The latest Megane hatch is Renault's latest effort to revitalise the compact segment of the market. The latest car promises better on road ability over the previous generation, greater comfort and an improved interior quality.
Exterior
What is immediately obvious to the casual observer is the raft of curves embellished on the latest hatch over its predecessor. Plunging rooflines and swooping curves™hmm™this car review seems to be descending into a naughty short story found in the pages of Penthouse. Nevertheless it is hard to ignore the latest Megane hatch that oozes dollops of sex appeal from every angle™well curve in this case.
Where the last generation was overwhelmed with polygonal angles, this latest Megane takes a softer design approach and poses as a harbinger of the manufacturer's future design aspirations. In the coming months, we will see the rest of the Renault family possessing the same arousing curves that's bestowed on this hatch.
From the front, the seemingly angular design of its predecessor has been completely replaced with a plethora of curves and stretched lines. On first impressions, the Megane's front seems to invoke the vision of an upturned grin.
Exterior
What is immediately obvious to the casual observer is the raft of curves embellished on the latest hatch over its predecessor. Plunging rooflines and swooping curves™hmm™this car review seems to be descending into a naughty short story found in the pages of Penthouse. Nevertheless it is hard to ignore the latest Megane hatch that oozes dollops of sex appeal from every angle™well curve in this case.
Where the last generation was overwhelmed with polygonal angles, this latest Megane takes a softer design approach and poses as a harbinger of the manufacturer's future design aspirations. In the coming months, we will see the rest of the Renault family possessing the same arousing curves that's bestowed on this hatch.
From the front, the seemingly angular design of its predecessor has been completely replaced with a plethora of curves and stretched lines. On first impressions, the Megane's front seems to invoke the vision of an upturned grin.
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The lines on the headlamps leads off from the sides of the front intake and stretches all the way back to the sides of the car creating an impression of speed even when the car is standing still.
This line carries on over the low sloping A-pillars and dives down towards the abrupt curved drop-off in the rear. The side profile too accentuates the Megane's low ground hugging stance that elevates the French hatch's sporty appeal. In the rear, the large wrap around tail lamps help keep the rear end tight and tidy.
In stock form, the hatch rides on rather dreary looking 16 inch rims that bear more than a passing resemblance to a Latio's rims. The test car though is fitted with some sprightly looking 17 inch brushed aluminium alloys that interestingly are not from the factory per se. They're aftermarket rims that've been deemed worthy by the factory!
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Interior
Renault promises that the new hatch marks the next level of build quality in their cars and thankfully, it wasn't just marketing jibber jabber. Entering the cabin, the door closes with a reassuring 'thud' that gives indication of the Megane's new level of interior quality.
In the test unit, the interior came with a very pleasing combination of toffee coloured seats and a black dashboard sprinkled with aluminium accents that gives the interior an expensive classic-looking ambience. Knocking on the panels all around, the interior responds with reassuring solidity on every panel.
The manually adjustable seats in the Megane are comfortable and the perfect driving position can be availed with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. Beyond the steering wheel lies the brightly lit digital analog instrument panel. The panel is clearly defined and presents essential information to the driver in a neat and organised fashion.
The centre console starts with the information panel that displays the time and audio source selected. Further down is the digital climate control that allows you to set the temperature for either side of the cabin. Just below that is the factory audio system that comes with MP3 CD and AUX-in functions. The audio performance will live up to most individual's expectations though the AUX-in requires red and white AV cables rather than the widely used 3.5mm jack.
Renault promises that the new hatch marks the next level of build quality in their cars and thankfully, it wasn't just marketing jibber jabber. Entering the cabin, the door closes with a reassuring 'thud' that gives indication of the Megane's new level of interior quality.
In the test unit, the interior came with a very pleasing combination of toffee coloured seats and a black dashboard sprinkled with aluminium accents that gives the interior an expensive classic-looking ambience. Knocking on the panels all around, the interior responds with reassuring solidity on every panel.
The manually adjustable seats in the Megane are comfortable and the perfect driving position can be availed with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. Beyond the steering wheel lies the brightly lit digital analog instrument panel. The panel is clearly defined and presents essential information to the driver in a neat and organised fashion.
