Used Renault Megane Sport Saloon 2002 - 2009 review

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

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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.

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.

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