Currently reading: Renault Megane scores full marks
Family hatchback scores maximum points in Euro NCAP test

The new Renault Megane has scored a maximum 37 points in its Euro NCAP test.

The Nissan Qashqai is the only other vehicle to achieve the maximum score. Due to new headrests and a collection of other safety features, the new Megane has joined the Qashqai as the equal highest scoring car in the industry-wide benchmark.

In total, six airbags have been fitted to the new Renault Megane, with two twin-chamber thorax/groin airbags in addition to ‘intelligent’ side-impact sensors first used on the latest Laguna.

The new design of the headrest will also leave the Megane in a favourable position for the upcoming revised Euro NCAP tests. The revised headrests allow the passenger’s head to sink further into the curved headrest, decreasing the probability of damage to the neck vertebrae.

The revised rating system is scheduled to be introduced in February next year. These will include a single overall star rating rather than the current system of three categories.

George Barrow

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The Renault Megane looks bland, and it's not that good to drive either

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Mini1 26 November 2008

Re: Renault Megane scores full marks

I agree with Vanquish - the Megane doesn't look bland! In comparison with the old model, only maybe, but compared with a Golf or a Focus, certainly not! So the rear end may not be totally inspiring, but the front is pretty unique. The quality inside is also astounding, and it's brilliant value for money. As for the safety, again, well done Renault for setting a benchmark (in conjunction with Nissan) yet again!

Lee23404 26 November 2008

Re: Renault Megane scores full marks

No doubt that it was designed to pass the NCAP tests but if it improves overall safety who cares? Check out the marginal whiplash scores though. Not that impressive.

If it came down to it I'd rather be in a Saab, Volvo, VW, Mercedes etc in a crash. These are companies that have always made safe, solid cars and have not jumped on the Euro NCAP bandwagon to get a few extra sales.

JontyB 26 November 2008

Re: Renault Megane scores full marks

Vanquish wrote:
Always amazes me how people will always find something nagative to say about something clearly as positive as this

It wasnt meant to be a totally negative comment. Fair play to Renault for designing a car to get maximum points in an NCAP test.

Just trying to get across that those manufacurers who do the testing for all world markets don't have to shout about their cars being Euro NCAP 5*, its just accepted that they are safe. Renault need to move away from the flogging of the NCAP tests results as their USP, its not the bee all and end all of a cars quality.

Would really like to see a Renault put through the real world tests that the American government stipulate a car must pass, then I will agree that a Renault is a safe car, not that they aren't safe cars already I might add!