WHEN it comes to designing eye-catching cars, Renault is surely leaps and bounds ahead of the field and the Megane hatchback is certainly no exception.
With angles and lines that seem to defy belief, somehow when they are put together, the end product is a distinctive, stylish smooth shape with practicality at the forefront.
Long gone are the days when you sit cramped in the back of a car - for Renault's high-side styling means rear seat passengers can easily be representatives from the Harlem Globetrotters!
Added to the stylish look comes an enviable five-star NCAP safety rating - the highest accolade available.
Once inside the six-speed Megane, all the controls are easily to hand and the responsive 1.9 engine offers plenty of power and handling both in and around town and on the more open road.
And the parking sensors make squeezing into tight spots a real doddle - although with its excellent all-round visibility parking is never a worry anyway.
Throughout the Megane are numerous little storage compartments and a good-sized boot area, which, together with split-folding rear seats, means carrying larger items is no problem at all.
But it's the drive that's the real treat with the Megane. From the easily adjustable seats to the great sound system, fast-acting air conditioning unit and advance sound proofing - any time behind the wheel simply flies by making it a real pleasure to drive.
My only criticism and a real bugbear of mine is the keycard. I appreciate technology moves us forward at a rapid pace at times and the card does fit neatly into a purse/wallet, but firstly it's really hard to see any controls on the card ie lock/open or boot, and secondly it's hellish to find if, like me, you normally just chuck your keys into a bag.
But putting that gripe aside, the Megane is a fabulous drive with a whole host of extras that are included as standard making the whole package extremely good value for money.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Privilege 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 5dr
Price: £16,950
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,870cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 9 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust