I VERY nearly made a big mistake as I was driving a new Renault Megane. No ditches, artics or speed cameras were involved, but it would have been one of those blunders that caused more than a little embarrassment.
There I was, standing in the petrol station poised by the pump, set to fuel up the new Megane GT. Trouble was, I was set to top up with petroland you've guessed it - the car's a diesel.
A couple of years ago this would never have happened - because oil burners were shaky, rattly and unless your hearing aid was turned off, you would never have confused a petrol engine with a diesel.
The Renault, not only has one of the smoothest new two-litre diesels, but there's little to distinguish it from the outside from the petrol GT version.
In three-door form with deep front spoiler, shot-off rear and prominent tail pipes it looks the biz - even if the exhaust note is a bit on the flat side.
Engine noise on the inside is muted and only a slight 'gruffness' hints at the fact that you are driving a car that is primarily focused on economy.
With a 150bhp, 1,995cc engine there's ample oomph to send it to 62mph in 8.7 seconds and on to a maximum of 130mph.
But the rear benefit comes in its overtaking ability. With a toque figure of 251lb/ft, it is some 25 per cent more gutsy than its petrol counterpart and that's no sluggard.
Economy - an obvious strength - is an impressive 52.3mpg combined, which is actually 15mpg more frugal than the petrol. In real terms on everyday driving I managed 47mpg - exceptionally good for a rapid four seater.
There are also company car tax benefits thanks to low CO2 emissions of 146 compared to 184 for the petrol version which squeezes out another 17bhp.
Renault has treated the Megane to a mid-life freshener rather than a full facelift with improvements to the interior as well as a few detail external touches, but essentially it remains the same extrovert alternative to a Golf or Focus with three or five door practicality, folding rear seats and a boot big enough for family getaways.
With rear seats in position there's 330 litres of space and, by folding them, this increases to a useful 1190 litres.
Fitting somewhere between a hot hatch and family runabout, the GT gets low profile rubber and chunky alloys which endow it with considerable cornering ability.
The suspension is reasonably stiff but not so solid for it to rattle your fillings. Traction control reins in any any over-enthusiastic behaviour and this is backed up by anti-lock braking.
If power is slammed on as you exit a bend there's a spot of torque steer that can be felt on the steering, but nothing too excessive.
Air con, alloys and traction control are all standard but you must pay extra for a sunroof, sat-nav and leather seating.
Fast, but not furious, the Megane GT dCi makes a lot of sense to those who must fuel their own cars but expect to get some enjoyment out of driving.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane GT 2.0 dCi 150 3dr
Price: £17,170
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 8.7 secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 146g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust