With the "bulging posterior" of the old Renault Megane reduced in the latest model of the range, it has now been stated that the vehicle could be described as "characterless".
Matt Westcott states in the Northern Echo that a more "svelte design" befits the vehicle’s rear end, which is conservative and potentially alleviates any controversy from buyers and experts.
For his road test, Mr Westcott was given the 1.5-litre diesel engine, allowing 62 miles to be completed per gallon of fuel, while generating under 120g/km of CO2.
He added that the Renault Megane Hatch 1.5d Dynamique dCi "drives well", "appears to be built well" and is kitted out with a range of features.
However, his conclusion is that although the vehicle cannot be ridiculed and is a standard middle of the road car, it does not overly set the pulses racing.
According to Renault, the new Megane takes style, power and reliability to a place where it has never gone to before through its "expression of sophistication and confidence".
The latest offering of the Renault Megane range is "spot on", according to a motoring expert.
Ken Gibson states in the Sun that Renault has "really upped their game" in terms of design and quality in the new Megane and this was important as the vehicle is traditionally the manufacturer’s top seller.
The new Megane Coupe is referred to by Mr Gibson as having "Hollywood glamour" thanks to an aggressive front, racy side profile and a beautifully sculpted rear.
Furthermore, he highlights that the Megane is "quick and agile but in a smooth and sophisticated way", with the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine being for the economy-minded and the 1.6-litre petrol for "posers".
Mr Gibson also reveals that the vehicle comes with a large amount of practical storage space, while there is also more room in the cabin than many motorists may choose to think.
He concludes by stating that the vehicle "handles as well as it looks".
Channel Four indicated in a review of the Renault Megane that the vehicle provided a "well-made cabin" and a "competent drive".
Handling and performance are two of the standout features of the latest Renault Megane, used Renault Megane motorists may be interested to know.
The new Megane Renaultsport 250 is powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with the twin-scroll turbo proving particularly responsive when a motorist is driving at low revs.
Meanwhile, the handling is boosted through the decision to separate the suspension and steering function, while the electric power steering benefits from specific calibration.
This means that drivers may witness more feedback from the road, alongside greater precision in their steering.
On the inside, the comfort of a driver is enhanced through extra lateral support in the seats, while the steering wheel is fitted with thumb grips.
Outside, the vehicle is given a sportier look through a front bumper that incorporates the LED daytime running lights and extended wheel arches and sills.
When the Renault Megane was given the once over by BBC show Top Gear, it was stated that the vehicle’s "superb" handling was by far its "strongest suit".
Motorists familiar with owning and driving a used Renault Megane will witness some stark developments when the new Megane Coupe is unleashed on the market it has been stated.
The Birmingham Mail has commented that Renault has chosen "to go for a more streamlined posterior" instead of the "distinct rump that polarised opinion so starkly on previous generation models".
Renault is set to unveil its updated Megane range this spring, with the newspaper stating that the French manufacturer has a "terrific" line-up on offer.
Six engines in all will be available in the range, three petrol and three diesel, while used car drivers will also have the choice of three trim levels: Dynamique; Expression; and Privelege.
The publication adds that the hatchback offering of the new Megane "is more conservatively styled yet a treat to drive".
A review of the Renault Megane hatchback by WhatCar? stated that it is a "refined and comfortable drive", while also having "distinctive looks" and being of "excellent quality".
Renault’s new Megane Renaultsport R26.R has won praise for its performances during Evo magazine’s Car of The Year tests.
The Megane came fourth in the supercar group trials, outperforming the Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Aston Martin.
The result was even more impressive considering that the car costs £24,000 while the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione costs £110,000, the Maserati GranTurismo S £90,000 and the Aston Martin £85,000.
John Barker, Evo’s motoring editor, said: “The steering, brakes, power delivery, ride and handling will put a smile on anyone’s face.”
"The R26.R flows like the very best cars, regardless of cost.”
Contributing editor David Vivian was equally impressed.
He commented: “Had the contest been judged purely on a cross-country pace-to-price ratio, Renaultsport’s ultimate, lightweight expression of its hot Megane would have been a runaway winner.”
Only 450 lightweight Megane Renaultsport R26.R will be built with 230 of them in right-hand drive to satisfy the demands of UK enthusiasts.
Production commenced this month and will cease in March.
Written by Trevor Coffee
In the wake of its debut at the Paris Motor Show last month, Renault has announced the UK price list for its new Megane Coupe.
In all, ten versions of the car will go on sale from late January 2009, with prices ranging from £14,745 to £19,195.
Three petrol engines – the 1.6 VVT 110, 2.0 140 CVT and 2.0 TCe 180 – and three diesel variants – the 1.5 dCi 86, 1.5 dCi 106 and 1.9 dCi 130 – have been made available to be paired with three trim levels – the Expression, Dynamique and Privilege.
The Coupe has been pitched as a rival to the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and VW Scirocco and boasts a sports chassis with stiffened suspension, a 12mm lower ride height when compared to the Renault Megane Hatch, six airbags and an emergency spare wheel.
A number of other features can also be added on request, including heated front seats, metallic paint, rear parking sensors and a fixed sunroof.
The 2008 Paris Motor Show took place from October 4th to October 19th at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.
The stunning new Renault Megane Coupe and Laguna Coupe made their official UK debuts in London last night (October 20th), several weeks ahead of their official launch.
The cars were unveiled at the French Chamber of Commerce where over 150 members and dignitaries enjoyed a convivial evening sponsored by Renault UK at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington.
Although the cars have already been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, it was the first time in the UK that the new Megane Coupe and stunning Laguna Coupe have been seen alongside the new Megane Hatch. Sharing the stage was the Renault C-Type. Built in 1900, the C-Type is one of the earliest cars from Renault UK’s collection.
Roland Bouchara, Renault UK managing dDirector said: "Even from the early days with such cars as the C-Type, Renault has produced innovative and stylish designs.
"These stunning new cars herald a new era of chic and French automotive beauty for us and I was delighted to be hosting the evening."
The New Megane Hatch is available in the UK on November 26th with the New Megane Coupe and Laguna Coupe due early next year.
Written by Suzy Keys
Renault has launched a new advertising campaign featuring the Megane, which was previously advertised by drawing attention to the distinctive rear – ‘shaking that ass’. The new advertisements use Fernando Alonso who drives for the Renault F1 team.
In the new TV ads, Alonso is shown getting ready to leave his hotel, but is waylaid by setbacks. He is shown keeping his cool throughout every situation until he finally reaches his Renault Mégane F1 Team car.
The advertisement uses the music ‘cheek to cheek’ and is sung by Fred Astaire.
Seven and a half million Megane cars have been sold since Renault launched the vehicle in 1995.
Renault will launch its first bioethanol vehicle this year – the Megane E85, which will go on sale at the end of 2007.
The car is part of Renault’s environmental initiative, through which it has committed to making vehicles eco-friendly throughout their life cycle, from initial design to eventual recycling.
It claims that the initiative, called eCO2, will provide customers with a choice of vehicles that will be both kind to the environment and affordable.
The Megane E85 will use Renault’s 1.6-litre 16V engine, with a number of modifications having been made to the existing petrol system to enable it to adapt automatically to bioethanol fuel.
As a renewable and plant-based energy source, bioethanol is one of the most effective solutions to the CO2 emissions crisis, according to Renault. Cars using the fuel are also affordable as the cost of developing compatible engines is reasonable, the manufacturer explains.
E85 bioethanol is reportedly capable of CO2 savings of up to 70 per cent compared to comparative use of conventional petrol.
The fuel is developed by distilling fermented vegetable matter and combining this with petrol in varying proportions.
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