Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

In the Trafic, Renault might have produced a van that will change this perception.It goes against "van law" by actually having character and delivering respectable performance, ride and handling while offering secure transport for two pallets in the boxy load area.Trafic is new on the scene and breaks with tradition by having a high tech, 74kW/240Nm, common rail, turbo diesel engine and a six speed manual transmission.This combination gives Trafic an impressive turn of speed (for a van) and impressive fuel economy.The four cylinder engine is just 1.9-litres in capacity but punches above its weight.The six speed gearbox helps immeasurably with this and also helps Trafic return something like 8.0L/100km fuel economy. A range exceeding 1000km is easily accessible from one 90 litre tankful.But what really impresses is Trafic's taut feel.Drive most 1.2 tonne vans and they tend to rattle and squeak a bit when you drive on bumpy roads. The back "barn" doors always seem to jiggle and rattle.Trafic makes no noises at all, its rock solid.The chassis is responsible for this and also gives Trafic a most un-van-like handling and ride characteristics. It is quite wieldy in tight going and despite its size, can be pedalled through traffic with confidence.The driving position is relatively comfortable thanks to well positioned controls, good seats and an upright steering wheel. The gearstick is mounted high in the dash like a rally car. The only real criticism is the lack of a left footrest but there isn't room for one in the foot well.Trafic is unusually styled and has a definite Gallic look to the front, a real French face if that's possible.The roofline bulges over the passenger compartment and all doors are large and open wide to facilitate loading.Passenger access demands a high step up into the cabin to a high seating position – good for a clear forward view. From a working point of view, the dash area is functional and well laid out. The load area floor is low and access is easy through the barn doors or a slider on the left.Quite a few Trafic variants are offered in four comfort levels and three body types – short wheelbase low roof and long wheel base low and high roof. All share the same powertrain. The test base model took a tonne without objecting.Prices start at $33,490 but you don't get air condition for that – it costs an extra $2800.Other vans might be cheaper but the front drive Renault is (currently) in a class of its own in this segment.

Renault has had a checkered history in this country.  In earlier times the French carmaker enjoyed a popular presence when its cars were locally assembled.That was in the 1960s and '70s when Renault was at its peak with a range of interesting small cars including the popular R8 and 10, the 12 and quirky 16.  Since those heady times, however, Renault has gone through some lean times.The 19 was launched in the early 1990s when Renault was being handled here by Volvo.  The Renault 19 is now worth considering if you're in the market for an affordable budget Euro.THE 19 landed in 1991. It was a modest entry with one version, the TXE, that was offered as a roomy sedan or five-door hatch.  There was just one engine, a 1.7-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four which put out a modest 69kW at 5250 revs, and drove the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.A three-tier sports pack became available in 1992. The base pack comprised of 13-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a sports steering wheel; the intermediate pack had 14-inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres, while the top pack also had a body kit.A facelifted 19 was launched in 1993, offering a much expanded choice of models, the RT, RT Plus, Alize and Baccara.  All were again offered as a sedan or five-door hatch, with a mild reworking of the boxy shape, including with a new front featuring a new bonnet, grille, and headlamps.Power came from the same 1.7-litre single overhead cam fuel-injected four. By 1993 the 69kW it put out was considered rather puny when most off its rivals boasted 1.8-litre engines punching out more power. The transmission choices were also unchanged.The RT Plus was only available as a manual, and had alloy wheels, metallic paint, rear headrests, power mirrors and a CD player.  Black bumpers and mirrors distinguished the Alize. It also had power steering, remote central locking, four-speaker sound, power front windows and mirrors, rear head restraints, and a split-fold rear seat. Sitting atop the tree was the Baccara, which boasted everything the RT Plus had, plus a driver's airbag, and seat belt pre-tensioners.Another upgrade came in the form of the Series 3 in 1995. That brought with it a 1.8-litre engine, and the alloys grew from 13 to 14 inches and the Alize replaced the RT.  