RENAULT PUTS THE BOOT INTO THE MEGANE
It was Oscar Wilde who claimed that Britain and America were two nations separated by a common language. It’s not the only thing that divides us. Electing bodybuilders to public office, preoccupation with a glorified form of rounders and never accepting a beverage unless it’s served in a bucket have yet to make the translation to Britain. Other things don’t square either. Stick a boot on an American car and it’ll sell, whereas hatchbacks are denigrated as ‘soccer mom’ shopping cars. Over here, it’s very different, with small saloons struggling to shift in any meaningful numbers. Renault aim to change all that with the Megane Sport Saloon, a design that ditches the turgid image of many compact four-door cars.
Small, of course, is a relative concept. Break out the tape measure and you’ll soon discover that it’s not that small at all. With 61mm extra in the wheelbase over its hatch counterpart and another 228mm in the rear overhang, the Megane Sport Saloon isn’t in the Mondeo/Vectra class but it’s nevertheless surprisingly spacious. It makes a refreshing change that Renault have utilised a long wheelbase platform in order to offer passengers a little extra legroom. Research has shown that saloon buyers tend to be more conservative, want additional luxury features and keep hold of their cars for longer. Knee room in the Megane Sport Saloon is thus the best in class and the longer rear doors make for easier access. It’s all very civilised, as are prices that start at £13,650.
Renault had managed only modest success over here with the Megane Classic saloon, but it contributed hugely to their aim of achieving more than a third of their sales outside their traditional Western Europe stronghold. One of the key drivers for the decision to press ahead with the Megane Sport Saloon was to not only capitalise on these markets but also to offer both fleet and retail customers a downsized alternative to something Laguna-sized without sacrificing too much in the way of refinement.
Although the styling of the Megane hatch has found favour with younger customers, many find the whole bustle-backed design a little Avant-garde and the Sport Saloon’s appearance is a little lower key. Manufactured in Bursa, Turkey, it’s nonetheless one of the better-looking small saloons. More observant members of the public might spot elongated, sleeker headlamps and alterations to the grille which see everything come together in a ‘V’ shape either side of a more prominent Renault badge at the front. These are the distinguishing characteristics of today’s facelifted car, which although only mildly different, looks usefully fresher. The rear end involves a clear stretch above the rear wheels with a stubby but capacious boot tacked on. The added security of being able to lock your belongings well out of sight is a bonus for many customers.
Seven engines are available; a 98bhp 1.4-litre 16v, a 115bhp 1.6-litre 16v with variable valve timing and a 136bhp 2.0-litre 16v, again with VVT. Four diesels are also on offer, 86bhp, 106bhp 1.5-litre dCi powerplants for budget customers and a 130bhp 1.9-litre dCi unit or a 150bhp 2.0-litre dCi for those looking for something with a little more shove. The diesel engines are certain to prove more popular with British buyers and Renault’s expertise in this field gives it a significant advantage over many rivals. The dCi diesels are all smooth and pleasantly punchy, but the 150bhp 2.0-litre unit is exceptionally good. If you want a diesel automatic, now you can have one with the 1.9-litre dCi 130 offered in conjunction with Renault’s Pro-Active gearbox.
No matter how striking you may find the exterior styling, for many the biggest surprise will come when they drop into the driver’s seat of the Sport Saloon. The design is neat without being gratuitously radical, but the real revelation is the great strides forward made in terms of quality of materials and finish. It’s almost as if a Renault designer’s company hack was rear-ended and he got an Audi courtesy car for the week. Soft feel plastics, quality fabrics and a cohesive design philosophy means a not-so-fond farewell to old-school Renault interiors, many of which were built with the visual drama and structural integrity of a film set.
Genuine innovation is in evidence. Take Renault’s anti-submarining airbag, a device that leaps forth from the seat cushion to protect the pelvis. This replaces the traditional (and some would say uncomfortable) hump at the front of the seat and is a neat solution that provides both comfort and unparalleled safety, effectively making it impossible to slide beneath the seatbelt in the event of an accident. Renault’s unparalleled experience in the MPV market shines through, not only in terms of passenger space ‘ which is excellent - but also in the provision of multifarious cubbies, boxes and pockets. There’s a hatch in the floor to stow valuables, storage boxes between both front and rear seats and even a chilled glove compartment. The metallic hoop handbrake is a neat touch, although motoring anoraks will remember a similar device in the Alfa 75 of the eighties.
The Megane Sport Saloon probably won’t shift too many units in the UK. It’s a very sound vehicle but it’s unlikely to overcome our natural suspicion for anything below the size of a Mondeo that’s not equipped with a hatchback. Should you feel rather less encumbered by such inhibitions, go right ahead and try one. We can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. With extra legroom, a vast boot and smooth styling it’s the best thing with four doors in its class by a country mile. Surely that fact can’t get lost in the translation?
Models within this range: CLIO, ESPACE, GRAND ESPACE, GRAND MODUS, GRAND SCENIC, KANGOO, KOLEOS, LAGUNA, MEGANE, MODUS, SCENIC, TWINGO, WIND.