IT has gone through many versions but the Renault Megane has maintained its European wide popularity and is arguably the strongest it has ever been in its latest form.
There is an 18-strong model range in the UK based on three bodystyles with eight engines from 1.4 to 2.0 in petrol and diesel derivatives and priced between £13,000 and £24,000.
The Megane 1.5 dCi Dynamic is arguably the most popular in the series and it's easy to understand why.
Despite its modest capacity the engine is a good performer in the Megane. It is a quick starter, revs easily and pulls very strongly through the gears.
It is surprisingly quiet and pleasantly smooth while giving excellent economy returns as well.
The gearbox has been carefully developed to match the engine's character and the light clutch is complemented by a neat and smooth gearchange action which is also satisfyingly direct.
This means the Megane 1.5 dCi is fairly quick from rest, through the gears and is also capable of a relaxed, economical and refined motorway performance.
The steering is very well weighted for assistance and feedback and the turning circle is tight and needs little effort from the driver. It is also vibration-free and does not wander at speed.
If you like well balanced brakes with a strong pedal but which only needs modest effort the Megane will satisfy as well and the handbrake is effective on a steep slope.
I also liked the secondary controls once I became use to them being scattered around the facia and hidden behind the wheel on the column.
The instruments are fairly big, clear and well marked directly infront of the driver.
For heating and ventilation the controls work well with good marking, operation and the ability to keep temperature as desired as well as going to the places you want.
You can find a number of places to put small items needed on a journey but the size of the compartments severely limits what can be placed in them.
The boot is easy to use and very generous, access to the cabin is good and once inside the room is surprisingly good in the front and back. I like the adjustment possibilities of the front seats and all occupants would find the padding and shape very agreeable.
Ride comfort is particularly good over bad roads as well as being smooth over the better surfaces and irrespective of how heavily laden it is the Megane gives the feeling of a much larger and more expensive model.
You pay a little price for this comfort in the slightly spongy feedback to the handling. It will stay on line around a tight corner and it has no real vices, but it does not communicate as well as it might to the driver.
The performance is good, the economy very good and clear visibility all round permits you to make the most of the available power.
Noise levels are also remarkably low.
The equipment levels in the Megane are well structured and I think represent good value.
The Megane has consistently been one of the most popular members of the Renault family and it has matured very well with the latest incarnation.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Dynamique dCi 106 4dr
Price: £17,340
Mechanical: 106bhp, 1,461cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 60.1
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 124g/km
BIK rating: 13%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles