres of luggage space and 1,247 litres with the rear seats folded – a significant increase over the previous model.
The car’s larger dimensions means that there is more space for occupants and I found it very easy to select a comfortable driving position.
Range prices start at £16,600 and go up to £25,500 but one of the most popular is the 1.5dCi Dynamique S Nav model I sampled at £20,400 which represents good value for money.
The cabin benefits from quality materials and feels well put together, while offering room for five adults.
It bristles with the latest technology and a large, tablet-shaped touchscreen dominates – and thanks IT’S a measure of the enduring appeal of the Renault Clio that since its arrival on the small car scene 22 years ago it has sold close to 12 million models in 115 countries.
Each of the Clio’s four generations has seen a different set of virtues to endear it to buyers. None though have flaunted the style of the latest version.
This is a supermini supermodel in the true sense of the word.
There’s a chic design there that resonates perfectly with the French brand’s image – from the low roofline and sloping nose to the smooth angles of the tail end.
And such is the shape of the rear doors and their concealed handles that the visual appeal of a three-door model is evident, even though the Clio only comes as a five-door.
Add a bright interior made up of premium-quality materials and ample legroom for rear passengers to the mix and you have an extremely-desirable small car.
On the downside that low-slung shape means rear headroom could be to Renault’s Multi-Sense system – enables you to control most of the cars functions including sat nav, entertainment, air conditioning and the various driving modes.
You can spend loads of time selecting from the huge amount of options for personal settings, from purely entertaining things like the cabin and instrument lighting or the more serious stuff like steering weight and suspension settings or comfort, eco or sports modes.
I was impressed with the better but space overall is pretty good and the boot has a reasonable 300-litre capacity.
A trio of petrol engines ranging from a 0.9-litre three cylinder turbo to the lively 120bhp 1.2-litre unit are up for grabs along with the 1.5-litre dCi diesel driven here.
The latter is both strong and efficient. In the standard Clio with Stop & Start its headline figures are 85.6mpg and emissions of 85g/km, but go for the ECO version and there’s the potential for an average 88.3mpg and 82g/km, which means zero annual road tax and lower fuel bills.
ECO mode is available on all models above including Dynamique Nav grade, and drivers can adjust performance to optimise fuel economy by using a button on the dashboard to reduce engine torque and modify throttle response.
As a visual reminder, there is a driving-style indicator in the display, performance of the diesel which was very quiet and responsive.
It powered the family five-door hatch to 62mph in 11.3 seconds and has a top speed of 116mph and low emissions of 96g/km.
Renault claims a combined 76.4mpg figure and although I did not match that, I still averaged well over 60mpg.
The Megane comes with all the latest safety features including hill-start assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise-control, which moves through green, yellow and orange zones, and a gear shift indicator.
This doesn’t mean you have to drive too sedately though as the Clio is a car that engages well with the road; it handles the way you would expect a spirited supermini to perform with its smooth ride, accurate steering and balanced body control. automatic-emergency braking, blind-spot alerts, front fogs and tyre-pressure monitoring.
It makes a great family car but if you want something a bit more sporting you can opt for the GT. This will get you some distinctive styling additions, larger alloys and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine combined with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, paddle shifters and sports seats. It starts at £25,500 and is a warm, rather than hot hatch.
It can tackle the sprint to 62mph in
All models are well kitted out, even the entry-grade Expression featuring the likes of cruise control, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability and Traction Control, a speed limiter, six airbags, daytime running lights, electric front windows and door mirrors, Bluetooth and keyless entry.
On the Dynamique Nav you also get Renault’s MediaNav touchscreen 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph.
It certainly drives and handles well and feels agile enough but it will not be fast enough for the boy racers who will be catered for at a later date.
Official consumption is a touch over 47mpg but as usual you will not get close to that figure in the real world.
There is something to suit all pockets in the Megane range and its classy looks and excellent economy will tempt many motorists. tablet, automatic headlights and wipers, an Arkamys premium sound system, leather steering wheel and black gloss trim.
The Clio is already a match for the leading contenders in the supermini arena – notably the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa – and should be even better when the upgraded version arrives in October.