Renault Megane in-depth review - Carbuyer

The new 2016 Renault Megane gets back to what this company does best: eye-catchingly stylish family cars that are comfortable on the move and packed full of equipment and technology. There's a good range of efficient engines, but we have some reservations about the car's practicality.
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New Renault Megane hatchback review: carbyr.uk/1YatH1M
New Renault Megane specs: carbyr.uk/2aRXR7k
Vauxhall Astra hatchback review: carbyr.uk/1OAodTD
SEAT Leon hatchback review: carbyr.uk/1M387jH
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[@jameshennessey443]

I have this engine and for the last 2000 miles i've averaged 62 MPG and that's mainly town/city driving

[@roki977]

Mine 2013 dci 110 GT line made over 90k km and its still working 100%. That engine is a gem on highway, super quite and refine and pulls well at the right speeds and with high speeds its no more than 6l/100km on winter tyres. I will buy new one with same engine in a month or two. I do lots of highway and it is perfect. I dont care if it goes 190 or 200, its not a sport car.

[@mickadatwist1620]

is it not too slow? I know its subjective. Im planning to buy a Megane with the same 1.5 dci.

[@YTuberosity]

The rear leg room and loading lip is pure nitpicking.

[@YTuberosity]

***** I should have been more specific. To me the rear leg room was pretty good and he was saying there is only 3 or 4 inches (from what it looked like).

[@roki977]

Not for me. I need both to keep my passengers happy. Those are biggest flaws of Megane. In fact many of old flaws from last model are same. Its a big car from outside, small form inside. Its a good car for traveling but only for driver, even co-driver had problems in last model with curvy dash hitting knees.

[@Ooze27]

True.

[@roki977]

I know that Golf VII is nice in rear but didnt tried them compact cars so maybe there are better..

[@leprismah]

Its better than the ford focus or mazda 3 or 1er BMW the loading lip is normal in the hatchback class

[@quackcement]

although they are generally better built cars I'm surprised German cars never get criticized for bland design and failing to evolve. Seems that reviews expect radical design changes from french cars but no one says anything if you cant tell the old audi tt apart from the new one.

[@quackcement]

It's not my problem as much as I disagree with the who whole idea of judging cars from different countries differently. If cars were not judged by location no doubt french cars would be heavily criticized for reliability a whole lot more. I do think when Peugeot had headlights going up to the windscreen pillars it was over kill and french cars seem to over compensate with weird designs. I guess thats what makes them stand out but still doesn't make it right.

[@quackcement]

Firemarioflower thats true, the gap of reability has gotten closer and closer to the Japanese and German figures.

[@afg__gamer4911]

most german cars have a timeless Design as example the r8 , the designer often are saying "nerver change the winnig design "

[@Ooze27]

There's nothing timeless about the Golf design or any of the VW cars to be honest. Audi, BMW and Mercedes you got a point.

[@jamescooling76]

What is this complete obsession with a high boot lip? It's rare that it would ever be an issue and a low lip would completely ruin the style of the rear

[@NotKevinLin]

i never understand why high boot lip is a problem. =_= people these days are too picky i guess.

[@jrmaty]

If you've got a pushchair (especially a large twin-seat one, as I do), it makes a *huge* difference getting it out of the car. I have two cars, one has a flat load-lip, and the pushchair can be wheeled in or out, without much effort (you don't have to "lift" it, you just pull it, ot rolls in and out on its wheels). In the other car, which has a huge lip, its pretty heafty to lift it in and out. With the flat load-lip, I can get the pushchair in and out with one hand - essential if you have to carry a child in your other hand! Can't be done with the other car. Its even more useful for my wife, who's only 5ft 2, and lifting heavy things is comparatively more difficult (given my 6ft frame).

[@appelpower1]

It's not a deal-breaker, but it's still something to bear in mind or at least know before you go out and buy a car.

[@jamesgordon783]

Another great review, James! I'm intrigued by this all-new Megáne, I especially like the colour of the car! Keep up the good work!

[@niceboy60]

This makes VW Golfs look so boring and out of date

[@ronshephard9429]

It really cheeses me off that nearly every reviewer compares hatchbacks to the Golf. The interior of the golf may be well made but my god it's as dull as dishwater.

[@enesbilgin1195]

Im 28. I drive megane. %65 of the time i drive the car alone %30 of the time my wife joins me %4 of the time someone uses backseats of the car and %1 of the time we use the boot. Renault build this car for us little families they know we dont care about the boot or backseats

[@miniena7774]

"The drop in the tailgate will be a bit of a problem" Is it just me, or does he say that for every vehicle with an actual descent trunk size, and claims the trunk is too small when there is not one present?

[@techancati9032]

Renault really has found its style again - looks like you have too! Haha anyway awesome review, it's still a shame to see some people's 'opinions' and hate here, nevertheless, keep it up, you're doing great!

[@crooksy2012]

how is it hard to lift a suitcase over that lip?

