2012 Renault Megane Reviews

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?What is it?This is the drop-top version of Renault's Megane small car complete with retractable hard top (glass) and seats for four. Decent boot too.How much?The price is $45,990 but the Summer Edition adds 18-inch alloys and charcoal leather upholstery, normally $3300 extraWhat are competitors? VW Golf convertible though it's a soft top, VW Eos at more money, perhaps the BMW 1-series convertible, Mini Cabrio, Peugeot 308CC.What's under the bonnet?It gets a 2.0-litre, petrol twin cam four pot with 103kW/195Nm output driving the front wheels via a CVT auto. The engine passes Euro 5 emissions regs and prefers to drink 98 octane fuel.How does it go?OK as long as you are prepared to exercise the right foot and ignore the slurring CVT transmission. Performance would best be described as adequate, not sporty by any stretch of the imagination.Is it economical?Renault claims around 8.1-litres/100km but we couldn't get that because it has to be driven harder than expected.Is it green?Gets a Euro 5 endorsement so top of the tree. Can't comment about other aspects of Megane's "green-ness" but undoubtedly nearly totally recyclable.Is it safe?Gets a five star Euro NCAP crash rating _ top of the tree again.Is it comfortable?In the two front seats yes, in the driver's seat more so thanks to electric adjustment and heating. The leather is a welcome addition as are the Arkamys premium audio, Bluetooth and audio streaming, electric parking brake, dual zone aircon, audio connection box, wind deflector and hands free entry/ignition systems. There's plenty of kit to keep you comfy and entertained.What's it like to drive?Not too bad actually, with a supple ride, well controlled, quiet and when booted along, pretty responsive. The turbo engine out of RS coupe would be excellent.Is it value for money?Against current competition yes, plenty of equipment, the 22 second retractable glass roof, daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys and plenty more.Would we buy one?Possibly if we wanted a tan (we don't). But if we were in the drop-top market, and didn't want a rip snorting performance model, a more relaxed drive, we's definitely have a look at the Megane CC.Price: from $45,990

Double-clutch automated manual transmissions have been around for a few years now and Renault has just introduced a six-speed unit. It calls the new transmission Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC), and it’s the main reason we took another look at the Megane diesel hatch.TECHNOLOGYDouble-clutch transmissions make super-quick gear changes – faster than humanly possible – and offer reduced fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic.However, to feel these transmissions working at their best you need to use a lot of right foot to get off the line cleanly, which immediately detracts from the fuel efficiency.In Megane hatch under review, the six-speed EDC transmission is linked to a 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and produces peak torque of 240 Nm at a low 1750 rpm, and 110 kilowatts at 4000 rpm. Power is run through the front wheels and there is no sign of torque steer even under hard acceleration. Renault claims the EDC transmission saves 17 per cent on emissions when compared to a conventional auto.DESIGNNo one could ever accuse the French of producing boring cars and the Megane hatch is living proof of a beautifully sculpted five-door hatch. It is short but rakish and looks great on the road thanks to short front and rear overhangs.At 4.3 metres long it could play the role of a family car for two adults and two kids.In the Privilege the front seats have power height and reach adjustment, while the steering wheel also has height and reach adjustment. The seats are pretty comfortable though and there's good leg room for rear seat passengers. The rear seat is a bit narrow and better suited to two adults than three.The rear seat is a 60/40 split and folds forward to greatly increase cargo space. All seats in use there's 360 litres of luggage space. We used the Megane Hatch diesel for a weekend trip away to Grafton in the northern rivers area of NSW and our luggage hardly put a dent in the boot space.SAFETYRenault was the first company every to score a five-star rating on the Euro NCAP testing and continues to be a leader in the field. As well as the ability to help occupants survive a crash, Renault is also big in primary safety, boasting Electronic Stability Program and ABS brakes with emergency brake assist. EQUIPMENTThere are two specification levels, Dynamique and Privilege. Megane Privilege gets a significant package to justify the $5000 difference between the two spec levels. These include black leather upholstery, electric glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and Arkamys four-speaker/four-tweeter sound system with single CD/MP3 player with satellite controls on the steering column.We can't say we love the ergonomics. The start/start button is in a user-unfriendly spot in front of the gear shifter, while the air conditioning buttons and audio controls are far too low. This is compounded by the satellite audio controls hidden behind the right spoke of the steering wheel. These almost seem designed to distract the driver from what they should be doing – concentrating on the road.What they have got right is the cruise control which is on the face of the steering wheel and simple to use. However, the cruise control master switch is on the centre console. Go figure.DRIVINGRenault Megane hatch has refined road manners with excellent cornering and braking and makes an excellent cruising machine. The diesel engine is at its best when cruising with the car routinely having fuel consumption under 5.0 litres per 100 km. In our week we covered more than 600 km at 5.3 L/100 km, a fair bit above Renault's claim of 4.5 L/100 km, but no more removed from reality than the fuel figures claimed for most other cars. The combination of a stunning French style, the convenience of a new-design automatic transmission and a pretty low price for the prestige of a owning a European car seems sure to guarantee the latest Renault Megane strong sales Down Under.Renault Megane Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-dieselPrice: RS 250 Cup 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $41,990 (manual), RS 250 Monaco GP 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $48,990 (automatic),  Dynamique 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $22,990 (manual), $24,990 (manual), Privilege: 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $29,990 (automatic),  Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: Privilege dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: $32,490 (automatic)Warranty: Five years/ unlimited kmEngine: 1.461 litres, Four cylinders in line. Compression Ratio: 15.2:1. 81kW - 240NmSafety Equipment: ABS Brakes, ESP, Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags.Transmission: Manual Transmission: Six-speed Automatic Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutchDimensions: Length: 4295 mm, Wheelbase: 2641 mm, Width:1808 mm, Height: 1471 mm. Turning Circle: 11.1 metresWeight: 1366 kgTowing Ability: 1300 kg with braked trailerBrakes: Front Brakes: Ventilated disc Rear Brakes: DiscThirst: Diesel Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 4.5 L/100kmGreen: 8.5/10. Air Pollution Rating: 5/10

