Renault Megane

It's obvious Renault has tried very hard with this new Megane. Quality and driving experience has definitely improved, but as a genuine Golf rival, it's not quite there.

• 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

  There are heaps of engines in the Megane range, from a 1.5 dCi to a 2.0-litre turbo. We've tried the 130bhp 1.9 diesel, Renault's faithful lump now tuned to serve up more power and torque lower down the revs. It makes it easier to drive, but you're denied that peaky rush that used to make working a diesel such an amusing challenge. Admirably, this Megane hasn't put on any weight over the old one, so performance and economy ought to benefit. The 1.5 dCi 86bhp may not have astounding performance figures (0-62mph in 13 secs) but it feels faster in the driving seat and despite its size it doesn't feel strained when pushed hard and will cruise comfortably over 70mph.

  

• Cool

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

  

• Quality

  Renault is desperate for its cars to be seen as VW rivals and so has worked hard on the interior's quality. As a result the perceived quality is above average in the class, although the new Golf still has the edge. So as your fingers rove over the many buttons, you'll enjoy the satisfying damped switch actions and soft surfaces cladding a solidly built interior.

  

• Handling

  Biggest improvement over the old model is the steering, which is accurate, progressive and nicely weighted. It even has some road feel, which these electro-assistance systems rarely manage. The handling is amusingly pliable too, and there's a strong sense of the rear wheels helping you round the turn. However, we did find the tail drifting outward when we lifted off the accelerator in a tight downhill bend, with the ESP on too. Yet the comfort is still okay, the Megane dealing nicely with the sharp potholes of town driving. The only issue is a lot of side rocking on fast, straight roads.

  

• Practicality

  Plenty of room up front but the back seats have limited headroom for adults due to the sloping roofline. The three-door Megane coupe is even worse. However, the boot is large and is a practical shape.

  

• Running costs

  In this day and age, it has to be either the 86 or 106bhp version of the 1.5 dCi since both fall into the £30-a-year road tax bracket and will return over 60mpg.