Renault Megane 2004 Review

Either way the result was the same and what had promised to be an early night turned into a much later one.

Once that little misunderstanding was behind us I found myself warming to the Megane sedan when I didn't think I would.

Our test car was the top of the line Privilege model with all the fruit including leather upholstery, priced from $35,990 plus on roads.

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• it looks remarkably like VW's Passat in profile as one colleague has already pointed out. That's not a bad thing.
• although the Megane sedan dwells in the small car bracket it is much larger than this pigeon hole suggests.

  We'd describe it as almost medium-sized in proportions, with generous rear legroom.

• the wheel base is 61mm longer than the hatch and it has larger rear doors for easier access. Good sized boot.
• for those that find the hatch and its radical round rump a bit over the top the sedan with its more conservative styling will appeal. It is still quite elegant in design and the sporty flared guards convey a sense of power.
• 2.0-litre 16-valve engine with variable valve timing (VVT) delivers 98kW of power at 5500rpm and 191Nm of torque at 3750rpm. It's not going to knock your socks off but it is not disappointing either.
• the engine in our test car was teamed with a "Proactive" automatic transmission that includes flick-shift selection. It's only a four-speed auto but it was more than adequate for the job. We didn't use the flick option much because with four cogs it didn't have much to offer.
• it's got one of those card thingies instead of an ignition key. You insert the card into a slot in the dash, put your foot on the brake pedal and then push the start/stop button to start the car. It's different but can't see the point really.
• Mac strut front end and torsion beam rear set up have been adapted from the hatch, with particular attention to the rear damper and suspension travel settings. The result is an excellent ride and handling package.
• a lot of thought has obviously gone into the Megane's design and it includes many practical features, like the fuel filler cap that has been dispensed with in favour of a spring loaded flap. You just open the filler door and push the nozzle straight in,. No more dirty hands.
• we also liked the integrated storage bins in the front doors. The armrest flaps lift to reveal them.
• the brakes are are grabby. The sedan is equipped with ABS, Emergency Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
• fuel economy was excellent from the 60-litre tank, although it should be noted that it drinks premium. We achieved a figure of 8.2L/100km.
• five star safety rating, with two front airbags, side chest airbags in the front and curtain airbags front and rear.
• other nice touches include rear window sunblinds as well as sunblinds in the rear doors, plus cruise control and speed limiter, automatic wipers and headlights and auto dimming rear view mirror.