For as little as $27,490, you can get a "small" five door hatchback that returns 4.5-litres/100km. It's a much more attractive package than any hybrid on the market in terms of performance, running costs and purchase price, to say nothing of looks.Renault's Megane DCi might have a small capacity, 1.5-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet, lifted from a light commercial vehicle, but it also has a six-speed dual clutch `manumatic' transmission and oodles of grunt from a low 1750rpm - just off idle. Two models are available and we were able to drive the up spec' $32,500 Megane Privilege. It's a good looking car offering plenty of interior room and a good size boot accessed through a large rear hatch. Easily one of Renault's best lookers, the distinctive Megane hatch is quite a large "small' car tipping the scales at 1366kg. The Privilege we drove scores premium Arkamy's audio (with inadequate bass response) Bluetooth phone and streaming, satnav, climate control, leather, a multi media connection box, full size 17-inch spare, alloys, smart key start and plenty more kit.It is a genuine competitor for VW Golf at less money and also otherpremium small cars.TECHNOLOGYIt's a single cam, eight valve, 1.5-litre four banger lifted from Kangoo van with 81kW/240Nm output. There's a particle filter in the exhaust helping achieve a Euro 5 emissions rating. On paper it's not impressive but in reality, the engine is a good'un offering plenty of response, super fuel economy, strong roll-on acceleration and clatter only at and for a short period after start-up from cold.What makes it is the six speed DSG gearbox, unusual because it is a dry clutch as opposed to a wet clutch (filled with oil). The dry clutch is better in terms of low speed operation and a reduction in friction loses.DESIGNNot as classy as a VW but neat and functional. Megane's interior is easy on the eye and comfortable for long drives. There's plenty of rear seat leg and headroom and the standard equipment in the Privilege is generous and appreciated but unnecessary except for the satnav. Some of the controls are not intuitive.DRIVINGRenault has a bit of a reputation for good handling, well, good overall dynamics and such is the case here. Megane diesel offers a high level of ride comfort from its strut and torsion beam suspension and yet corners flat with tenacity.It has strong brakes and good steering feel. Pity there's no paddle shift on the wheel. No complaints about engine performance whatsoever - it could be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel gauged on underfoot feel. An annoying creaking noise in the rear suspension blotted the scorecard.SAFETYFive star car with all that entails - six air bags, stability control, safety cell chassis, pedestrian safety.VERDICTDefinitely worth a look if you are shopping Golf, diesel Focus, Pug 308, even 1-Series and C30 diesels. Surprisingly good, better value in Dynamique grade.

Value and economy are pretty good hooks to hang a car on. When that car is a Renault Megane diesel and it's taking on everything from the Ford Focus to the Hyundai i30, it needs more than that to make a mark. The Renault has plenty of cache and the Megane is priced and positioned to carve out a bigger niche than the 60-odd cars it is now selling month.VALUERenault Australia boss Justin Hocevar has fought the good fight to get the base model Megane in at $27,490 and right into the small-car fight. It comes with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel matched to a competent dual-clutch automated manual transmission. That gives it an edge against the six-speed manual in the Mazda3 diesel for $27,360, $28,990 for the Golf Bluemotion and $30,500 for the Ford Focus Trend, both in manual guise. Hyundai's i30cw SX undercuts them all at $23,090 for the five-speed manual . but the auto is a four-speeder and costs $2000.DESIGNThe Megane is different enough to stand out in the carpark for all the right reasons. As yet Renault is still not a common sight and the hatch has been cut from a more stylish French cloth than the utilitarian shape of the VW Golf or the i30. Exterior style isn't matched with interior space, though. The glovebox won't  stow anything bigger than a clutch purse and the centre bin will struggle to do that. The hand-held TomTom satnav controller chews up one of the front drink holders and the door poc kets are slim. On the positive side the materials and plastics feel better than most in this class and there's a decent boot.TECHNOLOGYThe dual-clutch automated manual transmission is the news. It's a dry clutch unit which cuts down on weight and frictional losses and operates as well as VW's DSG unit off the line. It isn't far off when underway but can occasionally be caught hunting for a gear under light acceleration or braking. Teamed with the 1.5-litre turbodiesel the transmission helps the Megane to an official fuel use of 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 117g/km.SAFETYThe Megane hasn't yet been rated but the previous model was a five-star NCAP car and it's hard to see the French brand going backwards. This is a mainstream vehicle in Europe from a mainstream company and the structural integrity, six airbags and stability control have all been designed to give it a top rating.DRIVINGThe Megane's performance is admirable - a decent spread of torque makes it feel bigger than a 1.5-litre oilburner - without being close to class-leading. In terms of ride and passenger comfort, though, only the Focus and Golf will match it. A succession of unavoidable ruts and potholes tested the suspension and while the bumps were felt, they didn't unsettle the car. The same can't be said for the silica-loaded rubber on the base Dynamique. They understeered well before the suspension was under pressure and, surprisingly, weren't as compliant as the rubber on the 17-inch r immed Privilege.VERDICTAll Renault Australia's Justin Hocevar wants is for the Megane to earn a spot on shopping lists. A solid car at a competitive price with a five-year warranty and free servicing for the first three years should give him that. It's a refined entry in a cut-throat segment with the looks and handling to convert test drives to buyers.