It might lack the visual impact of the previous and striking Megane, but Renault probably needs its new challenger to the Ford Focus and VW Golf to make a bigger impression than the star of those famous derriere-shaking TV commercials.
The Megane is the most important car in Renault’s range, especially in the corporate sector that accounts for around three-quarters of all new lower medium models. It also arrives at a time when drivers are downsizing away from upper medium, MPV or small 4×4 models, and at a time when Renault’s previous new volume model, the upper medium sector Laguna, is struggling.
It’s fair to say the five-door, which will outsell its three-door sibling (called the Coupe by Renault) by a factor of 2:1, isn’t as immediately distinctive as its sibling. However, in the metal it certainly looks better than the early pictures suggested, taking on a more classy and understated pose. That’s a theme that’s carried over to the interior, which has followed the lead of the new Laguna and Koleos 4×4 and boasts quality to pretty much match anything in the class; the soft-touch plastics and well-thought-out cabin belie the Megane’s volume positioning.
Kit count is also good, with ESP anti-skid control standard across the range. The most-popular mid-spec Dynamique trim level offers integrated Bluetooth hands-free system and cruise control among the standard equipment, while the top-level Privilege available to drive at the launch adds extra specification including climate control and rear parking sensors for the £900 step-up.
On the road…
