The third generation Renault Megane was, largely, forgettable. It arrived on the market in 2008 and, although it went through a number of facelifts during its lifespan the new model, which arrived last year, was well overdue. And very welcome.

The mkIV is longer (64mm) and lower that the model it replaces, with a longer wheelbase and front and rear tracks that are the widest in its class. It gives it a planted, dynamic appearance and nicely balanced proportions.

The bodywork is taught, with precise creases and pronounced arches that wrap tightly around the wheels – made possible thanks to revised suspension geometry – and broad, sculpted shoulders that promote a sense of strength and stability.

The Megane shares styling cues with its siblings, making it easily identifiable as a Renault. The diamond logo sits proudly between the distinctive headlamps with their C-shaped LED running lamps. The tail lamps are as equally eye-catching with narrow elements flowing out to the centre of the car, separated only by the width of the Renaut badge.

It’s clear that Renault have worked hard to give the Megane a premium feel and, on the whole, they have succeeded in their ambition.

It’s a similar story inside, where soft-touch materials coupled with excellent ergonomics and first-rate build quality help to reinforce that premium feel. The Megane is not found wanting when it comes to standard equipment either, with the Dynamique S Nav model I was testing equipped with 17in alloy wheels, part-leather upholstery, an 8.7in portrait touchscreen with sat nay, Bluetooth and DAB radio, four-speaker Arkamys £R sound system, handsfree entry, automatic dual zone climate control and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

The Megane’s Multisense ambient lighting – with strips of LEDS set in the doors and centre console – can display one of five colours depending on the selected driving mode and it gives the cabin a very real sense of occasion. What can I say? I'm a sucker for colourful lighting.

The 8.7in portrait touchscreen, which runs Renault’s R-Link 2 infotainment system, is only fitted to top-of-the-range models. Mid-range versions come with a landscape touchscreen while the base version makes do with a dot-matrix display in the centre console.

The R-Link system brings together the sat-nav, driving modes and audio controls, reducing the number of physical controls on the dashboard. The graphics are crisp and clear and the touchscreen is responsive. The instrument binnacle houses a configurable seven-inch TFT display flanked by two small gauges.

Passenger space is unexceptional but four adults can still travel in reasonable comfort. There’s plenty of headroom to accommodate six-footers but the front seats do compromise rear leg room a little. The Renault is nice and wide, however, so there’s no shortage of shoulder room.

The boot is a generous 434 litres with the rear seats in place and it’s a good shape but there’s a significant lip to negotiate when loading luggage. Fold the rear seats flat and the 1,237 litres falls a little short compared to some of its closest rivals.

You’ll find lots of convenient storage space in the cabin, such as the flock-lined door bins and trinket tray. However, the glovebox is compromised by having to share space with the fuse panel.

Powering my Dynamique S Nav test car was a 1.5-litre diesel sending 110hp to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Official figures suggest that 76.4mpg is possible – in lab conditions of course – while emissions are limited to 96g/km CO2.

It’s a punchy little engine that’s at home either whizzing around town or on longer journeys. Renault’s focus has clearly been on comfort and refinement. Road, wind and engine noise is impressively muted in the cabin while the supple ride isolates occupants from some of the harsh realities of driving on British roads.

The flip side of the softer ride is that handling is a little compromised. The Megane will lean a little more in corners than the best handling cars in its class but it remains poised with good body control. There’s grip to be exploited, but changes in direction need to measured, rather than spontaneous, ultimately slowing the progress of keener drivers who will also find themselves hampered by the uncommunicative steering, which is a bit on the light side.

The new Megane is long overdue but there’s no doubt that Renault have produced a car that’s more than capable of holding its own in what is a very competitive class. Build quality is excellent while refinement, comfort and practicality measures up favourably against its rivals and, while that cosseting ride has come at the expense of engaging handling for most potential buyers that won’t be a deal-breaker.

Renault Megane Dynamique S Nav dCi 110

£21,050Price:

£23,695As tested:

1.5-litre dieselEngine:

6-speed manualTransmission:

110hpMax power:

260Nm @ 1,750rpmMax torque:

116mphMax speed:

11.3secAcceleration (0-62mph):

76.4mpgCombined:

96g/kmEmissions (CO2):

www.renault.co.ukFor more information visit