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It doesnt provide class-leading fuel economy, but an official WLTP figure of over 60mpg is not to be sniffed at.

Its relaxing to drive, without displaying any real wow-factor.

Still, its narrow engine line-up, so-so cabin quality, mediocre practicality and sloppy body control make it an also-ran in this class.

Sadly for this fourth-generation Megane, things have moved on significantly.

Carminat 2 Bluetooth Software Full LED Headlight

The latest version gets full LED headlight, C-shaped front indicators and scrolling rear indicators, while it also brought with it the R.S.

Line trim, which essentially makes it look like a Renaultsport model, but without the performance or high runnings costs think Ford Focus ST-Line or Volkswagen Golf R-Line.

When it first arrived on our shores, the Megane had three diesel and two petrol engines for buyers to pick from, but now the line-up has slimmed significantly, with just one of each fuel type available.

Buyers can add a dual-clutch EDC automatic transmission to either engine, with a small hit to fuel economy, but a noticeable increase in their acceleration.

Its a smooth and (at low speeds, anyway) gutsy engine with just as much poke as the diesel car, but a broader power band, so it feels more relaxing to drive in most settings.

Itll manage mid-forties mpg at a steady cruise too, which is not bad considering the performance it provides.

It has soft suspension thats great at soaking up bumpy roads, but does start to wallow about if you push it too hard the Ford Focus and SEAT Leon almost feel like sports cars by comparison.

Its also surprisingly easy to spin up the tyres powering out of corners.

In fairness, the brakes are easy to use smoothly and the gear shift is reasonably tight and precise, but its not enough to make the Megane any better than average to drive.

The trouble is, the media system feels like the missing link between cars from a decade ago, and the slick, all-digital driving environments youll find in the latest Volkswagen Golf or Skoda Octavia.

Comfort and design: Renault Megane interior Its a shame that the styling verve of the Meganes exterior all seems to evaporate once you step inside.

The layout is straightforward, so theres nothing to befuddle you, but it wont excite your senses very much either.

You get the sense it was designed to mirror an old Volkswagen Golf for quality Thats because there are plenty of soft touch plastics on the insides of the front doors and the dashboard, plus the front doors have padded armrests and the ventilation controls which sit on a glassy panel have metal bezels.

The looks completed with a smattering of metal look plastic trims and chrome highlights.

All models also come with selectable interior ambient lighting with a choice of eight colours that light up the doors and a strip on the passenger side of the dashboard.

Handling and ride quality: What is the Renault Megane like to drive Few bumps youll encounter on the road will unsettle the Megane.

It features a softer setup than its sportier competitors, so it simply wafts over imperfections, shrugging off poor surfaces with true Gallic nonchalance.

Only really knotty roads will expose your passengers to any discomfort, so although there are no adaptive dampers to help vary the stiffness of the springs, there isnt much call for them either.

It rolls and wallows in corners in a way that can feel quite unsettling and youll feel the body squirm underneath you if you hit a bump mid corner.

The Megane occasionally gets loose and floaty over big bumps and can feel quite lose if you try to gallop down a country road at speed.

MPG and fuel costs: What does a Renault Megane cost to run Obviously, the Blue dCi engine is the best option if youre keeping a careful eye on your monthly outgoings.

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