Mégane crowned Car of the Year

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Renault’s radical Mégane has won the European Car of the Year 2003 award.

The French hatchback finished 20 points ahead of the second-placed Mazda 6 in the competition, which is judged by an international panel of 58 motoring journalists. Citroën rounded off the podium places with a bronze medal for the C3.

A Renault spokesman said: ‘Winning the Car of the Year Award proves that the Mégane’s radical styling works. It vindicates Patrick le Quément’s bold design.’

Renault reckons the look of the new Mégane is what buyers like most about the car, and is confident it can sell 35,000 Méganes in 2003, as many as its predecessor managed in its best year.

Don’t think the new silverware in Renault’s trophy cabinet means you won’t be able to get a discount on the hatch, however. Dealers are already willing to knock at least £750 off the cost of the car, according to What Car?’s Target Price, obtained by our team of mystery shoppers.

See the data pages at the back of the magazine or check online to see the savings available on specific models.

Don’t miss What Car?’s own Car of the Year Awards in the March 2003 issue of the magazine, on sale January 24.