2008 Renault Megane Review
11 Mar, 2008
50 Comments 
But in challenging convention you really do need some substance to back it up. Perhaps this will be Megane’s downfall? Perhaps not!
It drives well, and the speed variable power steering grabbed my attention quickly. In all honesty it is one of the best feeling variable assistance wheels I’ve driven. At car parks speeds it’s brilliantly light and makes getting out on to the road incredibly easy, though once at speed things firm up with confident surety and lovely feedback – just the way it should be. Turning circle could be a little tighter (10.7m) but otherwise no sweat.
Megane sits on the road well and uses MacPherson type struts up front and a torsion beam rear end with outboard attachment points. It is quite satisfactory and compliments the chassis, soaking up larger bumps very well, but the high riding lofty rear end and loathsome fixed rear end will make itself known once you punt through corners a little too ambitiously creating a little front end push (understeer). Fortunately the VDC and Michelin tyres should keep you from coming to grief.
At speed it is a reasonably quiet ride and aside from a slightly high seating position and some unusual symbols on certain controls, is relatively easy to deal with once you’re accustom to it. My only real concerns were a slightly heavy clutch, average feeling brake pedal and a horrid plastic steering wheel and gear knob. Otherwise it’s actually quite pleasant.
There’s the usual run of options to keep you abreast of the times, plus a few more that are usually options in Megane’s rivals. Climate control air-conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, AM/FM audio with single CD player (no iPod connection), trip computer, ‘one touch’ power windows and power heated mirrors, 16” alloys, auto projector headlamps with level adjusters and ‘see me home’ function, fog lamps, auto wipers, chilled glove box, as well as various nifty storage compartments throughout including two underfloor and one in the rear shelf.
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March 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Nice car, good read. However…
“After all, they’re one of the world’s foremost Formula One teams and are one of only three teams who actually build and race their own cars”
Honda
Toyota
Ferrari
Renault
Bmw
Slightly more then 3 :)
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
The volkswagen jetta 2.0DT auto goes for 37 700 so its a bloody good price. there the same class/size arent they?
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
european pedigree? isn’t it built on the nissan c platform?
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Those fuel consumption figures are astonishing!
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Those highway fuel numbers were better that petrol hybrid city numbers!!! Can’t wait to see what the frech will be able to do with a diesel hybrid….. My Yaris uses over 7 litres on highway cycle!!!! boy did i buy the wrong car!!!
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
^^^sorry meant french^^^
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
i really like the sedan megane the but is no where near as polarising and yet has more looks than the ill pro-portioned corrala sedan
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Fantastic article one of the better ones i have read on here certainly the best i have read in a while, and it was done on a Renault diesel of all things, well done.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Plastic Steering Wheel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I love my Megane (though it is the R26 version). It’s quiet, refined, comfortable, reliable and very well made. I happen to like the bizarre polarizing styling of the rear end, though it’s nowhere near as out there on the sedan as it is on the hatch. I’m at a loss to understand why there are not more of these around.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
^Price.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Being a French car nut, I agree with everything in this review. Right down to the cheap steering wheel.
I test drove one when looking for a car. I found that it was too small on the interior. I could barely fit in it. It was tight. The seatbelt clip was buried way down by the “tunnel”, between your seat at the front.
But, for its class, it was the most refined (quietest) and smoothes drive I had experienced. The standard exhaust note was good and the diesel had very good torque and power. I’d buy one if I was about 40 kg smaller. But I’m not and due to that my options were limited to cars that used their internal space better (not necessarily larger cars).
SteveC
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
looks old
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I agree, Renault should be doing better in Australia. Once they fix up the rear of the Megane hatch, release the latest Clio (which has been on European roads for 2 years now!!) and get some more cogs in their auto boxes, then I think things may start picking up. I hope so, but then from all the Camrys and Golfs I see on the road I’m starting to think that Australians lack imagination when it comes to choosing cars.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Thats right Phillip, when a new comes on the market in Australia, most people wont care but in europe, well thats different! (Except Mitsu 380 was new)
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Try driving for any length of time with that stupid speedometer marked at only the odd numbers and you will go mad. This is just one of the many quirks that tell you that French carmakers are just playing lip service to markets outside Europe.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Yeah renault’s are massively underrated cars here is Oz! I’ve been driving my clio for 4 years now and while i’m now thinking of buying a new car I really think i’ll have trouble handing over the keys for my little vehicle…
Vote:good review too
March 11th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I think this is probably the best value for money Renault on the market here. It’s probably the only one where thev’ve got the pricing right. The 27990 puts it right there with and in some cases below its rivals. Its a shame they aren’t as competitive with their commercial vehicles. A Renault Trafic Van starts at $1000 higher than a MB Vito, and $8000 more than the cheapest TDi Transporter.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Nice review Matt, and I do agree with the majority here in that this car represents great value for a true Euro diesel.