Although the larger engine was warmly welcomed, when it was tag-teamed with the auto it had just 66kW at 5000 revs.The 19's performance was adequate rather than spirited, but the 1.7-litre engine was quite smooth and got the job done.  Like most French cars, the 19 had lots of wheel travel and rolled a lot, but not to the detriment of handling, which was quite precise.The 19 wasn't a standout on any front, except perhaps for comfort, but it did everything quite well. The auto trans can be troublesome, so much so that it's better to avoid them. Parts to rebuild them aren't readily available here, and a replacement box will set you back $4000-$5000.Parts can be a problem. Renault Australia doesn't stock parts for old models like the 19, but specialist suppliers can provide most things.  For a rewarding drive, look for a well-cared-for manual car with low mileage and a service record.Joe Boehm has had no trouble with the engine, but he knows the troubles with the auto transmission.  After being frustrated at the lack of local expertise to fix the auto, he resorted to the internet where he found parts and help to repair the transmission himself.He also says the auto runs hot and has fixed that by fitting an external oil cooler.  Sean Coles' 1993 19 TXE five-door auto hatch has done more than 200,000km.Worth a look if you're after a smooth, refined small sedan or hatch that rides superbly and handles well. Avoid troublesome automatic transmission.Comfortable compliant rideAssured road holdingModest performanceQuiet and refinedAutomatic trans meltdownParts can be hard to find

The baby-car world was dominated by a single star through the 1990s.The Hyundai Excel was the benchmark for every rival – on price, style and sales – until the death of the Korean king led to a fundamental shift in the noughties.Now the lightweight division is split down the middle and there are two separate contests: one powered by price, the other by class. In the price group are people buying their first new car, usually on a tight budget with less emphasis on features, and the class group wants a compact car for city work or as a second vehicle in the family garage.The bargain-basement contenders are battling in the sub-$15,000 range, just as they did when the Excel was the pacemaker, while the starting price for seriously good babies is close to $17,000 and can run to well beyond $20,000.Toyota changed the game last year when it decided to lob its baby Echo with a sub-$15,000 bottom line including power steering and airconditioning.Although the price has crept up to $14,790, it is still the sales leader. In the first quarter of this year Echo grabbed more than 20 per cent of light-car sales, reflecting the strength of the Toyota brand...despite the design being five years old.Hyundai is still playing the price game with the boxy little Getz. It's second to the Echo in the price fight and leading the Korean contenders against a line-up which includes a broad range of imports, including the Holden-badged but Opel-designed Barina.At the top end of the business, the Japanese really are on top. The classy Mazda2 and Honda Jazz set the standard for shoppers with plenty of cash to splash, even if Ford has arrived – far too late after the loss of its top-selling Korean-made Festiva – with a European Fiesta which is the light star of 2004.The $14,490 starting price for the Fiesta is going to create plenty of action in Ford showrooms, because the blue-oval baby is a good drive and well designed. But buyers will still have to add $2000 for airconditioning – a crippling extra in such a price-sensitive arena.But that's typical of the light-car class.There is always something new, always a price leader and a class champion, and they're all elbowing for space in a bargain basement that introduces many people to their first new car.This is how the Cars Guide team rates them:1. MAZDA2Lowdown: Five-door hatch with 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 82kW and priced from $17,490.Verdict: Another direct hit by MazdaPlus: Quality and comfortMinus: Pricey for the sizeRating: 18/20The baby Mazda is one of the stars of the Japanese company's product-driven comeback.Mazda battled through the 1990s with outdated and cost-down cars that were a poor reflection of the brand's traditional strengths, but when it got serious – with Ford funding – it cranked out the classy Mazda6, RX-8 and Mazda3.The smallest of the crop is the Mazda2, but it has the condensed strengths from the same design team and gene pool.That means it looks good, drives well and is built to class-leader quality.2. HONDA