Renault Megane Sport 2004 Review

Though similar in character, the newcomer is not only larger but is a turbo-car.

Sport Megane looks the business with subtle go-fast goodies like 17in alloys, chunky rubber, optional glass roof with sunroof section, front and rear bumper aprons with additional driving lights and a really cool high-mounted dual outlet exhaust.

The bustle back takes a bit of getting used to but, hey, you tend to fade into anonymity in most cars these days. Renault has "had a go" with the Megane.

At $42, 990, the Sport Megane is stacked right up against the Subaru WRX on price.

It has almost the same output at 165kW but is front wheel drive against the Rex's all wheel drive.

Could be an issue with all that power going through the front wheels but apart from a few glitches, the car is a gem.

Punch it hard around a bumpy corner and it becomes untidy but otherwise, the Megane sits pretty.

There is a gorgeous rush of power from the 2.0-litre, twin scroll turbo engine that sees the Megane dash from 0-100kmh in around 6.0 seconds.

But it's the roll-on response that really gets you.

It feels like a grand tourer out on the open road and with 300Nm of torque on tap from low revs, gear changes are few and far between. It's a six speed box with ratios wider than you'd expect. That's to take full advantage of the engine's torque but the gear throws could be shorter.

Sport Megane's dynamics are set to match the engine and that means big powerful four piston brakes, well sorted suspension and precise, firm steering. That's the operative word here – firm.

It drinks premium unleaded and sips lightly for regular driving.

Plenty of equipment means wheel time is more enjoyable. Features include a decent audio system, climate control air, auto on/off headlights, auto variable wiper speed.

Like all Meganes, this one has a five star European NCAP crash rating and that means a full range of safety equipment.

On the road, the Sport Megane is rewarding to drive, a bit unruly perhaps but with heaps of character. The cockpit features all metal pedals, semi race seats and a chunky steering wheel. There's a whistle from the turbo that becomes more intense when the second scroll cuts in.

An option LX pack that includes six stack CD, a glass sunroof and leather upholstery costs and extra four grand.