On the road, the first thing that strikes is the sense of relief that the over-light steering of various recent Renault models including the Clio and Koleos isn’t evident. However, the major revelation is that the ride quality feels spot-on, although we’ll have to wait for a drive in the UK to give a firm opinion. It’s comfortable, yet resists excessive body role on roundabouts or during more exuberant cornering. It’s significantly better than the three-door Coupe’s, which has a much stiffer, bone-crunching suspension.
At motorway speed there’s a bit too much wind and road noise, but it’s otherwise comfortable, although the new 1.9-litre 130PS diesel engine is only around the middle of the class for refinement.
Emissions for this diesel are comfortably under the 140g/km mark for an 18% BIK banding, while the 106PS diesel that’s predicted to be the biggest seller falls into the 13% BIK band with emissions of 120g/km. We’ll get a chance to try that model in the coming weeks.
Renault has made a step forward with the new Megane. While it may not have the immediate visual impact of its predecessor, there’s an increased sense of quality inside, outside and on the road, which corporate drivers are sure to appreciate.