JAZZLowdown: Five-door hatch with 1.3-litre (61kW) or 1.5-litre (81kW) four-cylinder engine, priced from $15,990Verdict: Stylish and practical but harsh ridePlus: Good looks, versatile cabinMinus: Bouncy rideRating: 17/20The Jazz outsold the Mazda2 by 1280 in the first four months of 2004, and that comes down to price and funky looks.It's really a 21st-century Civic, as compact as the original and just as trendy for young buyers.Honda was smart to start with a 1.3-litre motor below $16,000, but doesn't scrimp on the cabin. It's comfortable for four and the seats fold to carry almost any load.People who want the best go straight to the punchy VTi-S with all the fruit for $22,490.3. FORD FIESTALowdown: Three-door and five-door hatch powered by a 74kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, from $14,490Verdict: Perky and enjoyablePlus: Goes well, roomy insideMinus: Cheap-ish plastics, finishRating: 16/20Ford went backwards with the Ka, which didn't have the space or automatic to compete, but it now has the right sales ingredients.The Fiesta is a star in Europe and way better than the long-dead Festiva, a Korean version of the previous Mazda 121.It drives well, has plenty of space and is good value, thanks partly to the strength of the Australian dollar.The Fiesta just edges the Toyota Echo and the Hyundai Getz out of the final medal spot in the light-car class.HYUNDAI GETZ 16/20Price: From $13,490Engines: 1.3-litre (60kW) and 1.5-litre (74kW)Body styles: Three-door hatch and five-door hatchNot an Excel, but still packed with Hyundai strengths.TOYOTA ECHO 16/20Price: From $14,740Engines: 1.3-litre (63kW) and 1.5-litre (80kW)Body styles: Three-door hatch and five-door sedan.Shows age inside, but Toyota has done well to keep the price sharp.HOLDEN BARINA 16/20Price: From $15,990Engines: 1.4-litre (66kW) and 1.8-litre (92kW)Body styles: Three-door and five-doorLooks good and drives well, with bonus deal adding appeal. CITROEN C3 14/20Price: From $19,990Engines: 1.4-litre (57kW) and 1.6-litre (83kW)Body styles: Five-door hatchOne of the funkiest babies on sale in Australia. The engine is dozy and there are some quality niggles.RENAULT CLIO 14/20Price: From $19,990Engines: 1.4-litre (72kW), 1.6-litre (79kW) and 2.0-litre (124kW)Body styles: sedan and hatchNot as trendy as the bigger Megane with the J.Lo rump, but still a solid effort from the French brand.VOLKSWAGEN POLO 14/20Price: From $19,990Engines: 1.4-litre (55kW)Body styles: hatchToo costly by far. The Polo is a nice car but smaller than many rivals, and Volkswagen doesn't do enough in Australia to compensate.PEUGEOT 206 13/20Price: From $19,990Engines: 1.4-litre, 1.6-litre (80kW) and 1.8-litre (100kW and 130kW)Body styles: hatchLIKE the C3, the Peugeot is too much and too little. The price is too high and the cabin too cramped.SMART FORTWO 13/20Price: From $21,900Engines: 0.7-litre (45kW)Body styles: Two-door coupeThe smallest and trendiest of the light cars is a phonebox-on-wheels that will only be bought by the trendiest shoppers.DAEWOO KALOS 12/20Price: From $14,990Engines: 1.5-litre (62kW)Body styles: Three-door hatch, five-door sedanA good Korean effort – compact and good-looking but trails in refinement and design.MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 12/20Price: From $15,990Engines: 1.5-litre (69kW)Body styles: Three-door hatchMitsubishi has kept the price competitive, the body is still stylish, and there is potential to add some Evo-style body bits.DAIHATSU SIRION 10/20Price: From $13,250Engines: 1.0-litre (40kW)Body styles: Five-door hatchbackThe Sirion is the best of the Daihatsu contenders, with a roomy cabin and passable power, but it is let down by the driving experience.DAIHATSU YRV 10/20Price: From $15,990Engines: 1.5-litre (40kW)Body styles: Five-door hatchThe funk leader in the D-brand line-up shows what's missing from the mix, with clunky controls and sub-standard driving dynamics.KIA RIO 9/20Price: From $14,990Engines: 1.5-litre (71kW)Body styles: Four-door sedan or five-door wagonThe wagon option gives it a unique selling point, but the sedan was one of the worst cars we drove last year.PROTON SATRIA 9/20Price: From $14,990Engines: 1.5-litre (64kW) and 1.8-litre (99kW)Body styles: Three-door hatch, five-door hatchAnother oldie that struggles to do anything but fill showroom space.SUZUKI IGNIS 9/20Price: From $14,990Engines: 1.3-litre (61kW) and 1.5-litre (83kW)Body styles: HatchThe baby box doesn't have enough of anything. Suzuki hasn't had enough cash to continue.DAIHATSU CHARADE 8/20Price: From $11,950Engines: 1.0-litre (40kW)Body styles: Five-door hatchThe great name is all that remains from one of the earliest bargain-basement stars. Today's Charade is cheap and unimpressive.