[@elboscatto]

I live outside GB and I must admit... I watch these videos through the mirror, so the steering wheel be on the correct side lol

[@aageon]

Still love my 2011 megane coupe sport :)

[@g00dfeeling]

Safe to say this is currently No 1 hatchback

[@jo05dk]

Mat got 59mpg out of the same car. You guys must have given it the beans ;-)

[@jo05dk]

***** Agreed. I certainly wouldn't feel sad if i could those figures :) I don't know how Mat does reviews either, but i do appreciate a number calculated after more than 300 miles of driving. Different drivers get different results, but you have put in the work on this one. Kudos.

[@Horizon301.]

+James Batchelor no it's not a golf gets 70mpg and that's from what I have seen myself also our A6 gets 56mpg so no it's not good for a hatchback

[@vava1953]

Interior needed a good clean before filming. Or are they trying to make it look downmarket? And if the iddy biddy boot lip makes it hard to lift his holiday luggage into, however did he lift his bags off the airport carousel?

[@zainscooby]

Finally some suitable clothing for a car review

[@thesupremetomcatios4315]

Changed shape once again. Fifth Generation.

[@jerzh9366]

Nice parking at the end of the video :D

[@jamesmills5069]

The previous Megane wasn't dull at all. It was the one made between 2003 and 2010.

[@Suasexed]

I thought the phrase was "dull as dish water" not "dull as ditch water"! Maybe he's always had the luxury of a dishwasher!

[@isaaclim8645]

I like your hair and your eyes

[@VideosAbout]

Every channel wants to review this car! Smells like marketing or commercial!

[@aproductofboredom]

Or maybe it could be something called a press embargo?

[@Memories-_]

Very good review! And this is such a nice car

[@tristanyoung4161]

The renault megane is like wine it gets better With age.

[@BestCarSound]

To me you did better review than Mat! Sat in it at autoshow and comfortably I prefered it to gorgeous looking Talisman Estate. Even had leather seats where's Megane cloth and had smaller screen which was nice too. Not big fan of the rear, but Estate sorted that, plus should be lower load lip, bigger with better visibility.

[@futureimperfect6183]

That rear end has a very Porsche Macan look going on. It's a shame the interior design doesn't live up to the expectations the exterior gives. Nice review.

[@RovexHD]

This guys height keeps changing! First 5'10, now 5'11. :):)

[@ColinLouisRae94]

Really like this car and would love to upgrade my 2014 Clio to it when it comes to renewal... Just don't think my pay packet would cover it... :(

[@hasans5410]

Lol they have copied Carwow

[@hasans5410]

+ilovefod Carwow uploaded their video first.

[@nazhif1]

It's called an embargo. Ever heard of it?

[@hasans5410]

+Cose nothing all I said was that they copied Carwow but I was joking.

[@hasans5410]

+Cose nothing all I said was that they copied Carwow but I was joking.

[@RoobehTunes]

I prefer the Astra. Especially the interior.

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

Oh I won't buy this car, it's got a lip problem, I might have to lift something.

[@turquoisecat761]

It's ok to say you're 5 ft 10 Jim. You didn't say if the boot shape was as a result of a full-sized spare or not.

[@isaaclim8645]

+James Batchelor it's ok. that's still pretty tall imo

[@Bukkageisha]

Best compact car

[@guesswhatimirish]

Oh my god it's so cool

[@robertbidochon7949]

Just remp the 1.5, it's way enough for an everyday use! And with this 6speed gearbox, it's quiet enough on long journeys. What's to hate about??

[@mickadatwist1620]

what's to hate about? The Covid lockdown

[@dlayoub]

what about fuel economy ?

[@Galacticmaster]

Average mpg for this car?

[@astrogharb]

Knee room looks snug but head room looks fine - stop being biased. The previous model was not as dull as dishwater - gee just as annoying as matt. Bring the girls back reviewing cars

[@shanjanusman9974]

Bold Design but i doubt it will be a good car like one you could run for 7-10yrs. Its more of a car you have for a 5yr period then swap it again and then theres premium badge cars in the same segment by Volvo and Mercedes which is tempting.

[@harryfreq3199]

Wheres Matt?

[@muhit9585]

Where's Matt

[@tmfrs2]

hes in carwow now

[@MrHitman246]

unfortunately now is this dumbass

[@Arlind22]

go at carwow and he just reviewed the same identical car

[@tmfrs2]

Arlind22 and its better

[@Memories-_]

+Arlind22 it wasn't identical dude check the registration plates

[@alliancemad]

When Matt @ carwow did the rear space test there was more space and hes 5'11

[@litom9412]

I disagree on the statement that the interior is the most modern. A 308 is by far. And that cheap frame will get all the footprints so better clean it every day cause eventually it will be worn away

[@vinterskog]

Is 4-wheel steering "gimmicky" now? Haha, now I've heard it all.

[@vinterskog]

...and? It's like saying power/assisted steering or ABS are a gimmick. Just because it's a new thing on "usual" cars doesn't make it a gimmick. It's a huge improvement on driving behaviour and safety, and therefore has the potential to become a standard in a few years.