I also love the first photo of the front of the car in the sunset, my compliments to the photographer :-)
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
excellent car..
I am slightly biased as my mrs drives meganne sedan prev. 06 modal.. I have always owned subarus and I was bit hesitant to buy one when she wanted one as we were almost set to buy mazda 3.
Well after almost 2 years now we love her car.. it is not in the same league as japanese fun to drive cars (like subaru) but it has some special common sense bits that you need and whenever you use them, you end up praising renault.
Those fuel economy figures don’t surprise me at all… we drive a petrol version which according to ratting uses 8.4/100.. I have often managed to get 7.9-8.1 in city/freeway driving.
Excellent car… and very underratted IMO.
Vote:March 11th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
golf look much better :P (outside and inside)
Vote:March 12th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Nice car…but if I was going to buy one it would be only for the fuel economy;-)
Vote:March 12th, 2008 at 1:36 am
You can’t complain at that price $27K is a bargain, the Megane Expression with a 78Kw engine here (UK) is $36K discounted say to $33K on the road. And it been shipped 18K Kms
Vote:March 12th, 2008 at 8:29 am
It is a 1.9L
Vote:March 12th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Duck said “Price” in response to my comment about not understanding why there are not more of these around. Certainly in the past the pricing was over the top, but VDA seems to be bringing them down to a more reasonable level. This at $27990 is undeniably fabulous value, as is the petrol at $24990. Now they just need a higher profile and a decent dealer network (specifically, more of them).
Captain Mainwaring mentioned the odd number graduations on the speedo. It’s definitely a piece of the French quirk that they’re famous for. I actually found it no worse than even graduations, considering all the 50, 70, 90 and 110 zones we have now. Renaults (possibly thanks to Nissan) seem to be missing a lot of the French Quirk that I’d expected them to have. They’ve got nothing on the quirkiness of a Peugeot…
Vote:March 12th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Good review. I just wished that there were some photos of the interesting items you mentioned such as the “carcard”, the mesh screens on the rear windows, the unusual storage compartments and even the fuel filler setup.
Just one of those items instead of the arty bootlid shot would have made it more useful to me. Your photos are good but please don’t add them at the expense of showing us unusual features we may not be aware of…
Vote:March 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
this car is more fuel efficient than prius and far less expensive.
Vote:March 16th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Tom – Honda, Renault and Ferrari build and race their own cars.
Vote:Toyota is built by Williams, BMW by Sauber (and Mercedes McLaren).
March 18th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Interesting review, like the sedan rear a lot more than the quirky hatch. For those being negative about the looks you should keep an open mind. I had a 1978 Renault Virage (eg Renault 12 upgrade model -1.4 ltrs) for 4 years from new and certainly didn’t buy it for the looks. Still have very fond memories of that car 130,000 km of comfortable/trouble free motoring. The Renault input into the new Nissan Tiida mechanically is mostly positive would have been nice if they gave it a bit more style (say like Peugeot do) But even average looking cars can be dressed up without spending too many $$$
Vote:March 29th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I love the look of the car and i also love the song on the new ad. Can anyone tell me the name of that song? Its sung in french and used to be big on radio some years ago.
Vote:thanks
Peter
March 30th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hi Peter,
Did a search on google for you apparently the Artist is “Groove Armada” and title of song is “I See You Baby” you might be able to download it via limewire or some other peer to peer program? I might just do that as I don’t think i’ve seen the add or heard the song.
Hope that helps,
Cheers,
Dazz
Vote:April 30th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I have just bought a Megane.
Vote:Makes the $20000 $25000 cars look cheap and sparse.
Waiting for finance to come through. We “bought” car 1 week ago and have seen only 1 on the road since. They are so well equipped. Everything is standard. My kids loved the window screens and the fold down storage in the sedan. Can wait to pick it up. Its not a chick’s car or too blokie.
Hurry up with our money. Will write again when we collect car.
May 10th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Hi all,
looking at buying 2008 renault, LOVE THE BACK, but worrying about reliability and expensive servicing, do any of the renault owners out there feel they have had problems????
cheers
Vote:May 15th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Hi Carly
Vote:I have had Renaults for many years, and the service bills are no dearer than the Japanese or “Aussie” brands.
The parts for the new models are all similar in price to the Japanese and Aussie rivals.
Apart from being amazing cars in terms of style and cleverness, it’s the only brand that I have actually wanted to drive and get back in and drive again, and again, and again.
I agree, I just don’t understand why there aren’t many more on the road.
I think advertising would make a huge difference.
Cheers
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
We are currently awaiting the finance approval for our first megane petrol manual, which we picked up for $23000 standard!