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.

Facing yet another year in the red financially, Renault is fighting back with a model rollout in Australia.Nissan's partner for five years continues to suffer financial losses – tipped to be at least $10 million this year – and lacklustre sales but is buoyant about its future.There's a model feast waiting in the wings as it sets out to win over greater market recognition and sales volume Down Under.This time it is determined to be more than just a niche player, taking on the light-commercial sector as well.Battle plans were unveiled this week, with Renault adding a sedan version to its Megane hatchback range while confirming it has at least six new models, including a line-up of delivery vans, coming within 12 months.Among them is a new Clio in July, a Megane coupe-cabriolet, five and seven-seater versions of the Scenic in October, the hot Megane RS hatch by Christmas and the long-awaited Espace people mover early next summer.The car range will be supplemented by three light commercials, starting with the Trafic. Then comes the larger Master van range in July and the oddly named Kangoo in August.Renault wants to lift volume to 5600 units by the end of this year. Last year, it sold just 3178.Some of that gain the company hopes will come from the new Megane sedan. It has been selling about 90 Meganes a month to hatch buyers and predicts it can sell another 60 to sedan fans.That growth appears to be happening. The brand has been back in Australia for only three years but has achieved more than 10,000 sales in that period – which took Renault 19 years to achieve in its earlier appearance.One of the potential stars of its line-up has been the funky Megane hatch with its distinctive, love-it-or-hate-it bustle back. There's nothing quite like it on the market and Renault Australia has been quick to capitalise on its ``big bum'' attribute in its latest advertising campaign, although buyers remain wary of the styling.The Megane sedan is not so controversially styled and Renault will find it a harder to make it stand out in the already crowded small to mid-sized model range. There are no six-cylinder variants.However, the sedan, launched in Europe in November, comes here with a five-star crash rating in the European NCAP safety evaluations, while its hatchback brother is European Car of the Year.Renault is confident that buyers will be attracted by the Megane's safety features, elegant styling, European badge and status.While the short nose and stubby tail give the car a compact appearance, the sedan is slightly larger than the hatchback, with a longer wheelbase, a roomier cabin and a substantially larger boot.It picks up 80 per cent of the hatchback's mechanical components and most of its features, including the suspension, engine, variable-speed steering, sensitive brakes and credit-card key system, which requires the driver to push a start button to get moving.The front wheels are powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder engine with 98kW at 5500rpm and 191Nm on tap at 3750rpm, and there's a choice of six-speed manual or four-speed sequential automatic.The sedan is no firecracker but a drive showed performance is better than expected, and handling, braking and steering are good.It is big on safety features, including smart seatbelts and front, side and curtain airbags as well as anti-lock brakes.The sedan will be offered in two levels of specification, the Expression and the Privilege, which will be sold only as an automatic.Prices begin at $29,990 for the base manual and stretch to $35,990 for the flagship version.

