Renault Megane Privilege vs Subaru Impreza 2.0 RS

Renault has woken up to price-sensitive Australian buyers and this year's crop of models are keenly priced. Amazingly, they're even well built. There's a lot of Nissan in this French-built car, which doesn't hurt, though some other Renaults are now made in Korea. The Megane's standard fare is excellent with the automatic Privilege model here coming in under $30,000 with a Tom-Tom sat-nav, Bluetooth with audio streaming, sunroof, rear park sensors and leather seats. That's great value - as long as Renault holds it together.

Aussies love Subarus and the marque's durability and go-anywhere appeal is hard to ignore. But its once value-for-money advantage is being eroded. The RS is the pinnacle of the non-turbo Impreza models, adding a bodykit, 17-inch alloys and sports seats for $2500 more than the otherwise identical RX version. It's here as an automatic, but it's a rather ancient four-speed unit. Subaru shines in build quality, the security of constant all-wheel drive and resale value but the latest Impreza falls down in cabin decor.

I liked the outgoing model because it was so edgy. You couldn't miss it on the street. This new one could be from any carmaker. But it's certainly workable, with a big cabin, excellent boot - including room for a full-size spare - and a well-designed (and seemingly well built) dashboard. The big digital speedo and Privilege's high-mounted and easy-to-rear sat-nav are highlights. But the seats are obviously from Nissan - they're firm and dead flat so provide no support.

This isn't exactly a pretty car and so suits the mold of Subaru which has rarely been known to be a style seeker. The Impreza hatch is functional, certainly comfortable and sufficiently roomy with seats for four adults - but the boot is very shallow and the spare is a space saver. The cheap-looking, hard plastic dash is hard to take, especially against the soft-feel quality of the Megane. Luggage space is only 301 litres (unless the split rear seat is folded down) which is under par compared with many rivals.

Thanks to its alliance with Nissan, the Megane shares the engine and platform with the X-Trail. That's good news because the Nissan underpinnings are proven to be durable. The dual-variable valve engine pumps a leisurely 103kW/195Nm through a Nissan-derived CVT automatic that is surprisingly effective. The rest of the Megane is pretty much an upgraded version of the previous model - with the distinctive vertical rear window - but with much of the reliability problems ironed out.

The constant all-wheel drive indicates a high level of safety and roadholding and is Subaru's calling card. The 2-litre engine has recently been tweaked and while no fire-breather - the auto takes 11.6 seconds to get to 100km/h - it's durable, reliable and reasonably fuel efficient. The four-speed auto is old hat - only Toyota still provides a similar box in its Corolla - and subtracts potential fuel consumption and performance gains.

This gets a five-star crash rating and comes with all the necessary electronic brake and chassis aids, plus six airbags. There's also a full-size spare wheel, auto headlights and wipers and a cruise control system including a speed limiter.

Excellent safety for such a small car. The Impreza rates with a maximum five-star crash listing, has electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and other controls, and has the all-wheel drive for secure footing on wet or dirt road surfaces.

It's quiet of the mark and the CVT doesn't readily spool up and make the engine scream while accelerating. In fact, it's all rather smooth and that suits the ride comfort which is also supple and quiet. Though the steering is a bit over-assisted and lacking in much feel, handling is very good. Clearly Renault has gone for compliant handling to suit the mass market. Go to the RS250 version for a taste of one of the best front-drive handlers. There are some dashboard items that need some familiarisation but generally, it's a doddle to drive.

Firm steering and a feeling of solidity on the road win me every time. The Impreza has that and shows its surefootedness through the first corner. The four-speed auto is, however, frustrating as it either forces the engine to scream mercilessly or lug with almost no response. But the engine - rated similar to the Megane - works hard. The seats are very good and this aids driver enthusiasm and ensures comfort over long journeys.