Megane Estate is great all-rounder

Nov 9 2009 Peter Hayward

AS with the recent three door hatch I drove, the handling and road-holding of the latest Renault Megane Tourer estate are superb.

But where other recent Renaults have suffered with a less than comfortable ride, this one does not, making it a great all-rounder.

It had huge grip on a trip to a nearby town across country late at night and back via a different route.

There is very little roll, excellent balance and I thoroughly enjoyed the drive with little else on the road.

My car had the very good 1,5 DCi turbo diesel engine - smooth, very quiet and also easily powerful enough for good performance along with the excellent economy.

There is plenty of pull from low revs even in sixth gear and it also has loads of urge for lane changing and overtaking on the motorway.

The driving position is good, but like many other new cars these days, thick floor mats were fitted and I found the whole experience better when I chucked the one under my feet in the boot.

Interior

It has a good driving position, digital speedo, internal headlamp beam adjustment, climate control, rear parking sensors and keyless entry and starting.

It also comes with auto-folding electric mirrors, auto locking, CD stereo with column controls, cruise control and a roller blind cover for the wide, flat and low boot.

FAST FACTS

Renault Megane Tourer

Price: £19,000

Mechanical: 103bhp, 1461cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 10.8 seconds

Combined mpg: 62

Insurance group: 6

CO2 emissions: 120g/km

BIK rating: 18%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Ford Focus, Kia C'eed