The fourth generation of the Renault Megane is now available to order and will hit showrooms in July with prices starting at £16,600. But choosing which model to have may prove difficult as there are 25 versions across 6 trim levels - Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav, GT-Line Nav and GT Nav.
Peace of mind included
The Megane has always been known for its safety and the new model is no different. It has a 5-star NCAP safety rating and features technology such as adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking and lane departure warning. The inside will host six airbags and there are side impact protection bars to help in case the car is t-boned.
High level of kit
A high level of standard kit is on offer and although the Expression+ may be the base model you will get more than you'll probably expect. For the asking price you will get Bluetooth connectivity, automatic electronic parking brake, LED running lights, tinted windows, 7" TFT screen, all-round electric windows, leather steering wheel, DAB radio and aux input. Are you sure that's the base model?
As you go up the trim levels you can expect to add features such as automatic headlights, 17" alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, automatic climate control and leather upholstery to name a few. If that isn't enough, you can various packs on to each model such as the Horizon Pack which gives the car a sunroof and an electrochrome rear-view mirror.
CMF platform and engine choices
The new Megane is built on the Renault-Nissan Common Module Family (CMF) platform which is currently used on the Espace, Talisman and Kadjar. The platform allows a wide range of cars of different sizes to be created using a variety of modules consisting of out-of-view parts, and is based around five available modules: cockpit, engine bay, front underbody, rear underbody and electronic architecture.
As it stands there are four engines on offer although come 2017 there will be a 1.5 litre hybrid option as well as a new 1.6 litre twin-turbo dCi available. For the time being though, customers can choose from either two petrols and two diesels, however the more powerful 1.6 litre TCe petrol engine can only be found on the range-topping GT Nav and is fitted to an automatic gearbox.
The less powerful petrol is a 1.2 litre TCe engine which produces 130bhp compared to the 1.6 unit's 205bhp. The 1.2 and 1.6 have respective top speeds of 122 and 143 mph and will hit respective 0-62mph times in 10.6 and 7.1 seconds. The 1.2 has an official MPG figure of 52.3mpg, whereas the 1.6 delivers 47.1mpg.
The two diesel engines on offer are the 1.5 litre 110bhp dCi and the 1.6 litre 130bhp dCi which have mpg figures of 76.4 and 70.6 respectively when fitted with a manual gearbox. Customers can also opt for an automatic gearbox on the 1.5 unit which brings the mpg down a little.
Will it be able to do enough to top it's rivals such as the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra? Well with such a generous amount of kit on even the base model the new Megane does make for an attractive purchase even if it is a little bit more expensive.