Road test report --- March 2009

by Kevin Fenix.

Renault Megane 1.5 dCi

I got my first glimpse of the new Renault Megane hatchback at the Paris Motor Show in September last year. I was impressed and excited by what I saw. I was very fond of the previous Megane in its saloon and estate forms, but I never liked the rear end styling of the hatchback, so this new hatchback came as a great relief to me.
My test car was finished in black, both outside and inside and, as regulars will know, black is most certainly not my favourite colour. It was the Monaco version, so the inky blackness inside was relieved by a band of silver trim on the facia. This certainly brightened things up a bit, but the silver also had the annoying habit of reflecting in the exterior rear view mirror, in certain daylight conditions, which was infuriatingly annoying. Fortunately, however, the seats were superbly comfortable, the leather covered steering wheel had a wonderful feel to it and the instrument panel was one of the best I have come across in a long, long time. Thus when my infuriation reached boiling point, I concentrated on other soothing aspects, to restore my sanity.

Like most modern cars, the Megane has its instruments in a hooded binnacle behind the steering wheel. The large, round, centre instrument has a while face and large black figures appear, digitally, to indicate your speed. Below this figure are two small round, pictorial diagrams, with black markings to indicate, fuel level and engine temperature. It is simple, concise, perfectly clear and easy to use. Over on the left there is an old fashioned analogue dial for the engine speed, while on the right there is a rectangular digital panel for other information. What a pity the designers did not go a little further and incorporate that analogue tachometer into the circumference of the centre instrument.
Over in the centre console there are two control panels. The upper houses all the dual zone heating and ventilating functions, while the lower covers the radio/CD and all the audio associated functions. It is all so beautifully laid out, clear and easy to use. Controls for the exterior rear view mirrors, electric windows, locking and childproof locks are positioned in the driver’s door. Cruise control buttons are conveniently positioned in the horizontal arms of the steering wheel.
Another digital panel, under a hood in the top centre of the facia, shows the time, outside air temperature and audio related information, amongst other things. Centrally located it is easy for all the occupants of the car to see the information displayed.
Comfort and safety are high on the list of design priorities, so the car, as tested, came with a reach and height adjustable steering wheel, reach and height adjustable driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable, exterior rear view mirrors, four electric windows, front fog lamps, electrically operated, childproof locks and ISOfix fittings on the two outer rear seats, as well as the front passenger seat. The Megane has Renault’s flat, card like, remote controlled ignition and locking system. At the bottom of the centre console, just ahead of the gearlever, there is a slot to receive the unit. Once inserted you simply push the button alongside to start. When the engine is running, by pushing the same button, it switches off. It is so simple, convenient and easy to use.
Internal storage is no problem either. Besides the large glovebox, there are storage spaces in the doors and small, covered storage spaces under the floor. The 60/40 divided rear seat has a central folding armrest and it too has a small storage space that also included two cupholders.
The car came fitted with Bluetooth connections for a mobile telephone and these are located within the armrest and storage space between the two front seats.

Steering is light yet positive, with the variable ratio, rack and pinion equipment. It is geared to give 2.9 turns from lock to lock. One of the things that I particularly liked, was the fact that the car came with a proper, full size spare wheel and tyre. The braking is a servo assisted, dual circuit design, with ventilated discs at the front and plain discs at the rear. The system includes anti-lock, emergency brake assist, plus an electronic stability programme, incorporating an anti-slip regulator and understeer logic control.
Ride and roadholding are good, in spite of the simple suspension design and layout. At the front it uses well proven MacPherson struts with a 23 mm anti-roll bar, while at the rear there are trailing arms connected to a C-shaped torsion beam, with coil springs and telescopic dampers.
Like most cars, the back seat is comfortable for two adult passengers, but not for a third. The problem in the Megane was exacerbated by the fact that the structure between the two front seats intruded into the space a bit and this considerably reduced kneeroom in an already tight space. In fact rear seat kneeroom was considerably tight for a car with a 2641 mm wheelbase. This was highlighted when I tried folding down the rear seats to increase carrying capacity for awkward items of luggage. First of all you have to remove the three rear seat headrests. Then when you tip the seat cushions into a vertical position they are tight up against the backs of the front seats. The backrests would not fold down neatly until I moved the two front seats forward. That means that the driver is then squashed up against the steering wheel and pedals. Perhaps it is no wonder that the company could give me a measurement for the normal luggage space, but were unable, or unwilling, to do so for an expanded luggage space. Also I was surprised to find that the undersides of the rear seat cushions, were soft and not protected by a metal covering, when tipped up.

Above left : Normal luggage space ------------------ Above right : Expanded luggage space

Above left : Underfloor storage space ----------------- Above right : Full size spare wheel

The Megane comes with a 2 years unlimited mileage warranty, with 2 years roadside assistance, 3 years paint cover and 12 years anti-perforation guarantee. Servicing is required every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) or 2 years, whichever comes first. One worrying aspect of an otherwise very nice car, was the amount of rust I found on the front wheel hub carrier and drive shaft.

This is not something unique to Renault. I have found it on several different makes recently, from prestige brands, to ordinary small family cars.

Technical data