ALTHOUGH some people may find it hard to believe, it really is only just over two years since Renault finally got seriously funky.
While the original Megane had served the French carmaker well since 1996, this well priced, capable and popular family car range had become victim to the ageing process. It was looking middle-aged and was rapidly losing ground to younger, shapelier models.
Megane II arrived towards the end of 2002, boasting attention-seeking swoops and curves which, coupled with a distinctive rear view that has attracted more viewers to Renault's TV advertising than you can shake a stick at, has become very much the shape of things to come from the French carmaker.
Since launch, the shapely exterioor of the Megane Mark II's Hatch and Sport Hatch has wowed the buying public, and become the choice of the in-crowd and, along with Scenic, Sport Saloon, Sport Tourer, Coupe /Cabriolet and Grand Scenic derivatives..
But, it is not all about being a fashion accessory. A powerful stance on the road, courtesy of a long wheelbase and wide tracking, coupled with a stylish and modern interior has also helped to attract buyers, as I discovered during a recent road test.
The latest Megane Hatchback comes with a trio of petrol engine options - 1.4-litre 98bhp, 1.6-litre VVTi 115bhp and a two-litre VVTi 136bhp, plus, there are four diesel choices - 1.5 dCi in 80bhp, 90bhp and 100bhp guise, with a range-topping 1.9-litre dCi housing 120bhp, while trim levels follow the usual Renault line-up of Authentique, Extreme, Express, Dynamique and Privilege.
In its first year of sale, the new Megane lifted the European Car of the Year 2003, thanks in part to its five-star Euro NCAP safety classification and all models come with safety very much in mind. ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, eight airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounting points head the list as standard while deadlocks add to its security credentials.
However, while all new Megane hatches, like their predecessors, are generously kitted out in the comfort zone, the entry level Authentique doesn't qualify for air con, which is, perhaps, a disappointment to some buyers who will have to stump up a further £350 on top of the on-the-road price of £11,230.
The test car was the Megane Sport Hatch three-door Dynamique, powered by the flagship 1.9 dCi turbo diesel engine, a model which includes in its toybox the likes of electric one-shot windows, powered and heated door mirrors, six-speaker sound system with single CD, automatic headlights, integrated fogs and leather-clad steering wheel while satin chrome exterior door handles add a touch of class.
Not surprisingly, for a carmaker which designs its products very much in the family style, the Megane Sport Hatch houses a number of practical places in which to stow all manner of bits and bobs.
Although the luggage bay features a removable parcel shelf and the rear seats fold to afford extra room, the rectangular-shaped boot area is not over generous with all seats taken - but there are quite roomy door pockets, centre armrest space front and rear, a cooled glove box and underfloor storage areas front of house.
Rear seat legroom is not over generous for adult passengers but headroom - despite the attractive swoop of the roofline - is adequate for most passengers in a hatchback which is larger than the outgoing model.
There is sufficient adjustment between the height and reach of the steering column and the driver's seat height adjustment to provide an agreeable driving position to suit most users. The driver's seat is comfortabe and supportive facing a neatly set-out, user friendly dashboard/ Trim fabrics and plastics have that look and feel of quality.
While I applaud the security it provides, my jury is still out over the so-called Renault Card which activates entry and start-up, - I still don't believe it's as convenient as the time-honoured ignition key.Having ssaid that, I did identify with the comforting feel when pressing the electric starter button, which brought back memories of an Austin 16 I once owned.
Along with other Gallic carmakers, Renault has been in the vanguard of the diesel revolution which has been on-going over the past decade and the 1.9-litre dCi shows exactly why.
Mated to a smooth-slotting six-speed manual gearchange, this 120bhp turbodiesel is capable of dispatching the 0-62mph dash in a creditable 10.5 seconds, en route to a more than adequate top speed, where legally allowable, of 122mph.
It's torquey, too, and pulls quite painlessly to 4,000rpm in extremely refined fashion while promising, depending upon individual driving style, more than 50mpg over the combined driving cycle.
Despite being not exactly the Sport Hatch its name would suggest, this Megane handles well. The driving experience is more mature than fun.
The electric power steering could, perhaps, be more communicative, but the ride is well damped and comfortable and, mounted on 16-inch alloys shod with wide rubber, the Megane Sport Hatch boasts impressive grip while torsional movement is well contained in fast cornering.
Overall, the Renault Megane Sport Hatch is a distinctive looker and, with fine quality build, good equipment levels, excellent safety and attractive pricing combining with cost-effective maintenance, low CO2 emission levels to assist business users and a low insurance grouping, it should provide a reasonable cost of ownership level.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Sport Hatch 1.9 dCi Expression
Price: £14,730
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,870cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.5 secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 141g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust