Renault Megane Dynamique 2013 review

Invasion is easy when you have a country with well-oiled swinging doors and a neon welcome light. As the world's only country - well, with New Zealand - with a level-playing field policy on imports, Australian citizens have an enviable choice of goods and services, though mostly at the expense of its domestic businesses. It's the reason Renault exists.

Its Australian sales are up 28 per cent this year to date compared with 2011 while back home in croissantville, sales are down about 30 per cent. Renault products are actually quite good. The problem is that, in many cases, the competition is better - better built, better known, better equipped, better looking though not often better priced.

The Megane is a sturdy, well-priced hatch with a family in mind. The diesel engine is a willing worker that adapts well to suburban life. But would you buy one over a Hyundai?

Value

It's good value for money, especially considering its cheap running costs. The Megane gets $199 capped price service for three years and a  five-year, unlimited distance warranty with roadside assist. Residual is a low-ish 50 per cent (but a Commodore is 34 per cent) after three years, meaning Glass's Guide estimates it'll fetch $13,700 as a trade in.

The Megane is regarded as a small car though will seat four ad ults, has a high level of features - audio streaming Bluetooth, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, hands-free entry and button start, dual-zone climate control aircon, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, tilt-telescopic steering adjustment, six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels and heated, electric side mirrors.

This is the base model Megane Dynamique hatch with a diesel engine and automatic transmission and the $27,490 price tag makes it the cheapest against similarly-equipped Holden Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai i30 rivals. It is about $7000 cheaper than the comparative Golf while the Megane's excellent warranty and capped service put it up against the Hyundai.

Design

If there was a guide book on how to become invisible, this car is the leading light. Simply, the styling is so very ordinary that it could be any small hatchback. You may never find it in a carpark. Only the diamond badge on the bonnet marks it as a Renault and even then, probably means zip to most onlookers - if there are any. So, Renault isn't edgy anymore.

But the cars are pragmatic, space efficient and - aside from the switch layout - logical. The boot is deep and long (the spare wheel is under the chassis) and split-fold rear seats make for a big cargo area. Seats are a cloth-leather combo and are reasonable in comfort. There's plenty of personal storage spaces. Better is the adjustability to create a perfect driving position.

Instruments are a bit overdrawn - though the digital speedo is e asy to read - and switches are a dog's breakfast in their disproportionate size and layout. The cruise control master switch, for example, sits alone on the console between the front seats. Shouldn't it be with the other cruise control switches on the steering wheel? Tiny audio buttons are made for a three-year-old's fingers though the plastic box hanging off the steering column has remote radio controls.

Technology

There's not much doubt that the French know how to make engines, particularly d iesels. The Megane's 81kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbo-diesel is a little warrior. It's responsive, willing and tops its torque at a mere 1750rpm. But it is rattly and its coarseness at idle isn't up to the high standard of rivals.

The dual-clutch (Volkswagen call it DSG) auto is actually better than the one in the Golf, with less lag off the mark and less hestitancy in on-off applications. Suspension is the same as most in its class - standard MacPherson front and torsion-beam bar at the back - which is tuned for comfort. There's disc brakes all around.

Safety

The Megane is a five-star rated car that adds six airbags, all the electronic aids and helpful features like the automatic headlights and wipers and heated side mirrors that make life on a winter's morning slightly more pleasant. The Megane also has a full-size spare wheel so it's country-road approved.

Driving

I like this car because it earns its stripes. The Megane isn't sugar coated and doesn't use tinsel to lure buyers. Its hones ty is, however, one of its greatest failings as Australians are embedded with the belief - probably borrowed from the US - that bright lights, lots of colour and loud music are integral ingredients of style.

On the road, the little diesel engine is a bit harsh at idle and similarities with a Parisian taxi aren't lost. But it pulls strongly and the dual-clutch box's six cogs slip seamlessly and rapidly in sequence, so though it's not a particularly fast hatch, it always feels athletic and willing  to run.

Though the drivetrain is commendable - especially the fuel consumption which averaged a very good 6.9 L/100km on my city/suburban cycle - the steering is a let down. Some people will like it for its lightness but to me it undid all the sportiness of the engine and gearbox.

The handling should be right up there with the Golf but while it has strong cornering grip, the suspension is dialled more for comfort and so the ride gets a bit too soft for any driver enthusiasm. So what we have is a Euro car that has a lot of Asian mannerisms. Driver comfort is reasonable - the seats need more support - and cabin room is good, though headroom in the back is a bit tight.

Verdict

On price, features and ownership, it's a winner. But if you're more into style, maybe not.