You are guaranteed that it will always stand out in a crowd.The styling of the Megane is controversial – there are plenty who have been polarised by its J.Lo back end and boxy glasshouse perched on top of the hatchback nose – but it is impossible to miss.For Renault Australia, the Megane is the car with the potential to create a much-needed breakthrough in showrooms.The quality of the work in the car is reflected in its choice as the European Car of the Year in 2003.It is the first all-new car from the French maker since it re-launched in Australia as part of the global Nissan-Renault alliance.Acceptance hasn't been as quick as Renault hoped, but that's been down to cars which didn't have the right mix of quality, value and performance to match the Japanese.The Megane should have the goods and the 'what the . . .' looks will ensure it also gets people talking about Renault.It definitely scores on the safety front, with a five-star NCAP rating and a full complement of airbags including side curtains for head protection.Renault has also brought the cars to Australia with plenty of standard luxury, including electric power steering and airconditioning (automatic on the Dynamique models), electric windows and mirrors, trip computer, six-speaker CD sound and height-and-reach steering adjustment on all cars.It has also included a range of ¿surprise and delight¿ features that will keep people talking: a chilled glovebox, more storage space than you can imagine – including bins in the front floor – and one-touch controls for all four electric windows.The prices aren't great, opening at $25,990 with only a 1.6-litre engine, but most of the Megane action is in the $30,000-something range and that will help it compete.The car also has plenty of impressive French engineering, in everything from the body shape to the suspension layout and seat design and operation. It's a car which always gets you thinking. Sadly, there is not much to talk about in the engine bay.The basic 1.6-litre four has only 83kW of power and even the 2-litre, which has twin-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, only makes 98.5kW.There is 191Nm of torque, but that's offset by a lacklustre four-speed automatic transmission.On the roadTHE new Megane highlights the best and the less-than-best of European motoring. It has a 'look at me' body with a funky cabin that's going to win plenty of friends, as well as class-leader safety, sumptuous comfort and a superb ride.But it's not as brisk as we'd like, the automatic gearbox is a disappointment, and a price tag close to $38,000 will limit the appeal of a car that's really a trendy four-seater hatchback.You can get the same space in a Hyundai Elantra for less than $19,000, although that's hardly the point.Renault is expecting the Megane to run up against cars such as the Alfa 147, Audi A3, Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Golf from Europe, and in that bunch it is much more competitive.Our test time with the Megane included a couple of cars, although we spent more kilometres with the 2-litre Dynamique.For the record, we like the look. It's practical, it provides great visibility and good space in the cabin – apart from a slightly cramped back seat – and you feel good when you walk back to 'your' car standing proud in the car pack.We also enjoyed the cushy seats and classy driving position, all the equipment – including a useful trip computer, cruise control and an outside temperature gauge – and the way the car drives.At first we thought there was too much tugging through the steering, and it can feel quite 'busy' on broken surfaces, but the feel is good and the car has excellent grip and a very neutral handling balance.It also rides the worst roads without upsetting anyone in the cabin, something we have always liked about French suspension systems.The Megane is a car that will happily cover long distances, keeping its passengers happy at the same time.But . . .The engine is nothing special and the automatic is slow to shift and puts the motor in a very noisy band at 100-110km/h cruising speeds.Very few Europeans choose automatics and that always shows when the auto versions get to Australia.The Megane has a touch-change manual mode, but it's never as crisp to shift, or as responsive, as you expect from a 2-litre Japanese car.Still, the car is good and we like it.If you line it up against the VW Golf it makes a lot of sense, even if the German car has a rock-solid reputation, and we can see a lot of Audi and Peugeot buyers being attracted to the new French hero.It fits into the price spread of its European rivals, which will help it win friends, and few dollar-driven Japanese shoppers will see the sense in the Megane.But there is sense in the dollars and, even if it's more costly than a Holden Astra or even the Ford Focus ST170, there are people who will like the drive and be convinced to make the jump to something that's a very individual choice.

Renault Australia is gearing itself for a record year in 2003, with new models and a significant improvement to its top-selling line-up. The brand has given the entry-level version of the Scenic two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive compact people mover a major power boost to maintain momentum in 2003.The 1.6-litre engine in the Scenic Expression has been replaced with a beefier two-litre motor.The Scenic Expression comes to market at $27,990 for the five-speed manual and $29,990 for the automatic version. This is $2112 more than the 1.6-litre version, but Renault says additional equipment as well as increased power more than justifies the price increase.Renault Australia will get the three-door and five-door Megane models - plus a stunning new Megane Cabriolet - in the final quarter of the year.The brand expects the additional volume will help it reach its 2003 target of 5500 vehicles - about 1000 more than last year. Scenic was Renault's best-selling model in 2002, with combined sales of two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models accounting for 1851 of the brand's 4565 sales. The motor now offered in all Scenic vehicles generates 101kW at 5500rpm and a useful torque output of 188Nm at 3750rpm, 90 per cent of which is available between 2500rpm and 5500rpm.In two-wheel-drive models, the engine is available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.Every vehicle in the Scenic range has a total of six airbags, safety belts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters, close-contact head restraints and an anti-lock braking system with electronic braking distribution and emergency brake assist.All Scenic models come standard with the extremely flexible sliding rear seats - offering a wide variety of seating/carrying combinations. Storage capabilities are enhanced by under-seat drawers, in-floor bins and an adjustable rear parcel shelf. Passenger comfort is maximised by a chilled cold-drink unit in the front centre console.The standard entry-level model comes with airconditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, trip computer, front armrest and an audio system with satellite controls and in-dash CD player.The mid-spec Dynamique gets alloy wheels, climate-control airconditioning, partial leather seat trim, leather steering wheel and gear knob, roof rails and opening rear window.The range-topping Scenic Privilege picks up full leather seat trim and twin sunroofs. 

