BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A RENAULT MEGANE FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/3bswQEJ

Renault's fourth-generation Megane family hatchback is now a smarter proposition - in more ways than one. If you're shopping for something Focus or Astra-shaped in this segment, it'll probably no longer be one of the first cars you'll immediately think of, but this improved version of the MK4 model is clever, sensible and very good looking, with extra sophistication inside - and under the bonnet, where E-TECH plug-in hybrid tech is now offered at the top of the range. In short, it might surprise you.

Market and Model

Prices aren't much different from before, so think in terms of a range between £21,500 and £28,500 for mainstream versions, with a premium of around £1,500 required if you want to move from the five-door Hatch to the Sport Tourer estate. There's a choice of two trim levels - 'Iconic' and 'R.S. Line'. The PHEV E-TECH Plug-in variants start from around £30,000.

In terms of equipment, it's worth finding the extra couple of thousand that Renault wants to upgrade you from base 'Iconic' trim to the much nicer 'R.S. Line' level of spec. As well as larger 17-inch wheel and sportier bumpers, that premium gets you a screen upgrade inside, the base variant's 7-inch screens for the centre-stack monitor and the instrument binnacle enlarged, respectively, to 9.3-inches and 10.2-inches. In addition, the sportier derivative has lots of nice 'R.S.Line'-themed trimming touches for areas like the dash, the doors, the gearstick and the sports seats. All Megane models these days get full-LED headlamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lights. Plus navigation, all-round parking sensors, climate controlled air conditioning and power-folding mirrors, along with the 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' smartphone-mirroring systems.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the WLTP figures - which here assume base trim. The TCe 140 petrol model manages up to 47.1mpg and 136g/km in base spec manual form (or 46.3mpg and 138g/km as an auto). The Blue dCi 115 diesel manages up to 62.8mpg and 117g/km in base spec manual form (or up to 61.4mpg and 121g/km as a base spec auto).

As for the E-TECH Plug-in hybrid, well that can offer a 30 mile WLTP-rated all-electric driving range: this rises to around 40 miles on the urban cycle. The WLTP figure for combined cycle fuel economy is up to 217.3mpg; the WLTP CO2 reading is up to 30g/km. Which in turn will mean a far lower BiK tax rating (10%) than the one which would apply to a conventional petrol or diesel Megane. Enough to justify this PHEV model's price premium? That'll depend on your tax situation. With this Plug-in variant, you can select an additional 'B' mode via the auto gearstick to increase regenerative braking energy harvesting. Charging time via a Type 2 (mode 3) cable is 3 hours - or 4 hours 15 mins from a domestic socket.

Summary

Renault had to step up its game and significantly improve its fourth generation Megane. It has. At last, the company seems to be focusing on selling cars the UK really wants. Will this improved version of the MK4 Megane be one of them? Well, it's certainly now a much more credible alternative to the usual Astra and Focus-class choices in the family hatchback segment.

The question is though, whether buyers in this segment who might have already dismissed this Megane out of hand will take another look at its much improved proposition. They'd do well to consider it. This may not be the European market leader it was a decade or so ago but it remains roomy, quiet, safe and pleasantly plush, even in entry-level form. In other words, a compact family five-door that ticks an awful lot of boxes. And one an awful lot of people we think, would rather enjoy owning....

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