It’s been a while since I’ve managed to score a review with the Renault Megane. A few changes have occurred in the last couple of years to make the latest Megane a snazzy little hatch that should keep the bulk of you new-hatch buyers satisfied. I’m constantly blown away with the warranties on the new Renault cars and vans. I reckon there is no way I could argue with a brand new Renault Megane and a five year/unlimited km warranty. Could you?

There is lots to like about the new Renault Megane. An obligation to curves has made the latest Megane more rounded with its body style and shape. If you can remember the outgoing model was distinctly angular at the drop off over the rear end, and the headlight shape was both linear and triangulated. I must admit I liked the older angles, however after spending time with the latest Megane, the smoother lines and gentler curves grow on you. What you have is a modern low-profile hatchback with a wide stance for balanced handling, and a slippery figure that slices through the air for premium aerodynamics and superior efficiency. The Megane’s headlights are still triangulated in a curvy sort of way, but flow sweetly into the curved lines of the bold front grille. A solid air dam at the front incorporates the grille and gives the Renault Megane good presence on the road.

After using the Renault Smart Card Key for entering the Megane, a warm welcome invites you. Shapely dash lines and plush upholstery create a nice cabin environment. Hints of premium technology are about the Megane’s cabin. Dual-zone climate control air conditioning with rear air vents, an integrated satellite navigation system, and a four speakers/two tweeters audio system are standard features. Renault Megane Privilege models gain a leather interior with a premium 4x30W Arkamys sound system. This system boasts four speakers, four tweeters and 3D sound. Streaming Audio Bluetooth makes traveling inside any of the new Renault Megane both communicative and pleasurable. It’s a ‘piece-of-cake’ to connect with friends, travelling companions and satellite mapping systems.

Front-wheel-driven and fleet-footed is a good way of describing the way the Renault Megane Hatch glides over the road. A quiet interior mutes the wind and road conditions nicely, and the seating is superbly comfortable. Suspension set-up has been finely honed for coping with bumps in the road, while swift cornering is well controlled and taut. You never have reason to feel alarmed in the way the Renault Megane responds intuitively to your cornering demands. A safe, solid stance on the road makes the Renault Hatch very satisfying to drive.

Do check out the awesome little diesel engine. Renault Megane’s diesel has a responsive 1.5 dCi motor that boasts 81 kW of power and a juicy 240 Nm of torque from 1750 rpm. Peppy performance and superior fuel efficiency is what you’ll love about the Renault Megane 1.5 Diesel EDC. Petrol power comes from a willing 102 kW, 2.0-litre engine. Smooth power delivery and effortless cruising creates a nice way for getting about.

Megane models come equipped for applying the power through six-speed manual, EDC automatic or CVT gearing. Renault’s new six-speed, automatic Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) delivers a high standard of fuel efficiency and low level of CO2 emissions. A gain of up to 17 per cent marks a significant step forward from the conventional automatic transmissions.

Stylish is all good, but you do need the other ‘S’ word. Safety requirements in the Renault Megane are met in excess. In other words, the level of safety features found in the Renault Megane far outpaces the average Hatch. The Reanult Megane is a five-star winner when it comes to safety, so if you’re in for a safe bet for your small family, then the Renault Megane Hatch is the one for you.

The current Renault Megane models include the:

• 2.0 petrol MT
• 2.0 petrol CVT
• 2.0 petrol MT Sport Edition
• 2.0 petrol CVT Sport Edition
• 1.5 Diesel EDC

For any more information on the Renault Megane or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Renault dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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