Renault Megane TCe 180 Coupe long term review 1

The Renault Megane has worked its way into our good books after our initial, slightly uninspired impressions.

So is it sporty little number?
The sleek looking coupe is certainly not a performance car but is an uplifting cruiser and ideal for making mundane journeys a touch more fulfilling, thanks to its punchy 2.0 turbocharged engine, tidy handling and excellent ride. With sharp, well weighted steering the Megane Coupe will be used for everything from running errands up and down the motorway to introducing work experience staff to road testing, all of which it'll handle with ease. Shown a twisty, bumpy section of country road though and it’s clearly an accomplished little coupe.

Will the looks stand the test of time?
A unanimous agreement was reached on the well-proportioned rear styling, like a melted VW Scirocco we thought, but the front has split us right down the middle. The silver plastic hoops that hang under the Megane’s lights are the cause, putting up a vague attempt to resemble real aluminium. Nonetheless, we’re still finding interesting new contour lines and surfaces all over the car.

So what about the image?
As we drove it around London for the first time the Megane received admiring glances as it gives off a sporty but not threatening vibe. The cabin is also a bright place to while away the miles thanks to the glass roof panel. Spacious, well finished and with a useful sized boot in this class, the interior only ever felt cramped when riding with multiple passengers over six foot in the back. The driving position has also received praise amongst fellow road testers.

So we like it then?
Striking a balance between practicality and thrills is what the Megane Coupe does best. Whilst it is comfortable and swift in this form it is also composed when pushed, with only the Tonka-toy manual gearbox letting the side down. There is stiff competition in this sector but the new Megane Coupe is an exciting prospect for the Renualtsport 250, launching later this year.

Read our other long term updates:

Renault Megane long term update two

Renault Megane long term update three