Vote:We looked at all the other vehicles in its range, and the megane was the most practical AND stylish of the lot, by far.
I too have been looking out for them on the road, but see very few, and I can’t work out why. We look forward very much to getting ours this week!
June 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Ive owned a Megane Privilage for three years. So far the score has been 30,000 km, three electric windows replaced, roughly 8 litres/100 km in cruise control at 100 kph. Aircon is great, the engine is great, the auto gearbox is rubbish, the ride is so-so and the resale value is between 13 and 18K for a car that went for 35K in 2005. The only really annoying thing is the rattles and squeaks. No non Renault dealer wants it because the idea of a french car terrifies them.
Vote:June 8th, 2008 at 3:11 am
hi guys how are you doing? hope all of are ok however..
i bought full option renault megane sedan 2008 it’s really good
comfort and powerfull bothe doors sides made in steel actually green color this from outside but inside it has nice page color skin chair and automaitic and maniuall gear
it has Slot above the ceiling and finally it’s comfort in driving…
Unfortunately, the prolongation but i want to share with the information about renault megane sedan to be clear for every body..
Vote:thank you everybody>>
you can visit my profile in netlog to see the picture if my car …
http://www.netlog.com/intosasuke
June 14th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
As a first time owner of a Megane this year I have been mightily impressed by this little known and poorly advertised bargain. Renault Australia should take note.
I shopped it against Focus, Corolla, Lancer and similar but none of them come near it on features, nor on it being something “different” that doesn’t look all the other cars on the road.
It is an absolute delight to drive, fuel econ in the 2.0 petrol averages 8.4l/100 (which is only about 1.0 litre/100k worse than the diesel I have also driven).
There are just so many featues in the car that 3 months after purchase I am still finding the stuff the car industry calls “surprise and delight” features. Many of the features don’t seem to rate a mention in the official publicity or specs for the car e.g heated external mirrors, auto dimming interior lights, door/footwell lights, map lights front and rear, 6 (SIX) cup holders and a glove box big enough to stuff a Melways in and still have room for more. The car also has a global close for the power windows – another feature not listed by Renault. Advertised features like the cruise control are excellent – by far the best one I have ever had on any car – and the speed limiter is also a useful device. Storage is excellent. The radio is brilliant and holds radio stations extremely well away from the city.
The biggest unseen feature (bad pun) is the visibility which is excellent in all directions for a modern car and light years ahead of the Corolla – a small thing I know, but it makes a huge difference in tight spots, when reversing out of a parking spot and for general safety on the road. On the road itself, it is quiet at any speed, comfortable and rides heaps better than most. It provides a very reassuring feeling of being stuck to the road at all speeds. At 100ks an hour the engine is ticking at 2500RPM and even in 6th it will still pull like a train and accelerate away from 100 + to whatever speed you want. The seats are also very comfortable.
The initially weird stuff like the Renault card is very easy to get used to, as are the seemingly complex steering wheel satellite controls, but all become very simple and intuitive after some initial fumbling.
Compared to my last new car (which was a Mazda and the worst heap of junk God ever put on the earth), this car is a revelation and has also attracted lots of interest from family and friends for it’s unique, quirky French design and features. It’s something different in a world where so many cars are indistinguishable and have little or no personality. Buy one – you won’t be disappointed.
Vote:June 18th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hi there
Just ordered a Megane 2-0ltr Petrol Auto, My wife was wanting to upgrade her vehicle to a Mazda 3 which worked out about $26500 I just happen to see the Renault promotion in Saturdays paper so we went to have a look. We were totally impressed! excellent value the mazda,toyota etc have not got a inch on this vehicle at $28000 drive away. the only worry I have is all the electrics we live in Tully wettest place in Oz
Vote:June 30th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I’m truely surprised with the amount of people who love the Mégane! It is a truely great car which deserves a little more attention from the public, but it almost seems like a good thing that nobody else has one. They seem so rare, which makes them even more beautiful (and HEAPS exclusive!)
Vote:I went to test drive the new Laguna III two weekends ago and it is just as great as the Mégane! Not as many storage spaces and such but the luxury items are brilliant! I loved the panoramic sunroof, it was great! I advise anyone who wants a Mégane or Laguna to opt for it! It’s great! The Mégane is a beaut of a car and I’m glad the people here recognise it for that and more!
Thanks,
Steve
August 15th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I purchased my Renault Magane, auto, in January this year and really love it. I happened to see an ad for it in the newspaper when going to Melbourne for a wedding and also look at car possibilities. Got all the brochures (didn’t do any test drives as it was a 42C day), compared all the cars and the Megane came out the best for features and price. Returned and test drove the next week. They certainly had great deals in January.
Vote:The only problem I have had is the reverse parking sensors (optional extra, part of the sport’s pack, I think), eventually a non Renault type was fitted as they tried a few and they didn’t work.
I too, think that Renault needs to up its advertising to spread the word of this fantastic car and also have some rural dealerships as I have to travel to Melb (400km return) for servicing (yes, I know, my choice!!).
August 27th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Just about to pick up my new 2008 Manual Petrol Megane
Absolute bargain at $20650 drive away for a “demonstrator” with 20kms on the clock. That’s 20 not 20,000! It’s a 2007 build but who cares?
Compared to Focus,Corolla etc it wins hands down. Looks great and feels exclusive.
Vote:September 1st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Well you guys might be hard to convince otherwise!! I was once a very happy and loyal Renault owner and have been let down by the company completely. I have just put in my complaint to Renault in France. It looks like I was sold a lemon. I have never had more problems with a car. Not even 3 years old yet and I have has several gearbox problems and it has been in and out of the service centre all year, with them still advising that these things just happen. Bullshit!!! Anyway it is not cheap to maintain, however said that is wrong! They are overpriced to service and replacement parts are herendous. Good luck to all of you who are still wanting to buy one, however after the experience I have had and with the lack of professionalism from the service centre staff I will be glad to say good bye to me Renault. even with how much I did love it!!
Vote:September 2nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I’m happy for Mandy and Mr Mojo but its a shame to hear Daphne has had such a problem with his Mégane. I had the last gen sedan (which isnt availible in Aus, I was back in South Africa back then) and it was all good! Had no problems at all, but the 1st gen phase two car wasn’t nearly as nice as the 2nd gen… I can’t wait for the 3rd to be unveiled for the first time. It’ll be nice to see the changes…
Thanks,
Vote:Steve
September 15th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Hi – I like the Megane – the auto diesel interests me – love the sedan styling. However I am concerned about the spare parts and servicing situation – a friend has a Clio – was reversed into in a carpark needing a bumper – car off road for 6 weeks waiting for a part from france, same deal with a clutch…this is the only thing that makes me hesitate. I must add though, that we have a 2006 Golf – and the quality has been terrible – rust in the hinge bolts on the door – dealers told me to take it to a body shop to get fixed!! Brake pads $400!! 20 000km service $540!! Wiper blades…$110 – needless to say we refused that one….
Vote:Maybe we should try a Renault next time.
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Wow , what a car, just purchase last week a manual 2.0 Petrol Sedan in Slate Grey for $20K drive away. Didnt even take it for a test drive, so impressed .
Vote:January 26th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
I would not purchase another Renault given my experiences with an automatic Tiptronic. These cars are prone to gearbox problems and in my experience if you expect back-up from the dealer and through them from Renault you will not get it. I prurchased a demonstrator from Hornsby Nissan/Renault which has now done 40,000K and is just out of warranty. Suddenly the gearbox goes “clunk” and into limp mode, the service light comes on. Turn the car off and on and it clears – until next time. Research showed it to be a common Renault fault. Mechanics in the local area knew all about it and reported other faults with these autos as well. Full rebuilds,faulty pulleys, damaged bell housings etc. I was told by one the solenoids played up and fixing these was expensive. However the only place where there was no admission of these problems was at the dealers! They charged me $66 to tell me the solenoids needed replacing and it would cost over $800 dollars. When booking the car in the only thing the person attending seemed interested in was getting my signature to pay and ensuring we picked the car up so they could go home. These are not isolated problems. This mirrors Renault’s response to expensive defects in their product reported elsewhere. I will not be puchasing another Megane or another Renault and have severe doubts about the quality of the product. Hornsby Nissan/Renault will not see me as a customer again.
Vote:March 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
BeeGee you saved me from trouble.
I was considering buying a new Megane – given their specs and for the pride of owning an European car. But it looks it is more of a headache than pride.
Such blogs really help people ….
Vote:Now considering Impreza or Lancer.
April 4th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Very sorry to hear that BeeGee,
Vote:a few reports i have read state that french cars will give you grief, i wonder how reliable the low cost Renault Dacia would be?
April 17th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I bought a 2004 model 5 door new in Jan 2004. So it’s 5 years 2 months old, 112,000km. Top of the line model with leather and glass roof, 6 speed manual. I paid too much as it was off the first shipment, but prices now seem very fair.
Vote:Problems have been 2 engine mounts, a dirty crank angle sensor (cleaned by the dealer at no charge)and the clock spring in the steering wheel hub at 70,000km ($600). Otherwise just regular servicing, costs about average. I bought it because it was ugly enough to interest me. I’ve been a motor and marine mechanic for over 35 years, and didn’t really expect it to be as good as it is. It’s been as reliable as my Toyota HiAce, which after 14 years is about to be replaced with a Renault Trafic.
If I replaced the Megane with anything but another one my wife would make me wish I was dead.