Car Test
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R0271 | |
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October 2002 |
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| First Drive | Renault Megane II | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.9dCi Hatch Dynamique | |
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Renault is at it again. Hard on the wheels of the audacious Avantime and Vel Satis comes the third of the company’s newcomers with looks that you’ll either love or loathe.
In fact, Megane II Hatch and Sport Hatch form the start of a complete renewal of Renault’s models in the vitally important lower-medium sector, currently dominated by Focus, Astra, Golf et al. Initially, 28 versions are available, but a further five body styles are in the pipeline: saloon, coupe/cabriolet, estate, Scenic and Grand Scenic. As well as radical styling, there’s a mind-numbing permutation of up-to-the-minute technology, equipment levels and options, some rare in mass-production models. There are also four additional option packs. See ‘notable features’ for highlights. Under the springy, pedestrian-friendly bonnet, four engines are currently on offer; we’ve tried the 1.9dCi and the 2.0 16v petrol. Not surprisingly the big diesel gives the smallish Megane urgent acceleration from 2000 revs and does so smoothly and quietly. It’s tractable at low revs, too, while high top gear in the somewhat notchy six-speed box, gives peaceful progress (2000rpm at 70mph) on a motorway. The less torquey but more powerful two-litre petrol is a little quicker to 60mph, but is both busier (with a growly period at about 3000rpm) and some 33 per cent less economical. There’s a quick, firm reaction from the suspension on patchy roads, but the ride is generally comfortable, and cornering roll that isn’t held in check is countered by the generously side-bolstered seats. Meanwhile the optional electronic stability programme with traction control and understeer control, will keep the car pointing in the right direction. Less impressive is the electro-hydraulic steering. This goes manageably light at parking speeds, but its artificial weighting and self-centring are just plain nasty; as is the way the steering wheel ‘nibbles’ in your hands on long sweeping bends. With the hands-free keyless entry and ignition having got you started, life behind the tilt-and-telescope wheel is further eased by a multi-adjustable seat offering class-leading front legroom and good headroom (without the sunroof). Most of the controls are well placed and vision is marred only by the wide rear pillars. The instruments and computer graphics could be brighter and clearer, though. While those up front are well catered for, pity the back seat passengers who ‘enjoy’ less space in all directions than in the (shorter) superseded Megane but, more importantly, than in all the newcomers’ rivals. None of these can match the Renault's extensive safety features, however, which include up to ten airbags. Boot space is somewhat restricted by the bustle-back styling and a restricted loading width. It’s wide, though (without a CD autochanger), and folding the 60/40 divided backrests and cushions doubles the load length. |
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