DARING to be different runs the risk of backfiring on any manufacturer - especially when it comes to radical styling.
Just look what happened to the Ford Scorpio - a great car but its strange looks put many people off without even bothering to get behind the wheel.
Renault, on the other hand, appears to have been lucky with the latest Megane.
In terms of design this car has broken the mould and customers seem happy to snap them up.
That is because this is a splendid car - and at its best as a diesel.
Distinctive, well equipped and a super performer, the new Megane carries on from where the original left off. Refreshing features abound and that makes it a delight in more ways than one. Even the handbrake is designed to please.
Instead of a single lever Renault has gone for a double sided sculpted handle which would not look out of place on an airliner flight deck. Not only does it look good but it is a highly practical design and much easier to use than a conventional brake lever.
Renault claims to be the master of innovation and that is certainly true with this latest offering. The vertical back window and high roof line create an illusion of space inside and the Megane is roomy front and back.
That has been achieved without compromising the luggage space and this is a hatchback that has nearly 12 cubic feet of cargo area which is generous in this class.
The five door range topping diesel Megane Privilege also comes with climate control, electric windows all round and a CD player inclusive in the £15,505 price.
However this particular Megane came with a number of extras including cruise control, satellite navigation, traction control and leather upholstery which sent the price soaring by more than £3,000 and, for a car of this size, £18,500 is a lot to pay.
But with Renault's 1.9 litre common rail diesel engine the Megane dCi is a great performer and frugal too.
Plenty of torque makes for good acceleration and it can knock off the standing 60 in 10.3 seconds. Top speed is a reported 122mph but most impressive is the fuel economy at more than 50 miles to the gallon on average. Exhaust emissions are low as well at 144g/km which makes the new Megane very appealing to business users.
With a six speed gearbox it is also a great cruiser although on long hauls in wet weather the rear end becomes a bit of a muck magnet - and the rear wiper clears only the centre of the back screen.
As with other latest generation Renaults, the Megane makes use of a keyless entry system which uses a credit card sized piece of plastic instead of a conventional key. Without a doubt it is clever and convenient but I have reservations. It works by the car's systems detecting the card as the holder comes within range - and that is a few feet from the door.
At that point the car can be unlocked just by pulling a door handle, started at the push of a button and locked again simply by touching the door lever. But I am concerned that it allows anyone to open the car as soon as the card holder approaches and that, in my opinion, presents a risk.
However, that apart, the new Megane is a super family hatch and its avantgarde looks make it one of the most distinctive cars of today.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane 1.9 dCi Privilege 5dr
Price: £15,505
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,870cc four cylinder engine driving front wheels via a six speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 122mph
0-60mph: 10.3secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance Group: 7
CO2 emissions: 144g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs antirust, 3yrs paint and 3yrs RAC membership