SECTOR: Lower-medium   PRICE: €16,600–€25,200 (approx.) FUEL: 3.5–6.9l/100km CO2: 90–159g/km

 The revised 2014 Megane range was unveiled at the Frankfurt Show last September. It is a facelift of the existing range, covering the five-door Megane, Sport Tourer estate car and three-door Coupe. The most obvious difference is the adoption of the new front grille, first seen on the Clio and Captur. Add in a new front bumper, sculpted bonnet, vent grilles, new elliptical headlamps and daytime running lights too.

Equipment may vary according to market, but there is a long list of standard and optional equipment according to model. This includes automatic dual zone climate control, LED daytime running lights and Renault’s R-Link connectivity system, all available according to market specification.

Engines have been revised to include the 1.2 TCe turbocharged petrol engine in 115hp and 130hp variants. The entry level 110hp 1.6-litre petrol engine remains in the range. Diesel engines consist of the 1.5dCi engine in 110hp form and the 130hp 1.6dCi engine. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual unit, while the 1.2 TCe 130 and 1.5dCi 110 engines are available with the six-speed EDC automated transmission too. This option was introduced with the revised model and is the first time that the dCi 110 engine has been offered with the EDC transmission. In fact, the 1.2 TCe engine with the EDC transmission is an option that has only been available recently. The 95hp 1.5dCi and 165hp 2.0-litre dCi engines remain in the range, the 2.0dCi only in the coupe. The range topping petrol engine, the 2.0 RS 265 Stop/Start is also reserved for the coupe.

Engine availability varies according to market. Renault has also announced a twin turbocharged version of the 1.6-litre diesel producing 160hp. There is no indication as yet which models will be offered with the engine. The engines offering the lowest emissions and fuel consumption are the 1.5 dCi 110 (3.5l/100km and 90g/km CO2) and the dCi 130 engine with 4.0l/100km and 4.00g/km CO2.

The introduction of Dacia into many European markets has helped the company to push Renault upmarket, giving the Megane a better quality image, with better superior materials inside and improved build quality. Our test car, equipped with the 1.6 dCi 130hp engine with Stop/Start gave that impression.

In UK GT Line TomTom specification it came with a high level of equipment including ESC electronic stability control, six airbags, CSV understeer control, cruise control, air conditioning, speed limiter, USB connection and a long list of additional features such as the Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system.

The car drives with the fluidity that we would associate with the Megane, offering a supple ride and taut handling. The 1.6-litre diesel is a fine unit too with 104g/km CO2, making it one of the most efficient in the Megane diesel range. The 1.5 dCi may offer lower emissions, but the 1.6 dCi gives slightly better refinement, and a better economy/performance balance.

Verdict:

The latest Megane is an improved package offering better quality and a good driving experience. New 160hp diesels could be on the way too.