It's not the most refined diesel on the market, with a gruff note emanating through the bulkhead when loaded up or extended to its limits, but it's otherwise unobtrusive enough. Similarly, the six-speed manual 'box isn't the slickest around.
What is good is that it appears, in the real world, to be a frugal choice. Despite a wide mix of conditions and speeds on our test route, it returned 47mpg without effort. That would grant a 480-mile range on one tank.
Likewise, in terms of being a good hatchback, the Renault stacks up quite well inside. It's comfortable, there's lots of space both front and rear and its boot is bigger than that of a Volkswagen Golf. Practicality is bolstered further by big door pockets, a sensibly sized glovebox and myriad storage points.
Fit and finish is decent, too, with the only real detraction being some noticeable wind and suspension noise when on the move. The large tablet-like touchscreen is a little hit and miss, though. It looks smart and presents information clearly, but it can be reluctant to respond at times. It's likely to be an option on most models, mind, only appearing as standard on the flagship trims.
Should I buy one?
Initial impressions suggest that the new Mégane has the potential to at least stand up as a decent alternative to the established mainstream alternatives.
After all, it feels well built, is easy to drive and comfortable. To be a really viable contender in such a crowded and hotly contested market, however, it'll have to be priced and specified correctly, too.
Renault, at the moment, is suggesting that the diesel Mégane range will start at around £18k, with a model featuring this 130 dCi engine costing some £20k.
Consequently, with that engine and a decent amount of kit, it'll be put into contention with the likes of the super-slick Audi A3 and well-equipped versions of the Ford Focus, among many others. That'll be a tough battle to win.
If the Mégane ends up offering good equipment levels and lower monthly PCP costs, or lower list prices outright, then it could prove to be a more commendable choice.
2016 Renault Mégane Energy dCi 130 review
Location Cascais, Portugal; Price £20,000; Engine 4 cyls, 1598cc, diesel; Power 129bhp at 4000rpm; Torque 236lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1318kg; Top speed 123mph; 0-62mph 10.0sec; Economy 70.6mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 103g/km, 15%
Join the debate
xxxx
Future model?
Andrew 61
A Ford escort when Renault needed a focus.
Mini2
Twingo & Smart
The Twingo was engineered with Smart so it made more economic sense. AFAIK, the Megane shares bits with Nissan, so rear-drive wouldn't have been feasible here. Get us back to the glory days of the 2002 Megane, I say... I still believe that car revolutionised car design when everything was beginning to look the same... that and the Micra from the same year.
1948Wolseley
Am I the only one...
Adrian987
Bigger boot
Indeed, in the hot version test it was "just" bigger than the Golf, but on this one "its boot is bigger than the Golf". Is that 4 litres bigger (in both cases)? Perhaps, more importantly, the Mégane has a significant 68 litres more boot space than key rival, the Focus.
I would be interested to know the rationale for Renault using the 1.6 engine in this model. I thought the 1.5 was acknowledged as the sweeter one to have, and even more economical too? Pleasing to see the mpg in context put in this article (thanks, Lewis!).
Mini2
View-sensitive
japes
Megane again
japes
Megane again
braisim
Autocar, you really need to
It needs to be something more like: "Of course, your real-life usage of the car will not match these figures". Autocar gives the impression that we could possibly get 70.6mpg ("your real-world figures may vary") when we all know that this would be practically impossible.
The best that can be said for the current tests is that they provide a measure for comparison between cars. The absolute figures, on the other hand, are meaningless.
Adrian987
47
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