Renault Megane Hatchback (2016 -) Review

If you’ve been on a French holiday recently and been impressed by the bold, handsome, and not-for-the-UK Renault Talisman then we’ve got some good news. No, you still can’t have one, but you can have a fourth-generation Renault Megane hatchback which borrows heavily from the larger car’s styling.

We think it’s one of the most interesting and unusual faces in the mid-sized hatchback market, with curious angles and creases to rival anything the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus and SEAT Leon can offer.

Four engines from launch

Order now and you’ll have the choice of a 110hp or 130hp diesel, plus petrols in the form of a 130hp unit and a 205hp auto-only motor for the Megane GT.

All manual gearboxes offer six speeds and the seven-speed dual-clutch auto carries a very small penalty in terms of CO2 and fuel economy figures – good news for high-mileage company car drivers.

Finally there’s an uprated chassis with four-wheel steering on the GT model, a system that effectively shrinks the length of the car for tight city manoeuvres.

Renault Megane techfest

Helping this car catch your eye is a raft of impressive gadgets, all of which integrate cleverly into the car without looking bolted on.

Pick a higher-spec car and you get a large portrait-oriented central screen plus a digital dial set-up like you get in the Renault Kadjar.

There are also some top-bill contraptions like a premium-sounding Bose stereo and automatic parking system with which to impress your friends with.

Safety first with lots of assistance kit

As well as a five-star Euro NCAP rating you can also have Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Safe Distance Warning and Overspeed Prevention with Traffic Sign Recognition, plus reversing camera, automatic dipped and main beam headlights, Hands Free Parking and front, rear and side parking sensors.

Can this new car help the French manufacturer make more of an impact on one of the busist sectors of the car industry? Read our full Renault Megane hatchback review to find out.