Renault Megane Coupe
There’s no denying the fact that Renault produce some head-turners. The showcase of a new model from the French manufacturer is guaranteed to produce “oohs” and “aahs” at the Paris Motor Show. What annoys me, however, is the two faced nature of the French. Let me explain.
Renault has made some brilliant cars. I drove one last year, the Clio Sport. It was a simple, raw driving machine which goes like it looks. If my memory serves me right I even declared the Clio my favourite hot hatch of the current era.
Unfortunately, Renault has made some underwhelming cars too. The Megane Coupe I drove recently for example. You see cars like the Megane are designed to be no more than skin deep, superficial head-turners and nothing more. While the 2010 model may well have received praise for its daring looks and bold design, I fear that this is all the car has to offer. And that’s just not good enough for me.
I had high hopes of what it might feel like behind the wheel of the Megane. Impressions are that this will be a tight and nimble package; it is after all a lustrous two door coupe. The unfortunate truth is that while the suspension feels solid and up to the task, the new electronic power steering is to light for my liking, which makes it difficult to gauge how direct and pointy the car is on turn in because you’re constantly making tiny inadvertent adjustments as every imperfection in the road surface feeds back into the steering wheel.
Further misfortune was to be found under the bonnet. The 1.6 litre engine produces 83 kW and 151 Nm. What you need to worry about it where that power and torque is available on the rev band, which is around 6,000rpm for the power while the torque comes in at 4,000rpm.
Now most normal people change gear anywhere in the region of between 3,000 and 4,000rpm, where in the Megane you’re only just
reaching peak torque – while those 83 kW are still a long way off. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem in a Renault, who has a knack for producing free-revving engines. This one though, feels asthmatic. And what this boils down to is that at low revs (when you’re driving around town for example) it feels like you’re flogging a dead horse.
While the interior of the Megane is neat and surprisingly well put together for the French, it is only infinitesimally different to the Clio and the Scenic – a sort of blend let’s say. Yet more evidence that the Megane is no more than skin deep, quite literally it seems. I accept that this is currently a trend among manufacturers but I expected something a little different from the French. They went to such great lengths with the coupe’s aesthetics, letting a little spill over in the interior wouldn’t have hurt.
At R220,000 I’m forced to admit that the price does appear as a ray of shining light in an otherwise gloomy and inauspicious picture. However, and unfortunately for the Megane, upon a moments thought I’ve remembered the Kia Koup I reviewed not too long ago – it’s only R216,000 and pushes all the right coupe buttons.
At the end of the day I’ve used the word “unfortunately” far too often in the context of the new Megane for it to appear in my good books. The lacklustre performance and unimaginative interior don’t point to what a modern day coupe should offer its driver.
Price: R 220,000
Engine: 1598cc four cylinder petrol
Power: 83 kW
Torque: 151 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.5
Top speed (km/h): 195
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 6.9 (claimed)
Miles Downard
Photo Credit: Quickpic
I drive the megane, the 2009 model, before the new shape came out in 2010. I was also at the launch of the new Renault range.
You’re right, anyone will agree the styling is on point. But I feel thats not all the car has going for it. I quite like the electronic steering. Great improvement from power steering, and might I say the issue of power steering pumps packing out, and needing you to dig deep in your pocket to replace.
If easy and effortless steering is what you’re looking for, thats it. Must admit though, it takes some getting used to, but once thats done, its as precise as a pen.
Point taken David. You might well become accustomed to the over-light steering. I only drove the car for a week and found it difficult.
In my mind a coupe should be a bit racy, which is why I like the Kia in this case. I suppose if for example you’re someone who wants the looks without the racy-ness, then the Renault might appeal to you.
Indeed. A racing car should have a heavy steering for the driver to have the feeling of control.
But for everyday driving in the hustle and bustle, its the way forward.
I like the Kia as well. They have definately become DriveRSA’s fav car maker at the moment!