A DRESS that looks unremarkable on a model like Sophie Dahl could look a million dollars on the waif-like Jodie Kidd.
It's the same with cars. It's all down to proportions.
When Renault produced its radical Vel Satis it was clearly a startling design but a lot of prospective buyers - particularly in this country - could not quite make up their minds about the rear section.
Now that same rear - but scaled down in size - forms part of the new Megane ... and it looks great.
The latest Megane is certainly the most eye catching car to come from the French manufacturer since it re-designed its popular Laguna. The larger Megane Scenic has adopted a similar design but again it doesn't quite work as well.
This latest Megane is packed with a host of innovations, like keyless entry to the car, for example.
You no longer get an ignition key but a "credit card" which you slip into your pocket. Then, when you place your hand on the door handle it automatically unlocks. When you want to lock it again you simply press the button on the exterior door handle and it locks. So far so good.
But what if, like me, you always tend to check a car is locked properly by trying the handle. On the Megane trying the handle simply unlocks the car again. I guess you just have to have faith in the system and that the flash of indicators really does confirm everything is secure.
Once inside the car you simply push a start/stop button on the dashboard and the engine fires.
Also unusual on the Megane is the aircraft cockpit style handbrake, which protrudes from the centre armrest.
Renault have given a lot of thought to making this car easy to live with and you get a lot of storage space nooks and crannies. There is one between the front seats, one in each of the front doors - hidden under padded armrests - and also underfloor compartments beneath the feet of each front seat passenger. Open either of these and the the light at the base of the door comes on to illuminate the inside.
My test car, in Privilege trim, was the 120 bhp dCi, a diesel engine brilliantly suited to this car, making it a delight to drive.
The six speed gearbox means there is always a gear perfectly attuned to whatever speed you are doing or whatever situation you find yourself in. In the Megane this 1.9-litre diesel really does push this little car along rapidly and often made me question why more people seeking performance didn't opt for the new generation of diesels.
Despite being diesel powered the first thing that struck me on the road about this car was how quiet it was.
Engine noise apart you realise just what a good job Renault has done on soundproofing the Megane when you open and then close a window. This silence makes for very relaxed motorway cruising, with this car as quiet as vehicles twice the price.
In Privilege form you get most things you would ever want on a car including part leather upholstery, automatic climate control and six CD multichanger.
Speed sensitive power steering makes the Megane easy to park and the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach while the driver's seat is height adjustable.
In fact I couldn't find anything I didn't like on this Megane. Without hesitation it is one car I would definitely buy - and I don't say that lightly.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane dCi Privilege
Price: £15,500 on-the-road
Mechanical: 120 bhp, 1,870cc 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122 mph
0-62mph: 10.5 secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 144 g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint