HAS anyone noticed just how quickly Renault's Megane range is multiplying?
The French car company launched six models in nine months which is pretty good going to say the least.
Now a seventh derivative has been added to the line-up and next year number EIGHT will hit our roads.
Whether or not this is a case of Megane overdose remains to be seen. But sales figures suggest the car-buying public are far from bored by this compact family car range.
Following the launch of the Megane Hatch and Sport Hatch in October last year, there's now a derivative for every occasion. You've got a Coupé-Cabriolet, New Scenic, Sport Tourer, Sport Saloon, the soon-to-be-launched Grand Scenic and last, but by no means least, a 225 Sport which is also expected next year.
I was intrigued to find out just what a sport version of the new Megane range was like - and last week I got my chance in the shape of the Sport Saloon. In truth, I was left feeling disappointed.
Putting the word Sport in the name sounds appealing, but on the road this Megane didn't feel any more thrilling to drive than my earlier test model, the Hatch.
The 136bhp engine is capable of taking this saloon from start to 62mph in a little more than nine seconds.
Its behaviour on Tarmac is compliant and confidence-inspiring - but it lacked the buzz factor I've enjoyed with other sports cars.
Even when I tried to push the Sport Saloon I didn't get any sort of an adrenaline rush, more a "why bother pushing it hard into bends? I may as well tootle along" sort of feeling.
I also wasn't keen on the saloon's looks - it's just not as exciting or innovative as the hatchback styling.
There are plusses with the Sport Saloon, though. It has a wheelbase 61mm longer than the hatchback and a resultant increase in rear-seat knee room to 230mm which, according to Renault, is the largest in the segment. The rear doors are also longer than those of the hatchback, making it easier to get into, and there's a plentiful 520 litres of loadspace.
As with other top-range Meganes, the saloon boasts hands-free access and engine ignition. There's also cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights.
At less than £15,500, the Sport Saloon would have been a very good value-for-money buy - if only it lived up to its billing.
As it is, it's just a competent member of the ever-expanding Megane family.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Sport Saloon 2.0 VVT Privilege
Price: £15, 300
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,998cc, 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.4secs
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 191g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint