SecondHandSense:LIKE MANY of its rivals, the outgoing Renault Megane looks far better in its hatchback form than the saloon equivalent. The hatchback is very French and designed with flair, especially towards the rear, while the saloon is quite dull by comparison.
French cars are designed to offer levels of comfort that create something more between car and occupants than can be found with a car like the Golf or the Toyota Corolla, for instance.
However, the market says these cars have more appeal with customers and this has much to do with two factors: quirkiness of design on the part of the French, and a lingering suspicion about French standards of quality and reliability.
The Megane has had problems with windows opening on their own, engines starting on their own, lights coming on on their own and immobilisers cutting out the engine while it is running. In 2006 some 60,000 Megane cars were recalled for problems with loss of braking capacity. Buyers don't tend to forget problems like this.
That said, the Megane is a comfortable and intimate car to drive. It has large and comfortable seats, an airy cabin and cleverly designed instruments. The boot is good and easy to load. There is a good choice of engines to chose from, although the basic 1.4-litre petrol is pretty bog standard. The 1.5-litre diesel is very well suited to the Megane. The soft ride car is very French, but not to everyone's liking and the steering might also be a little on the light side.
The car has a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating, which is good. The overall safety package is impressive.
A 2006 hatchback with 1.4-litre petrol engine and fewer than 9,000km up is on offer for €14,950. A 2006 1.5-litre dieselwith 48,000km on the clock is on offer for €16,500. A 2006 1.4-litre petrol saloon with 47,000km is offered at €10,495, proving my point about the difference between the saloon and the hatchback.
• STAR RATING: 5/10