WE MIGHT be in the middle of winter, but the slightest hint of sunshine is all that's needed to rip the roof off for some top-down driving.  Convertible cars are making a serious comeback and the list of open-air automobiles has never been bigger, or more affordable.The marvellous Mazda MX-5 - and the dead-and-buried locally built Ford Capri - basically re-invented the inexpensive convertible sports car segment, harking back to the glory days of the swinging post-war era where MGs were as trendy as mini-skirts and the Lotus position had nothing to do with yoga.While the latest drop-top sports cars are fun to drive solo, there's one flaw with most: there's only enough space for two people.  If you want to share the "wind-in-your-hair'' experience with more than one, the price tag for a four-seater convertible can be double that of Mazda's little cult car, with the born-again Mustang and the open-top Volvo C70 almost pushing six-figure start-up prices.However, there are a couple of less expensive options with the Peugeot 306 Cabrio and Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, which have room for four, starting under $50,000.  But now there's another choice, with the Renault Megane Cabrio part of the French car maker's recent return to Australia.The Megane Cabrio is the most expensive car in Renault's new four-model line-up, but, at $39,985, it's also the cheapest passenger car-based four-seat convertible on sale in Australia.While Renault isn't pinning its hopes on the Megane Cabrio as the bread winner -- that goes to the Scenic mini people-mover range that shares the Megane's underpinnings -- it admits the drop-top is an important image-building model that needed to be included.  The Megane Cabrio is a convertible version of the coupe that's offered in Europe and which could be added to the Down Under line-up eventually.The two-door body has a unique wedge-shaped design with its rounded nose flowing into a tall, and squared-off bootlid.  The electrically operated roof, which can be colour-coded to the exterior of the car in some models, gives the Megane a coupe-like appearance when it is up. But the car transforms into something else when the roof folds down behind a classy-looking cover with Batman-style flutes that run off the top of the rear seats.The Megane Cabrio is powered by a 1.6-litre four cylinder engine and drives through the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic.  The engine produces 79kW of power at 5750 revs and 148Nm of torque at 3750 revs.Safety-wise, the Megane Cabrio comes standard with anti-skid brakes and dual front and side airbags.  Inside the four-seat cabin are creature comforts including electric windows, air-conditioning, CD sound and sports seats.DrivingA cold and windy week in Melbourne recently wasn't the best time to spend with the Megane Cabrio.  But, even still, there were a couple brief periods where the sun beamed bright enough to drop the roof, turn up the heater and head out for a cruise.First things first, the weird "bum-up'' styling of the Megane isn't going to please everyone.The big, hard-edged nostrils in the front grille don't quite fit with the curvy lines that make up the rest of the car's face, and the bug-eyed, high rear end is certainly something different.Despite not having a windbreaker, there isn't that much turbulence rushing through the cabin while driving with the roof down.  And, the cabin is relatively quiet for a convertible when the fully lined roof is up.The front seats are quite comfortable with good side support, but there's not much room in the back for two adults to travel in comfort.  The angle of the steering wheel makes the driving position a bit awkward, but the dials and controls are all within easy reach and are well-organised on the dashboard.While the engine definitely doesn't belong in a sports car, it feels more powerful than a conventional 1.6-litre powerplant.There's plenty of low-down torque to make driving easy and comfortable, although the five-speed gearbox is a bit vague -- and the gear lever actually wobbles around when the accelerator is either depressed or released.  The suspension and body are quite tight for a convertible that's based on a regular passenger car. Surprisingly, there's little body shake, even when pushed through twisting roads.But there is a fair bit of kick back through the steering wheel if you hit a bump in the middle of a bend.  