Why buy the Renault Megane?
If you’re in the market for a mid-size family car and want something that’s especially good value, the Renault Megane is well worth a look. Although all Megane models are very well equipped, they tend to cost notably less than similar cars. The Megane is also very practical and available with a wide selection of fuel-efficient engines – some diesel models can give you an mpg of more than 70. It’s quite stylish, too, and feels rather relaxing to drive on a long journey. Go for one of the high-performance Renaultsport models, though, and your journey can be quite exciting.
Renault Megane range and updates
Renault has used the Megane name for its mid-size hatchbacks since the mid 1990s. The most recent Megane was sold new from 2016 until early 2022, replacing a version sold new from 2008 to 2016. The two versions have a similar shape but you easily tell them apart because the newer version has a larger front grille.
Both versions covered here are available with five-door hatchback or estate bodies, the estate being called the Megane Sports Tourer. The older version is also available as a sporty-looking three-door hatchback called the Megane Coupe.
Meganes are available with petrol or diesel engines; there are models with an automatic gearbox if that’s what you prefer but manuals are more popular. The most recent version is also available with what Renault calls ‘E-Tech’ plug-in hybrid power, which combines a petrol engine with an electric motor that can give you up to 30 miles of zero-emissions driving.
A wide range of trim levels are available to suit different needs and budgets. For enthusiastic drivers, there’s also the sporty, high-performance Renaultsport models, which can be seriously fast and a lot of fun to drive.
New hatchback and estate versions of the Megane were taken off the market in the UK in early 2022, although you can still buy used examples. In late 2022, a brand-new crossover SUV model (about the same size as the Megane hatchback) will go on sale called the Megane E-Tech electric, available only as a pure electric car.
Renault Megane tech and features
If you go for the most recent version of the Megane, you’ll find standard features including air con, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and parking sensors. Many models also have sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a digital driver’s display in place of traditional dials and a rear-view camera.
You also get similar features on the older version of the Megane, however, because it’s an older car, its technology isn’t quite as advanced – Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, for instance, aren’t available.
Renault Megane running costs and value
According to official figures, the most recent version of the Megane can give you an average fuel economy of 33-55mpg with a petrol engine and up to 74mpg with a diesel engine. Plug-in hybrid models can give as much as 235mpg if you regularly fully recharge the battery.
The older version gives you similar average fuel economy – petrol models can give 36-53mpg and diesels can give up to 80mpg. Be aware that, in both versions, estate models aren’t quite as efficient as hatchbacks because they’re a bit heavier.
Annual Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) charges are quite low across the board – as little as £20 for some models.
Renault Megane vs rivals
Other mid-size hatchbacks like the Megane that might catch your attention include the Kia Ceed, the Peugeot 308 and the Vauxhall Astra. Compared to the Renault, the Kia’s interior feels of a higher quality, the Peugeot has more space and the Vauxhall is a bit more generously equipped. But the Megane’s style and value for money should grab your attention when compared to those rivals.
