Name: Renault Megane Review
Item: Renault Megane
Author: Gumtree.com

A family-friendly hatchback with lots of standard features, the Megane has been around for more than 25 years, and it’s easy to see why. Its stylish design and high-quality interior is more than a match for other staples in its class, and the simple engine and trim line-up mean you get great value for money. Choose from a diesel or petrol engine with automatic or manual transmission, as well as the Iconic or sportier R.S. Line trims. There’s plenty of boot space and room for three Isofix car points in the back, making it ideal for growing families. Read on for more information about the Megane’s features and performance.

Visit the Renault Megane model page to explore available cars and learn more about the specs.

What we think about the Renault Megane

With great fuel economy and excellent safety features, the Megane is a family hatchback with bags of appeal

Pros

Great looks

Manual and automatic transmission

Three driving modes

Plenty of standard equipment

Cons

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Cramped rear legroom

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Only two engine choices

Launched in 1996, the Megane is now in its fourth generation and has a simple trim line-up of the Iconic and the R.S. Line. You’ll find past models available in the standard hatchback, a coupe or an estate named Sport Tourer. There’s also a high-performance GT version that has a slight variation in design and beefier engine power.

Driving performance of the Renault Megane

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Megane is really easy to drive and manoeuvre. Thanks to its light steering, you’ll be able to nip around busy suburban streets without much stress. In the latest models, you’ll get a Multisense system that offers three driving modes to suit different conditions and styles, including a Sport mode. This can add more weight to the steering which may be a good option if you enjoy extra feedback and feel when cornering at higher speeds. It’s got a softer suspension than similarly classed models such as the Ford Focus, so you may find there’s more body roll with lumps and bumps.

Safety and reliability of the Renault Megane

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Achieving the maximum of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, the Megane has an impressive set of safety features, scoring 88% for adult protection and 87% for child protection. You’ll get Isofix points on all three of the rear seats, making it great for ferrying the kids about. There are also a lot of airbags, lane departure warning, ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist all available as standard. If you’re concerned about keeping in control, there’s hill start assist and an electronic parking brake offered as standard too.

Plus, for an easy driving experience, you’ll really enjoy the benefits of having daytime running lights and cruise control as part of the package. Renault’s Safety Pack, an option in the R.S. Line, includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and E-Call, which can contact emergency services automatically.

Under the bonnet of the Renault Megane

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

Renault has stuck to just two engine choices in their latest generation – a 1.3-litre petrol called TCe 140 and a 1.5-litre diesel named dCi 115. Both are available with a manual or automatic transmission. This line-up is powerful enough to suit most families’ needs, with both offering great fuel economy. Our top choice would be the swifter acceleration of the petrol-powered engine. Its pick-up is much better, reaching 0-60 in just over nine seconds, whereas the diesel will take over 11 seconds and can feel a little sluggish when going through the low gears.

What you'll find in the Renault Megane

Our Design Rating9 / 10

In a hatchback class filled with loads of classic options such as the Golf and Focus, the Megane’s design helps it to stand out. The latest version has stylish C-shaped LED daytime running lights and distinctive rear LEDs that almost span the full width at the back. The Megane’s sophisticated profile is modern looking, and its elegant lines give it a strong personality. Both trims come with front fog lights and automatic headlights and wipers. You’ll find 16-inch wheels on the Iconic and 17-inch profile trims on the R.S. Line.

Comfort and interiors in the Renault Megane

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The Megane’s interior styling is more than a match for others in its class. Expect to find a high-quality finish and a high-tech infotainment system in the latest iteration. The Iconic trim features a 7.0-inch screen with multimedia functionality, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an easy to use satnav. The R.S Line’s 9.3-inch portrait digital display is a great addition, and this higher-level trim also comes with an upgraded sound system.

If you’re a taller driver, you’ll love the fact there’s plenty of room in the front. The rear could be a little more of a squeeze if you’ve got a car full of adults, however. The boot space is a big plus in the Megane, with a larger capacity than the Golf and the Astra at 473 litres. A pretty high boot lip makes it a little awkward to get heavy items in and out, though.

What features you'll find in the Renault Megane

Our Features Rating8 / 10

There’s an impressive standard features list in the latest Megane, including satnav and dual-zone air-con. There’s also the mod cons of automatic headlights, electric windows and electronically adjustable wing mirrors. Parking is a breeze with the front and rear parking sensors that are offered across the range as standard. You’ll also have a hands-free keycard for easy access – especially useful when the kids are in tow. Cruise control and all the safety tech you’ll need are available as standard. Choose the R.S. Line to get sports seats with more upholstery choices, including one with the option for heated front seats. This top trim level also offers an upgraded infotainment screen.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Renault Megane

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

Both engines offer great fuel economy, but the diesel has the stand-out performance, achieving up to 62.8 mpg. If you choose the petrol engine, you’ll be able to get 56.9-62.3 mpg, which is better than the Astra and Focus. You will lose a little fuel efficiency when running the automatic variations, but it’s barely noticeable. The diesel emits 117-121 g/km of CO2, while the petrol is at 136-138 g/km.

Running costs of the Renault Megane

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

New Renaults come with a five-year warranty that covers you up to 100,000 miles, so that should provide great peace of mind for newer purchases. They also offer affordable service plans, but it’s good to note that this isn’t transferable if you sell the car. As with most cars, you should look to have it serviced every year or 12,000 miles, and with Renault being such a well-known mid-priced manufacturer, ongoing maintenance costs shouldn’t be too expensive. The Megane ranges from group 17 for insurance on the diesel up to 21-22 for the petrol variant, so premiums should be around average for this type of car.

Our verdict of the Renault Megane

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

Practical and family-friendly, the Megane is a stylish hatchback that offers plenty of tech and good value for money. It's an excellent choice for smaller families.

Renault Megane Review