The ride is well sorted and, while the Megane Cabrio would be no match for an MX-5 in a head-to-head comparison through the Dandenongs, the handling is pretty good for a front-wheel-drive car.Overall, the Megane is a great value-for-money convertible with a European badge and the convenience of four seats.The bottom line3/5Good price, good fun.  While the Megane isn't a sportscar, it's a great-valueconvertible with heaps of Euro-chic.Renault Megane CabrioPrice as tested: $39,985Engine: 1.6-litre four cylinder with double overhead camshafts and fuel injectionPower: 79kW at 5750revsTorque: 148Nm at 3750revsTransmission:Five-speed manual, front-wheel-driveDimensions:Length: 4082mm, Width: 1698mm, Height: 1368mmWheelbase: 2468mmTracks: 1451mm/1432mm front/rearWeight: 1125kgFuel Tank: 60 litresConsumption: 9.7 litres/100kmSteering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinionSuspension: Fully-independent with MacPherson front struts and torsion beam rear end.Brakes: Anti-skid with front ventilated discs and rear drums.Wheels: 6.0x15 alloysTyres: 185/60 R15Warranty: three years/100,000kmRivalsMazda MX-5**** (from $43,485)Peugeot 306 Cabriolet** (from $49,990)VolkswagenGolf Cabriolet*** (from $49,750)Toyota MR2****(from $46,200)

A week behind the wheel of the Renault 19 RT was 100 per cent pleasure - once certain drawbacks were overlooked. Its looks hardly reach the pinnacle of French flair, but they are inoffensive and the Renault badge always raises the interest of a motoring public suffering an overdose of Japanese cars.Compact dimensions limit comfortable seating to four adults, although there are belts for three people in the back. Rear headroom is minimal. Probably the worst aspect is the seating position for the driver with its "Labor" steering wheel - it's left of centre. As a result, I found my left leg interfering with the steering wheel unless I adjusted the wheel height to an uncomfortable position.Big points in favor of the 19 are the supportive front seats with their well-placed side bolsters, and the analogue dials which are classic white-on-black and easy to read. The radio/cassette player is heard through four speakers and can be removed from the car, an old-fashioned anti-theft strategy that has been superseded by security coding. The cavity is hidden from view by an annoying piece of plastic.Remote-control central locking is convenient and includes a button on the dash to lock (or unlock) all doors in an emergency. Front seatbelts have height adjustment for the shoulder straps.Headlights, horn and indicators are operated by the left-hand stalk on the steering column while the right-hand stalk controls the front and rear wash/wipers. Front windows are electrically operated while the external rear-view mirrors are manually adjusted.The 19's performance is hardly going to make you wish you'd bought a G-suit, but you can enjoy your motoring. Power is a modest 68.5kW at 5250rpm and torque peaks at 140Nm at 3000rpm. The 19's compact size helps make a routine trip become enjoyable, moving easily through heavy traffic and slipping around parked cars.When cornering, it turns in so quickly and accurately that it's hard to remember it's a front-drive car. You will have to push extremely hard to defeat the strong grip and impressive handling.Despite its driving credentials, an asking price that gives you just $10 change from $26,000 is a bit steep.Renault 19 RT hatchbackENGINE: Transversely mounted, single-cam 8-valve 1.7-litre with multipoint fuel-injection. Adequate for enjoyable driving.POWER: 68.5kW/5250rpm.TORQUE: 140Nm/3000rpm. Modest output, but the car's secret is its handling.FUEL CONSUMPTION: 9.2 litres/100km average on test. 55-litre tank.SUSPENSION: Independent. Front - MacPherson struts, coil springs, lower wishbones, anti-sway bar; rear - trailing arms, torsion bar axle. Faithful communication between the road and driver through the steering wheel.BRAKES: Ventilated discs/drums. Stopping power retained after repeated hard braking.PRICE: $25,990 (manual sedan or hatch), auto $27,850. Add $1500 for airbag and rear headrests. Expensive when you consider this money will buy you a much bigger Falcon or Commodore.