TEST drives for the new Renault Megane start this month prior to first customer deliveries on October 18.

In addition to trying to ensure good value, New Megane has another important weapon in its armoury - the lowest insurance ratings in the class.

New Megane is the only car in its class to offer insurance group 3E on its entry-level petrol and diesel models. Indeed it is the only diesel car with a 3E grouping, it is the most powerful car in the 3E group (98bhp 1.4 16V), the most powerful 1.6-litre car in the 5E group (115bhp) and the most powerful 2.0-litre car in the 8E group (136bhp).

Current Megane owners will be impressed too. Like-for-like, insurance ratings will fall one or two groups for the equivalent model, while owners of the current 2.0 16V VVT Coupe who switch to a New Megane Sport Hatch 2.0 16V VVT will benefit from a three group reduction in their insurance costs.

The lower-medium sector is one of the most competitive car sectors in the market and the New Megane’s main rivals are the top sellers in the class - Ford Focus, VW Golf, Peugeot 307 and the Vauxhall Astra.

With insurance groups starting at 3E, New Megane puts all direct rivals in the shade because of their higher running costs.

And it is not only rivals in its own class that cannot match the new Renault’s excellent insurance ratings - the new Ford Fiesta from the class below is one or two groups higher than New Megane depending on version.

Extruded aluminium cross-members at front and rear absorb practically all impact energy up to 10mph. These removable, unpainted cross-members are the only bodywork parts affected protecting parts such as the radiator and cooling fan system. This bolt-on cross-member reduces repair costs by eliminating any need for welding or painting.

It should also be noted that the “soft nose” front bumper has been designed to protect the headlamps and the mechanical components in the event of a low-speed impact. New Megane benefits from the latest developments in the area of anti-intrusion and anti-theft protection. The driver’s door lock incorporates a freely rotating barrel protected by a shield. Casings protect all the mechanisms and operation takes place by cables which make all attempts at “hooking” more difficult. The engine management unit is also protected. The steering column is fitted with an anti-theft unit strengthened against the use of force.