New Megane features Renault's corporate face

What makes people choose hatchbacks over saloons? Is it the fact that they make you look and feel younger, or is it because they generally drive better than their three box counterparts? If either's the case, the formula to make a successful hatchback should be really simple; draw up a good design that appeals to the maximum number of people, pick a peppy engine from your inventory and mount all this on a capable chassis. It might not work for everyone, but it did for Renault when it introduced the second generation Mégane hatchback in 2002. It went on to become European car of the year in 2003 and was an instant sales success in France and Britain, until certain reliability issues started pulling the figures down.

However, that simple formula did not seem to work for Renault in many other markets, including the Middle East. The previous Mégane had striking looks (especially its unique derrière), a choice of good engines, and a chassis it shared with its sportier sibling, but it never got a foothold here unlike its main rivals; the VW Golf, Peugeot 308, or the Ford Focus. This jinxed fortune is what Renault is seeking to reverse with the third generation Mégane that was launched here recently.

The new car is markedly different in looks from the version it replaces. It features Renault's new corporate face that we've already seen in the Fluence saloon and the Laguna Coupé. The sharp, chiselled lines of the previous version have given way to a smoother, more rounded exterior design that's sure to appeal to a wider audience than before.

The cabin is spacious and has definitely got a more upmarket feel to it over its Japanese and Korean rivals, but build quality as well as materials used inside are far from VW Golf standards. But then, you're not paying as much either. At Dh64,000, the Mégane packs in a lot of kit that its rivals offer only at a premium, such as cruise control, dual zone AC with rear vents, hands-free entry and ignition, and automatic lights and windscreen wipers.

There's as much space in the front as in a mid-size saloon — Renault claims the front elbow room of 1,476mm is the best in its class — and the height adjustable seats and steering wheel make finding the right driving position an easy job. However, the slant adjuster of the front seats in the model we tested was the old fashioned rotary type, making the process a bit tedious compared to the more common pull up lever.

There's enough utility space including an under-floor storage area and pouches in the front doors that can hold a reasonably big bottle. But, the overhead cubby won't close if you slide in a pair of aviators. You can use it to keep those precious dirhams for parking though.

The Mégane's boot volume of 368 litres is probably the best in class as well. It's seriously spacious for a hatchback, and can easily hold as much luggage as a small saloon. Our test car came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-valve petrol engine, good for 143bhp and maximum torque of 195Nm, coupled to a Nissan-derived continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Don't expect to leave a trail of burnt rubber behind you. Far from it. The engine is smooth and has enough power for a comfortable cruise, but it's by no means sporty and the seamless CVT doesn't help either.

If excitement is what you're after, you'll have to wait for the Mégane RS. Which is never coming here (GCC homologation issues), so don't bother.

The steering is light and easy at low speeds and firms up as the needle rises. The car handles reasonably well too, although not as well as the Laguna Coupé, about which you'll get to read next week. This is indeed high praise as I drove the Mégane during the same week we had some of the best handling cars in any class together at wheels towers for you know what!

There's minimal body roll thanks to the revised damping technology in the Mégane. The front suspension has McPherson struts with rectangular lower arms and anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension features a programmed-deflection flexible beam. The ride is firm, yet comfortable and long distance cruises will be as pleasant for four adults as in a mid-size saloon.

VERDICT

Overall, the new Mégane is a great package; it's good looking, it's got a decent powerhouse, rides and handles well, has lots of space and above all, it's priced right. It's probably the only 2.0-litre hatch you can get for that kind of money. There's also a 1.6-litre petrol unit with an automatic transmission offered here. Renault is already seeing its regional sales figures go up over the previous years. This car is sure to make people take the brand seriously again.

Peugeot 308

The completely redesigned 308, the Mégane's compatriot rival, replaced the popular 307 last year. The 308 hatchback is powered by a 1.6-litre unit available both in a 120bhp naturally aspirated form and a 140bhp turbocharged version with 240Nm of torque. Prices range between Dh67,000 and Dh85,000, meaning it's a dead heat.

VW GOLF

Although the mighty GTI with its hefty price tag is out of bounds for most hatchback buyers in the market, the 1.6-litre base version is available for Dh80,000. However, it only makes 102bhp and 148Nm of torque.

Pay Dh25,000 more and you get the more exciting 160bhp 1.4TSI version. In short, it's quite expensive.

Model Mégane
Engine 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Transmission CVT, FWD
Max power 143bhp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque 195Nm @ 3,750rpm
Top speed NA
0-100kph NA
Price Dh64,000
Plus Comfortable, spacious, reasonably priced
Minus Renault is still not one of the first choices here