Renault had a rough couple of years that saw it delete several of its cars from the UK market, including the Laguna.
It’s turned a tumultuous time into a positive one, however, launching new versions of two key cars that are overwhelming improvements on previous generations.
There’s the Clio supermini and this, the Megane. It’s never been a bad looking maching but the fourth generation model is easily the most head turning in its class.
As well as being better looking the new model is bigger and packed with much more technology.
Prices start at around £16,500 and peak at a little over £25,000. There are two turbocharged petrol engines, a 130bhp 1.2 and the 205bhp 1.6 in the hot hatch GT version.
Diesel options are 1.5 and 1.6 litre units with 110 and 130bhp.
The most popular model is likely to be 1.5 litre diesel I spent a week in the company of.
With 110bhp it doesn’t leave the smell of burning rubber if you floor it at the Kingsway traffic lights, but it’s smooth and pulls well enough even when it has a full complement of passengers and luggage.
The interior has gone all high tech and, again, looks superb. There’s an 8.7in iPad-style touchscreen that’s easy to use. The dashboard is a screen instead of traditional dials and, cleverly, can be configured into different layouts and colour schemes.
There’s more interior space in this model and rear passengers now have decent head and leg room. At 434 litres, the boot is generous too.
French cars have a reputation for a soft and comfortable ride and that’s what the Megane delivers. This model comes with thicker windscreen glass and better insulation. Coupled with the smooth suspension it adds up to a refined package that’s terrific for long distance drives.
Given the soft ride, handling isn’t at all bad, though it’s far from as dynamic as a Ford Focus.
Trim levels range from Expression+, through Dynamique Nav, the Dynamique S Nav I drove, to Signature Nav, GT-Line Nav and GT Nav. Even basic models have Bluetooth, LED daytime lights, tinted windows, electronic parking brake and digital radio.
The Megane doesn’t quite have the quality of a Golf or dynamism of a Focus but it’s a great looking, comfortable and well equipped family car.
Info
Price:
£20,400
0-62mph:
11.3 seconds
Top speed:
116mph
Economy:
76.4mpg
CO2 emissions:
96g/km