Renault Megane

Our verdict

Despite feeling a little long in the tooth now and being outshone by the smaller, newer Clio, the Renault Megane is a practical, entertaining car with a wide range of strong engines and that crucial element of individuality in a segment dominated by the ubiquitous Golf.

Comfort

Step out of a Clio and into the Megane and you'll see how times have changed and the Megane hasn't. It's too basic and flimsy inside, although higher-end models look and feel a little better after a mid-life facelift.

Performance

You could spend a long time agonising over engines in the Megane, but simplify the process by sticking with the stronger diesel engines, and if you're feeling flush reach for the 175bhp 2.0-litre. Economical but properly quick with it.

Cool

There's something to be said for not owning a Golf, and the Megane's radical styling still seems pretty striking on British roads choking with German and Japanese boxes. It's a Megane though. How cool can that ever be?

Quality

Although the Megane is definitely much better in this department than the first generation car, you only need to look at the new Clio to realise that some of the more major improvements in quality at Renault have happened since the Megane's inception.

Handling

The Megane's strongest suit is its superb handling. Light, positive steering and a firm, responsive chassis make this one of the finest C-segment cars to drive in anger. Not that we'd condone that.

Practicality

Don't be fooled by that bulbous backside. The boot is neither particularly big, nor is it the easiest to access. It's not big enough in the rear either, with restricted headroom for adults. You don't get that in the Clio.

Running costs

Inexpensive to buy, insure and run thanks to those frugal diesel engines, the only catch with the Megane, like so many Renaults, is that they don't perform too well at resale.