Renault Megane
The latest Megane is one of Renault's most attractively designed cars. There are lots of engines and trims to choose from, but all are well equipped and feature better built interiors than any Renault before. Hatchback versions are available in five-door and sporty three-door Coupe form, while there is also a Sport Tourer estate and a folding hard top convertible called the C-C. The high-performance Renaultsport Megane Coupe is an exciting option for anyone looking for a competitively priced performance hatchback.
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Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Comfortable to drive
- Good value for money
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Cons:
- Bland styling compared to old model
- Not as practical as some rivals
The Megane hatchback was introduced in 2008. It ditched the flamboyant lines of its predecessor for a more stylish, reserved look, while the five-door and three-door models were split into two distinct models. Diesel versions are cheap to run, and interior quality is better than any Renault hatchback before, although not quite up to the standards of the Volkswagen Golf.
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Pros:
- Handsome looks
- Cabin materials have a quality feel
- Comfortable to drive
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Cons:
- Poor resale values
- Lower powered engines struggle
- GT version not sporty
The Megane Sport Tourer estate offers a useful blend of practicality with compact exterior dimensions. From the driver's seat, the car doesn’t feel big and bulky, but it offers plenty of loading space. It's still dwarfed by the cavernous Peugeot 308 SW and Skoda Octavia Estate. There's a wide range of engines and trims to choose from, but most versions are well equipped and reasonably priced.
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Pros:
- Most models are comfortable
- Excellent build quality
- Renaultsport 250 version is fast and fun
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Cons:
- Small rear windows limit rear visibility
- Not as practical as some rivals
- Confusing array of trim levels
Renault labels the sportier looking three-door version of the Megane as a Coupe. It has a lower roofline, different front-end styling and a firmer suspension set-up than the five-door. Diesel versions are cheap to run, and cabin quality is better than that of any Renault hatchback before, while the flagship Renaultsport model is one of the best performance hatchbacks on the market.
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Pros:
- Glass hardtop lets in lots of light
- Cabin is quiet with the roof up
- Comfortable driving position
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Cons:
- Rear seats are virtually useless
- Petrol engine’s high running costs
- Wind buffeting with the roof down
Renault's Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is a stylish hard-top convertible aimed at the Peugeot 308 CC and Volkswagen Eos. It offers good value for money and has an electric folding glass roof. With the roof up, the cabin feels light and airy. With the roof down, the car suffers from a breezy cabin. Although it's officially a four seater, the back seats are small and space is limited. The boot is not exactly generous, offering only 211 litres of stowage.
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Pros:
- Sharp handling
- Striking looks
- Everyday usability
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Cons:
- Interior doesn't feel special enough
- Not as practical as competitors
- Road noise with larger wheels
Designed to be the fastest front-wheel-drive car in production, the latest Renaultsport Megane 265 boasts striking styling, a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and handling designed to excel on both the road and track.
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