The centre console starts with the information panel that displays the time and audio source selected. Further down is the digital climate control that allows you to set the temperature for either side of the cabin. Just below that is the factory audio system that comes with MP3 CD and AUX-in functions. The audio performance will live up to most individual's expectations though the AUX-in requires red and white AV cables rather than the widely used 3.5mm jack.
Remote controls for the audio is replicated on a stalk just below the right steering wheel spoke. And as mentioned in other Renault reviews before, it is very intuitive to use and avoids overwhelming the steering wheel with too many buttons. Lower down lies the keycard insert and start button for the Renault specific card type key. Although in this case the car comes with a convenient keyless entry system.
In the rear, legroom is more than adequate for even tall adults though laterally it might be a squeeze for three full sized adults.
Bootspace in the Megane is one of the largest in its class at 372 litres and is augmented with the 60/40 split folding seats that bring the total boot capacity to 1162 litres.
On a whole, the Megane has truly raised the bar for the build quality of future Renault models.
The Drive
Before I start mentioning about the drive, let's get the record straight. I love the elegance and sex appeal of the Megane's exterior. It is truly one of the most attractive hatches released this year. But what breaks my heart is the powerplant that's been given the duty of hauling this heavenly body around.
On paper, the engine's 104bhp and 145Nm of torque doesn't sound too bad but frustratingly the performance doesn't translate itself to the real world. Depress the throttle pedal and the engine revs climbs to Everest levels before it settles and gets going. Unfortunately the going is slow as the needle takes a stroll up to 100kmh after 13.9 seconds. The performance appears to be reminiscent of the Peugeot 207.
In the rear, legroom is more than adequate for even tall adults though laterally it might be a squeeze for three full sized adults.
Bootspace in the Megane is one of the largest in its class at 372 litres and is augmented with the 60/40 split folding seats that bring the total boot capacity to 1162 litres.
On a whole, the Megane has truly raised the bar for the build quality of future Renault models.
The Drive
Before I start mentioning about the drive, let's get the record straight. I love the elegance and sex appeal of the Megane's exterior. It is truly one of the most attractive hatches released this year. But what breaks my heart is the powerplant that's been given the duty of hauling this heavenly body around.
On paper, the engine's 104bhp and 145Nm of torque doesn't sound too bad but frustratingly the performance doesn't translate itself to the real world. Depress the throttle pedal and the engine revs climbs to Everest levels before it settles and gets going. Unfortunately the going is slow as the needle takes a stroll up to 100kmh after 13.9 seconds. The performance appears to be reminiscent of the Peugeot 207.
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The lack of power comes to a head on the highways as the car struggles to find speed to complete an overtaking manoeuvre. The Megane's beautiful body and excellent chassis is disappointingly letdown by the constant lack of grunt from the engine.
The hatch possesses great grip in the bends to remind you of its well sorted chassis. An excellent suspension system compliments the chassis with a firm ride without being overly jarring.
Frustrating is the word as this hatch's good looks and handling are victimised by an underwhelming engine under the bonnet.
The hatch possesses great grip in the bends to remind you of its well sorted chassis. An excellent suspension system compliments the chassis with a firm ride without being overly jarring.
Frustrating is the word as this hatch's good looks and handling are victimised by an underwhelming engine under the bonnet.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of power, the Megane makes up for it with its good looks and great handling. The car also entices with a slew of equipment from auto lights and wipers to keyless entry systems. As for safety, the car is equipped with four airbags. Cruise control with speed limiter is also standard in this hatch.
At $87,888, the Megane finds itself in direct contention with the Peugeot 207, the Ford Focus and Opel Corsa. But in this crowd, the Megane doesn't seem like a bad proposition.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite the lack of power, the Megane makes up for it with its good looks and great handling. The car also entices with a slew of equipment from auto lights and wipers to keyless entry systems. As for safety, the car is equipped with four airbags. Cruise control with speed limiter is also standard in this hatch.
At $87,888, the Megane finds itself in direct contention with the Peugeot 207, the Ford Focus and Opel Corsa. But in this crowd, the Megane doesn't seem like a bad proposition.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
