Renault Megane II

OUI MERCI?

Like wipers which slow when you come to a stop and a rear wash/wipe that automatically activates when you select reverse in the rain. We didn't get a chance to watch that in action as the weather was stiflingly hot en route.

Introduction

A closer look

It’s the rear that immediately grabs your attention on first glance, the ‘bustle back’ design quickly growing on you. More observant members of the public might spot elongated, sleeker headlamps and alterations to the grille which see everything come together in a ‘V’ shape either side of a more prominent Renault badge at the front. These characteristics mark out the current facelifted cars. My test car actually looked quite smart with its crushed blackberry paintwork. Inside, it was tastefully finished with a mixture of plain and patterned fabrics and moulded plastic. So, yes, after the initial shock had worn off, I decided that this car might definitely suit me.

Practicality

The boot was surprisingly spacious for a medium-sized family hatchback, although we weren't overloaded with bags on this occasion. I'm sure that we'd have no gripes about luggage space for our fortnight summer holiday all the same.

Some cars that look futuristic outside turn out to be notably boring once you slip into the cabin. This however, isn’t one of them. Everywhere you look, genuine innovation is in evidence. Take Renault’s anti-submarining airbag, a device which leaps forth from the seat cushion to protect the pelvis. This replaces the traditional (and some would say uncomfortable) hump at the front of the seat and is a neat solution that provides both comfort and unparalleled safety, effectively making it impossible to slide beneath the seatbelt in the event of an accident.

I thought that Renault’s unparalleled experience in the MPV market shone through with this car, not only in terms of passenger space - which is excellent - but also in the provision of multifarious cubbies, boxes and pockets. There’s a hatch in the floor to stow valuables, storage boxes between both front and rear seats and even a chilled glove compartment. The metallic hoop handbrake is a neat touch too.

Since the last time I tried a Renault, great strides forward seem to have been made in terms of quality of materials and finish. Soft feel plastics and quality fabrics make a pleasant change from some of the cars the French company has churned out in the past.

Behind the scenes

The diesel range is almost as broad. An 85bhp 1.5dCi unit opens proceedings followed by a 105bhp version the same engine. The 130bhp 1.9-litre dCi is a strong all-rounder, packing 300Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm. The Megane’s most impressive mainstream engine could well be the 2.0-litre dCi 150. With 0-60mph acceleration of 8.7s, it’s only fractionally slower than the 165bhp petrol alternative but it can still deliver 52mpg economy. That diesel is only trumped by the dCi 175 in the Renaultsport model. It will do 60mph in 8 seconds on the way to a 137mph top speed.

The steering, although power assisted, did seem a bit heavy to me, but the Megane passed the ultimate handling test - the multi-storey car park - with flying colours. I also managed some natty reverse parking in a very awkward driveway, something I attempt as rarely as possible. The excellent wing mirrors really came into their own here.

On the motorway, we were generally impressed with the 5-door hatchback. I found, though, that in the 1.4-litre model we were testing, I ventured out into the fast lane less than I might normally do. From time to time I felt I could have done with something with a bit more power - so I could move up the range to the 1.6 or the 1.5 turbodiesel.

Value

Like wipers which slow when you come to a stop and a rear wash/wipe that automatically activates when you select reverse in the rain. We didn't get a chance to watch that in action as the weather was stiflingly hot en route.

Summary