NEW life has been put into the popular Renault Megane Sport Tourer series with the introduction of the latest high efficiency 2.0 turbo-diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
The powertrain makes the Megane far more competitive against rivals in terms of performance and economy but it also brings additional refinement to the model series.
It is also given a new look inside and out without compromising on its practicality and purpose and the combination of all these features is a car which deserves to be seriously considered against rivals which are more likely to get onto buyers' A-lists.
The Megane has been one of the success stories of Renault but it has been struggling against brands which have moved ahead in terms of powertrain and equipment so the arrival of the latest Sport Tourer, or semi-estate, has not only restored the balance but given the French maker a keen edge.
Standard equipment in the Dynamique includes alloys, powered windows and mirrors, CD-player and a comprehensive set of airbags but you have to pay more for climate control, leather seats and sat nav, which may deter some buyers.
The new 150bhp engine is one of the easiest to live with, providing excellent start up, strong pull through the gears and remarkable refinement when cruising on the motorway. On country roads or in town the slick changing gearbox is very precise and easy, just as well because there is no automatic option and this too may mark it down in some eyes.
The performance is on par with a good petrol engine but it leaves that behind when it comes to refuelling with an average over 50mpg and that's without having to think about driving gently.
There are hatchback and saloon equivalents but the Tourer provides up to 1,600 litres of luggage space with the back seats folded and this is a very useful feature to have in a family car. You certainly do not lose out in terms of room or refinement with the Tourer, as it's easy to climb in and out and the seats provide excellent support.
In the front the adjustment range is good and the relationship of seat to controls is excellent. You really feel in control.The precision of the major controls with the tight turning circle, powerful brakes and responsive throttle is carried over to the secondary switches and I liked the clarity of the instruments ahead of the driver.
Visibility is uninterrupted in all directions and it's very easy to park. All noise levels are low, even when the engine is pushed to perform, and the most noticeable noise is the tyres and even they are muted.
I like the clean purposeful styling inside the Megane Sport Tourer and the space to place items you may need as a family.
With the new powertrain, the Megane deserves to do better than initial estimates suggest for a residual value of 33 per cent and I believe it is going to be closer to 40 per cent or slightly more once the number crunching analysts actually get to drive examples.
Now is probably the best time to actually climb behind the wheel of the Megane 150 dCi to appreciate how good it has become.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Dynamique 2.0 dCi 150 Sport Tourer
Price: £18,100
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 8.8 secs
Combined mpg: 51.4
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 146g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust