Renault Megane review 31/05/14
Sure the Renault is not a bad car, but it is not a great one either and Renault has sold them largely on the back of a very high specification at competitive prices and with attractive personal financial packages. But just because a car is popular, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is much kop and that’s pretty much how I have felt about the Megane in any of its incarnations. Sure it looks smart and is probably better to drive than you might imagine, but it is still not anywhere near the class leaders in any reasonable view of it. I have to confess that my worst fears were a little unfounded as the car, tested in GT Line trim, was reasonably decent. The GT Line specification had more to do with looks than performance as the car was fitted with the standard 1.5 dCi turbodiesel engine with 110 bhp, stop/start technology, 90 g/km emission levels and a claimed fuel consumption rate of 3.8 l/100 km, which is over 80 mpg.
Interestingly, Renault maintain that with an increase in torque output of 20 Nm, there has been no performance fall off and, as we know, with small diesel engines the torque figure (in this case 260 Nm from 1,750 rpm) is probably the most important when it comes to what you will extract from the car.
The Megane — or Grand Megane as the tester was — was quite decent on the road from a get-up-and-go point of view once you kept the engine spinning in the required performance window. The handling was impressive enough too, but the ride was not great as the car became quite unsettled at cruising speeds. With only average grades on both the performance and driving characteristic fronts (although do you have to credit phenomenal economy), the Megane did not even come close to the class leaders in terms of driving dynamics. That said, it is as comfortable as hell and the interior decor is pleasing on the eye. But the specification is the big sales point. Stuff like the excellent TomTom sat. nav. is standard, as are cruise control, electric widows and mirrors, automatic lights and wipers, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, air con., rear parking sensors and half leather sporty seats. The GT Line influence is seen in stuff like the leather steering wheel and various other styling elements.
In fairness to Renault, they really do pack a lot in for the price and that is reflected in the car’s popularity. But would I buy one? Personally no, but I can see the many reasons why people would. You do get a lot for the price, but if you’re looking for something which will provide serious driving enjoyment and a level of engagement between man and machine, then look elsewhere. Certain aspects of this car surprised pleasantly, but too many others didn’t. Some aspects of the car won’t appeal to people — like me — while not bothering anyone else.
The bottom line, however, is the bottom line and on price and with the specification it has, the Renault will still sell well.
€25,490.
not a particularly great performer, apart from economy which is verging on astonishing.
top drawer. This car wants for very little indeed and a few other manufacturers should take note.
dynamically nowhere near the class leaders, but is value for money and economic to run.
