Fashionable Frenchman

Renault's all-new Megane is here to make a style statement - one that will shake its rivals to boot

It seems that most people have realised they don't need so-called luxury cars or a large SUV when smaller, cheaper vehicles have just as many features and can accommodate as many people. And so today, we take a look at a mini sedan that is ready to make the moves. The Renault Megane has been around since 1995 and we have seen at least three generations before this 2017 model. We got behind the wheel of the top-spec Renault Megane 1.6 LE+. Here's our comprehensive review on the sedan with a French flavour.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The first generation Megane wasn't exactly handsome; it had quirks common to French automotive design. The second generation car put up a pleasant face, but had a hideous hind. The third generation, to some extent, owned the streets, thanks to its flowing looks and, to be honest, would have been a tough act to follow. Thankfully, the fresh-out-of-the-factory fourth generation vehicle is a looker too!
It's a miniaturised version of its sibling, the Talisman, which, we believe, is the best-looking car in the affordable mid-size segment. And so you get all of its styling, like the powerful LED headlamps - which are perhaps a segment-first - and C-shaped LED day-time running lamps that cradle the main lamps. All this combines with the conspicuous diamond emblem that sits on the slatted chrome grille to create a sporty and premium look. You also have fog lamps to help you see in the expected hazy nights ahead. Winter is coming!
The raked windshield gives it a sleek profile, one that sits on beautiful 18-inch wheels that have a design that resemble abstract impressions of flower petals. Not bad! They come wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres, which, by the way, is the spec that goes into the MkV Golf R32 hothatch. Again, not bad at all! The rear is characterised by beautiful tail lamps that stretch across from end to end, split only by the chrome emblem. At the bottom is a single chrome tipped exhaust - you really don't need more. On the insides, it's a little more sober. Its blacked-base cabin has a German feel to it and, again, everything here imitates the cabin architecture of the Talisman. The well-bolstered steering is of adequate diameter and thickness and, hence, nice to hold. And it has a centre-piece that sort of outlines the diamond emblem. Behind the arch of the wheel is a 3-piece instrument cluster that centres on a livid 7-inch TFT screen that has several skins to keep things interesting to the eye. Our premium edition test car had a large R-Link 8.7 touch screen on the centre console with a portrait orientation, much like that in a Volvo or Tesla. The response, however, is average and the user interface isn't exactly your modern smartphone equivalent.
There are some hard plastics here and there, but the build quality didn't pose a concern, at least during the time we loaned it. As for ergonomics, one niggle we had was that it was difficult to access the USB ports on the centre console, with the shift lever in 'P'.
In the rear, the "two's company, three's a crowd" rule applies here. But there is a view out the roof that can accommodate more courtesy of its panoramic scale.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The sharp lines and sporty wheels did build expectations not of pace, but of city-friendly zippiness in my mind. I gave the starter button a push and then strolled the streets casually for a while, before thumping the gas pedal. But nothing really came of it. The acceleration is slow and a test of patience. The 115bhp and 156Nm of torque churned from the 1.6-litre inline 4-cylinder engine isn't enough to pull this family car from 0 to 100 km/h any quicker than 13.2 seconds, which, by the way, is the manufacturer's claimed time. But honestly, it isn't enough. It's also got the CVT working away in the back, so engine drone is omnipresent.
How about highway acceleration, which is important in the UAE? Even as the speeds climb, the power never really comes. The 80 km/h to120 km/h run is achieved in 10.3 seconds. But once there, the cruise control with the speed limiter keeps things safe. It gets the job done, but isn't quick by any means.
In every other aspect, it does better than the class average. The 49.7-litre fuel tank and the achievable 6.6 L/100 km claimed fuel economy gives a total range of 753km. But in the real world, where traffic takes its toll, expect a figure closer to the sub-600 mark. As for its emissions rating, the 153 g/km the Megane emits comes across as an acceptable figure for a gasoline-powered vehicle. On the braking front, it is equipped with ventilated front discs of 280mm diameter, and 260mm diameter regular rotors at the back. When applied, it acts with an obedience equivalent to its size and mass, which works well for domestic use. The steering feel isn't the most accurate but you can rest assured that it will go where you point it; the chassis has the goods, especially at civil speeds.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
If you open the boot, you get a large expanse that can fit a couple of suitcases. So, you can drop your family to the airport, without hailing an extra cab for luggage. In fact, the 503 litres it offers is more than what some luxury sedans offer. You can also expand its capacity to 987 litres by dropping the split rear seats.
The LE+ model has every conceivable safety feature for its class and then some more, starting with essentials like ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, front airbags, side airbags and even curtain airbags. You get seatbelt reminders for all seats. You also get features borrowed from a segment above it - like the Blind Sport Warning System and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. In addition, you have the mandated ESP to keep your vehicle dynamics in check and Hill Start Assist to prevent you from rolling back when cars queue up on mall ramp.
But this Megane isn't about being "basic". You get a driver's seat with lumbar support and a massage system. The driver also gets comforts like a sliding arm rest, one-touch power windows and - one of my favourites - a welcome and goodbye ambient lighting system, which switches on as you approach or leave the vehicle. it feels good to be greeted. And you wouldn't want to take out that slim, business-card-like keyfob that fits in your wallet.
You also have dual-zone climate control with rear air ducts, which is rare in this segment. And illuminated sun visors for when you want to straighten your tie or apply your lipstick and a rather good 3D Arkamys audio system with 8 speakers, which you can plug into via the two available USB ports or aux-in or Bluetooth.
VERDICT
The 2017 Renault Megane is a sophisticated vehicle with oodles of character. When you compare its price against segment-first features like LED headlamps, massage seats, dual-zone climate control and the 8.7-inch infotainment screen, you'd know that the Megane is capable of punching its way above its weight. Ironically, the motor lacks punch and a few ergonomic issues muddle our thoughts, making what could've been a great car, just a good one.

AUTHOR'S RATING:
7.5/10

wknd@khaleejtimes.com
 

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