Toomey Renault Southend

160 Priory Crescent,Southend On Sea, Essex SS2 6QN

Toomey Renault Basildon

Service House,
West Mayne, Basildon,
Essex SS15 6RW

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New Cars > New Renault Megane > What Car?

Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Authentique

For:
Distinctive looks, a fine range of engines, excellent quality, low running costs and generous equipment. It's also a refined and comfortable drive

Against:
The extra road it occupies over its predecessor doesn't translate into good rear passenger space. Electric power steering dulls driver satisfaction

On The Road
Ownership
In The Cabin
Technical Information

On The Road

Performance

There's a broad engine line-up, ranging from a 1.4- to a 2.0-litre, and from 80bhp to 165bhp. The 1.6 petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel reward a relaxed driving style, as does the 1.9 turbodiesel, which also provides strong acceleration and cruising ability, while the 2.0 petrol has plenty of punch. The turbocharged 2.0 unit develops 165bhp.

Ride & handling

The ride is supple, although it can't mask all potholes and rutted surfaces. This cushiness is evident in some lean in tight corners, but it holds the road well. However, the electric power steering is devoid of feedback, and strong self-centring means you have to keep a firm grip on the wheel.

Refinement

The 1.6 petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel engines are vocal when extended and noticeable even when cruising at motorway pace, but the 2.0 and 1.9 turbodiesel are less intrusive. There's some rear suspension thump on poor surfaces, and wind noise becomes apparent from about 60mph, but by class standards, the Mégane is quiet.

Ownership

Buying & owning

Renault has gone out of its way to make the Mégane one of the best-value cars in this class. Prices are low, and operating costs should follow suit. Easy repair of minor knocks helps keep insurance premiums low, while good fuel economy and low emissions figures help business users. A face-lifted Mégane is due in showrooms this spring.

Quality & reliability

The quality of the Mégane's cabin stands comparison with the class best, such as the new VW Golf and Mazda 3. It has top-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces and excellent trim fit and paintwork, and in our latest reliability survey, the French manufacturer put up a good showing, so all bodes well.

Safety & security

The low insurance ratings afforded all Méganes attest to Renault's efforts on both counts. Deadlocks are a standard fit to combat theft, and top versions have a keyless entry and starting system. Five-door models have eight airbags while the three-door has up to 10, and all get anti-lock brakes.

In The Cabin

Behind the wheel

The driver sits high, but there's two-way steering adjustment to make it easy for all to get comfortable. Forward vision is fine, but there are blind spots over the shoulder and to the rear. The controls are well laid-out and easy to use, but the five-speed 'box in smaller-engined models is slicker than the six-speeder fitted higher up the range.

Space & practicality

The latest Mégane is bigger than its predecessor, but rear passenger space is only average. Headroom is fine, but legroom is inadequate for adults. The boot is flat and rectangular but it's not the biggest in class. The Sport Saloon variant has a huge boot, but doesn't feel spacious considering its size.

Equipment

There are five different trim levels, although not all are available with every engine or body style. The bottom two models do without air-conditioning, a CD player or split rear seats, but every model has anti-lock brakes plus an extensive list of passive safety features.

Technical Information

Running Costs
Town mpg	30.7
Out of Town mpg	50.4
Average mpg	40.9
Tank Capacity (gallons)	13.2
CO₂ Rating (g/km)	165
Insurance Group	3
Typical Insurance Quote	£304
% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)	35
Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)	£263
Pence Per Mile	0
Servicing Cost over 3yrs	£0
Servicing Intervals	1yr/12k
Manufacturers Warranty	3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements
Body type	Hatchback
Number of Doors	5
Number of Seats	5
Engine (cc/type)	1390/4
Fuel Type	Unleaded
Max Power (bhp/rpm)	99/6000
Engine Position	F
Driven Wheels	Front
Length (mm)	4209
Width (mm)	1777
Height (mm)	1458
Boot Space (min ltr)	330
Boot Space (max ltr)	1190
Turning Circle (m)	10.5
Towing Weight(kg)	1300
Kerb Weight (kg)	1145

View the What Car? Road Test for:

Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Authentique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Dynamique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Expression
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Extreme	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Extreme
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Extreme	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.4 16v Freeway
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 106 Dynamique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 106 Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 106 Dynamique S	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 106 Expression
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 106 Privilége	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 86 Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 86 Dynamique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 86 Expression
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 86 Extreme	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.5 dCi 86 Extreme
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Authentique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Dynamique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Dynamique S	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Expression
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Extreme	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Extreme
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.6 VVT Privilège	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique Au(FAP)
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique Au(FAP)	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique S
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Expression	Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Expression Au(FAP)
Renault Mégane Hatchback 1.9 dCi 130 Privilège	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 dCi 150 Dynamique S
Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 dCi 150 GT	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 dCi 150 GT
Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 dCi 150 Privilege	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 T GT
Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 T GT	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 T Privilége
Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 VVT Dynamique	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 VVT Dynamique
Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 VVT Dynamique S	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0 VVT Privilége
Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0T Renaultsport Cup	Renault Mégane Hatchback 2.0T Renaultsport Lux
Renault Mégane Hatchback Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26