I t’s a measure of how competitive the family car sector has become, that barely three years after its launch and despite sales success (in Europe only the Astra and Golf outsell it) a facelift is deemed necessary for the Megane.
To be fair, facelift is too strong a word. The grille and headlights have been gently altered, rear lights are new, and fresh wheel designs and colours give a sparklier look to an unchanged shape that still pleases.
The interior comes with clearer instruments, more modern backlighting and better quality trims. It’s nothing major, but it all feels more solid than before with an appreciable improvement in build. The rear remains cramped though; longer-wheelbase saloon and estates are better for passengers, and more competitive with class rivals.
The big news is found under the bonnet. At the affordable end is the 1.5-litre dCi, now with a 106PS variant alongside the existing 86PS model. It’s a delight, and its sweet nature and performance makes choosing the same-priced 2.0-litre petrol a poor decision. The diesel averages 60.1mpg and emits just 124g/km of CO2; the 2.0-litre petrol does 35.3mpg and 191g/km, plus BIK is £19 per month more for lower-rate taxpayers.
At the top of the range is a new 150PS 2.0-litre dCi unit developed with Nissan. This is a strong performer and near faultless in operation. It’s quiet, free of clatter and able to pull without hesitation from tickover to redline with real, sustained force. With a slick new six-speed gearbox, it’s a cracker that deserves mention alongside BMW’s 2.0-litre diesel.
The figures aren’t bad either: 52.3mpg and emissions of 144g/km yield an 18% BIK band on a price predicted to be, when it arrives in showrooms in May, around £1000 more than the 130PS dCi.
The 1.9-litre dCi remains but needs a particulate filter to be Euro4 compliant, and is a noisier, less willing partner. Petrol engines are unchanged, as is, according to Renault, suspension, though on the road, you won’t believe them. It feels so much more complete – not as entertaining as the Focus but pretty good nonetheless.
Prices for comparable new models haven’t risen and equipment levels remain very competitive. With two fine diesels and the impression of better quality (backed by Renault’s assertion that Megane warranty claims are “no higher than average”), a UK favourite has been appreciably improved. And to prove this, despite similar looks, Renault is to increase its UK demo fleet, to attract the user-choosers it’s more determinedly seeking.
