WHEN it comes to building radical-looking cars, Renault takes some beating.
The Vel Satis and recently axed Avantime were unconventional in the extreme - the latter proving just too wacky for the car buying public who shunned it.
Now those crazy designers at the French car company have been at it again, this time with the Megane hatchback. Outrageously angled lines combined with a curve or two could have resulted in a visual disaster.
But Renault has pulled off a masterstroke and produced a very appealing car which is dynamic, stylish and powerful.
In fact, there wasn't much I didn't like about the Megane.
At just under £15,000, the five door, two-litre hatchback I had on test is VERY good value for money. And if you buy one, as well as owning one of the most radical looking hatchbacks on the market, you'll also have one of the most technologically advanced.
The Renault Card in particular will wow you and your friends. This electronic card does away with the need for a key as it not only automatically unlocks your vehicle, but also fires up the engine as well.
The hands free card works without leaving your pocket, wallet or handbag as the new Megane features proximity sensors which detects the presence of the card. As long as the card is somewhere on the user, the door will unlock once he or she touches the handle.
Once inside, the driver only needs to press the starter button and the engine jumps to life, thanks again to proximity sensors detecting the card.
Other technologically advanced touches include tyre pressure monitoring - an electronic display flashes up on the instrument panel to indicate low pressure - and headlamps which vary the height and depth of the beam depending on the speed of the car.
The interior of the Megane - featuring top-of-the-range Privilege trim on the test car - has a minimalist but quality feel. The upholstery is part leather/part cloth and the plastics don't feel or appear cheap and tacky. The control panel is also well designed and not too cluttered.
The performance of this 136bhp Megane is fine, if a little uninspiring. It goes from start to 62mph in less than ten seconds, so is by no means a slouch, but driving it doesn't get you excited and it isn't very involving.
Then again, the Megane isn't a sports car, it's a family hatchback, so this can be forgiven.
Steering was on the light side but precise, handling was comfortable and the ride was a little spongy. I also found the gear stick a bit too loose and changes weren't crisp enough.
That aside, it provided an easy, stress-free drive.
Overall, I liked the new Megane. On the outside it looks fresh, young and lively. It's just a pity that it isn't that much fun behind the wheel.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane 2.0 Privilege
Price: £14,800
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,998cc, 16V petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.2 secs
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 191g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint