Model tested: Renault Megane Coupe 1.9D Dynamique dCi130
Price: £19,935
Date tested: September 2009
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 77%

1: Looks:
This is a car that turns heads. The front end provoked a Marmite reaction with its grille-straddling air scoops dividing opinion. However, the dynamic rear won resounding praise and spawned Alfa comparisons.
9/10

2: Looks Inside:
The dashboard, steering wheel and seats have a quality feel. The information display is dominated by a large digital speedo and analogue rev counter. We took a while to become accustomed to the location of the controls though.
7/10

3: Practicality:
Entry is by a card which requires pressing to enter but locks automatically as you walk away. The car seats five but the rear is cosy; that distinctive shape also comes at the expense of boot storage as there's 337 litres against the hatch's 405.
6/10

4: Performance:
The dCi130 comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, does 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph. The diesel rattle doesn't suit the car's elegant looks but it supplies a good reserve of power across a range of speeds.
7/10

5: Ride and handling:
The Coupe is lower than the hatch and sits on a specially tuned sports chassis with stiffer springs and dampers. Variable power assisted steering is decent and roll is minimal.
7/10

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6: Running costs:
The 8kg weight reduction compared also brings reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. The diesels return between 55.4mpg (the dCi 130) and 62.8mpg while the petrols will cover between 37.2mpg and 40.9mpg.
8/10

7: Reliability:
Renault does not hold a great position in the Reliability Index, though the Megane is one of the manufacturer’s better performers. There was nothing within our week-long loan to suggest any problems with the car which appears to have been built to a high standard.
6/10

8: Safety:
A five-star EuroNCAP rating comes courtesy of an impressive array of standard safety features, including ESP, understeer control, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and six airbags.
10/10

9: Equipment:
All coupés feature 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and air conditioning. Dynamique models also get automatic headlights and windscreen wipers and cruise control while Privilege editions have dual-zone climate control and folding door mirrors.
8/10

10: X-Factor:
It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I thought the Coupe was worthy of that second take, especially for the rear and profile. A good riposte and alternative to the Scirocco.
9/10