[@RallyVozac]

If that was any good, than F1 would have used it years ago, or rally cars, or any racing cars in the world. Only trucks use that system cause of 90 degree turns on a very narrow road (while hauling a trailer). I would never buy the GT version cause of that feature.

[@d0718]

James reviewed this car already didn't he? for autoexpress?

[@d0718]

***** ah, ok, this is a different trim level, I see! Thanks for the review :)

[@branding111]

This car is masculin. This guy is feminin

[@mirzadanishbaig7591]

load lip come on man

[@DaxXx988]

so is it 2016 or 2017? :P

[@danielj5419]

Seat Ateca?

[@jamesgordon783]

Doesn't come out till September

[@nvc.]

The last model was not dull at all, it was very beautifull..

[@shawneal1]

most modern interior in the class? You sure?

[@mohammadlone]

Great review! Sure is a good looking car.

[@RazvanRO]

I agree with everything you said except one thing. It is not well made sadly. When i went to service my car, there was a new Megane and Talisman. In the Megane, right where the gasket and the ceiling meet (near the top of the door), and you try to put your hand between them, you realise that you can fit your whole fist there. It was sad to see that is wasn't ass well as the Megane 2! And that car does not set any standard:))

[@Awwad-Reviews]

where's matt ??

[@suferboy96]

Car Wow better

[@oxcart4172]

you tested this car back in December! what's going on?

[@oxcart4172]

+James Batchelor yeah, I realised that just after I sent it!😐 Thanks for the reply, anyway James!

[@gisellekalengankongolo7737]

RENAULT Is Dark Green

[@kartikaymalhotra35d-17]

I expected before from u...

[@JackKing12.]

Also powered by a hamster on speed...

[@bachi411]

Golf is d best

[@marianirmer4811]

The Golf has lost its crown. The Ford Focus and the Opel Astra are better than the Golf

[@kacperziajka7920]

Agreed Firemarioflower (Nice name :p). While the Golf does nothing wrong, it's comfortable, has a wide range of engines, is practical and has great quality, it does however feel 'dull' as many VW's do. It's not sporty (bar the GTi and R) and it is dull imo.

[@kacperziajka7920]

That interior is so, so dull - That touchscreen saves it but then again, some people like it simple.

[@joshbriggsDayZBeast]

all modern cars are ugly and terrible

[@Vlad-zw9od]

well I guess you would prefer a box with a v8 in it

[@joshbriggsDayZBeast]

Vlad131 ive got no idea what youre talking about, im guessing you havent see the beautiful land barges from the 1960's???

[@quackcement]

I always wanted a 1960 impala, for looks you can't beet the classics. Too bad the drive like a brick though.

[@Vlad-zw9od]

Firemarioflower are you 8 yo? why insult people.. Plus there are a ton of new cars that would kick your "v8" ass and are anything but "eco"

[@joshbriggsDayZBeast]

Firemarioflower absolutely agree %100, every single modern car (other than a select few supercars) looks like fat ugly dog shite, modern car interiors are also absolutely dreadful, just plastic everywhere instead of lovely vinyl and painted metal

[@hasans5410]

Second holy shit

[@63Jax]

woooow, good for you! that's an amazing feat, omg...you champ!

[@hasans5410]

+63Jax ikr, stfu

[@63Jax]

Epic Gamer dumb kid, i'm sorry for you :(

[@dr-gb3tq]

quality is not enough for the competition.

[@DILINGER0]

Have you seen the car?. Obviously, not.

[@dr-gb3tq]

make a logical comment.

[@user-fr5rd1sz5d]

thats right

[@petrovicdruid]

lol the quality is very high

[@dr-gb3tq]

in this segment, there are too many cars better than this.

[@N3RFXM3RKZz]

First

[@hasans5410]

Hi I'm second

[@jamesgilmour3164]

Well done.

[@pummyy]

you guys should buy yourself a cookie.

[@M135iboost]

again..... WHEN YOU SAY YOU'RE JUST UNDER 5 FT 11 YOU'RE 5 FT 10!!! you short people are annoyingly frustrating. I'm just under 6ft 3... 😂

[@M135iboost]

+James Batchelor thanks 😂👍

[@MrHitman246]

308 looks far nicer than this one

[@conorjackson5360]

no way...

[@petrovicdruid]

nope

[@juhojalonen3046]

No it does not.

[@roki977]

Looks like German car..

[@erwinkuipers1866]

The 308 looks dated and boring in my opinion. And that's coming from a 307 owner.

[@megashega]

This guy is such a bad casting.

[@abuuddin1944]

stay away from french cars they look nice but when it comes to reliability they are not good

[@kkcc]

thats right, keep saying that. Thats the reason I get my used Renault cars so cheap compared to the German ones, and touch wood, I've never had a single issue in all of 9 years now.

[@MegaGecas]

Everything's opposite what Matt have said. And what is that nonsense about boot - is that a reason not to buy this car? Are you serious? Renault is a reason not to buy this car, course is still sh*t.

[@NikesZ28]

Renault still has massive electrical problems on there cars... So i wont be buying a Renault any time soon!