Used Renault Megane Sport Saloon 2002 - 2009 review
The Renault Megane Sport Saloon is outstandingly safe, well equipped and good-looking, but plagued by niggling faults
See used cars for sale
Family
Jump to:
What's the used Renault Megane like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Renault Megane like?
The Renault Megane Sport Saloon takes bumps and potholes with a comfortable spring in its step. That traditionally French soft ride quality means there's a degree of lean through corners, but it isn't at all unpleasant, and there's plenty of grip. It's just a shame the electric power steering lacks feel.
All of the engines are willing and fuel-efficient. However, the 1.6 petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel can become a bit noisy on the motorway, and this Sport Saloon kicks up some wind noise at speed, although it's generally a quiet cruiser.
Overview
The Renault Megane Sport Saloon is outstandingly safe, well equipped and good-looking, but plagued by niggling faults
Pros
- The Megane's engines are excellent and it's comfortable, refined
- cheap and safe
Cons
- Reliability and Renault dealer service can be patchy
All the latest deals, offers and much more from the What Car? team. Don't miss out.
See our full privacy notice for more details.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
See used cars for sale
The high-set driving position has a good range of adjustment, there's no shortage of quality materials and good design in the cabin, and the saloon's boot is large.
All in all, you'll struggle to get so much safety and luxury kit for the money elsewhere.
Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Renault Megane?
Fuel bills aren't steep. All diesels return more than 50mpg on the official combined cycle, and the 80 and 106bhp 1.5 diesels bump that up to more than 60mpg. The 1.4 and 1.6 petrols manage more than 40mpg.
advertisment
scroll for more
The only annoyance is that servicing a Megane is dearer than for a Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus. However, going outside the Renault network could shave about a quarter off the labour bill.
Tips & Advice
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Megane should I buy?
There's more space for rear passengers in the saloon, but the five-door has extra versatility, so which you choose depends on how you want to use it. On balance, we'd opt for the five-door, although the rear legroom is very tight.
Once you've chosen your body style, though, the good news is that there are no bad models in the line-up, right from the frugal 1.4 at the base of the range.
We like the 1.6 (the most sensible petrol choice) and 1.5 turbodiesel for their relaxed driving style, and the 2.0 petrols have plenty of punch, too.
But, the dearer 1.9 diesels have the edge for all-round ability, especially if you do much motorway driving. Given the cash, that's where we'd spend it.
Expression trim offers the best value, but all come with at least eight airbags, anti-lock brakes and a generous array of goodies. Extreme and Authentique are the entry-level models, while Privilege is the top spec.
advertisment
scroll for more
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How reliable is the Renault Megane R.S. ?
Renault Megane R.S.
Read reliability
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
Follow Stuart Milne on
Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
News and advice
Sponsored
Best used hot hatches for less than £20,000
A budget of £20,000 could buy you a sensible family car, or you could inject some excitement into your life with one of these 10 used hot hatches
Mon May 11 2026
News
New electric Volkswagen ID Polo revealed: new small EV gets long range and tempting price
The new Volkswagen ID Polo small electric car will major on space and value, while offering a range of up to 283 miles. Here’s everything else you need to know
Wed Apr 29 2026
Sponsored
Best used estate cars for less than £10,000
If practicality and affordability top your priorities list, you really can't go wrong with any of these capable estate cars
Mon May 26 2025
Sponsored
Best used hot hatches for less than £10,000
If you want to inject some fun into your everyday motoring, take a look at our top 10 list of used hot hatchbacks for less than £10,000
Mon Oct 20 2025
See all latest advice