Renault Megane 2004 review

I admit the Megane certainly has a distinctive road presence and a cheeky approach for following traffic.

Renault has clenched tightly to a radical design theme – it started with the Vel Satis saloon four years ago – which really gets to the seat of some styling issues.

It may surprise you to learn that the Megane hatch's shape is very workable. The boot is expansive, the lift-up hatch is neat, and the cargo area can be greatly enhanced by folding down the rear seats.

Function aside, the back end of the car looks interesting, is unusually appealing and allows the rear wheels to be placed at each corner – the latter a promise for ride comfort, space efficiency and precise handling.

That placement of the wheels at each corner is one of the reasons for the Megane's superb ride.

It reflects all those lovely qualities of French vehicles with long-travel suppleness and – though there is a touch of body roll – Araldite cornering grip.

The seats are wide and soft and have full adjustment via levers within the nose of the seat cushions.

Inside there are a few extra treats. The styling is attractive yet functional and includes a diagrammatic display for the ventilation – including climatic airconditioning – and a comprehensive onboard computer.

There's an excellent radio, with ancillary controls on the side of the steering wheel, and cruise control to add to the goodie list.

It has one of the best in-car storage arrangements, with bins within the floor to secrete personal items; fat side pockets in the doors for drink bottles, newspapers and french sticks; a big glove box and a central console bin.

Despite the snub tail, the boot is deep and wide. The mountain bikes fit in by folding the rear seat flat.

There's no conventional ignition key and no door key – just an unusual credit card-size bit of plastic that slots in the dashboard.

Briefly touch the start button and voila, power! You stop the engine by touching the same button. The doors and boot are unlocked by small bumps on the credit card.

Auto up and down windows are welcome features in this price bracket.

The brakes are sensitive, requiring a cautious foot to decelerate. It could have been a quirk of the test car, however, while it made the braking action seem lumpy, the car brings itself down quickly from speed.

Full marks to a four-speed automatic that puts all the power to the ground and, thinking you're probably a better driver than you are, will change down through the gears as you slow for a corner.

It also works well as a semi-manual, giving the option of revving the lusty twin-cam four right out to its 6200 red line.

I was constantly impressed by this car. Every move it made, it did an exceptional job and even the price is great value.

I note the fuel tank ran dry at the rate of 9.2-litres/100km. That's a bit higher than normal but it's actually not entirely the car's fault – it was me and my right foot having fun.