Used Renault Megane Sport Saloon 2002 - 2009 review
Category: Family car
The Renault Megane Sport Saloon is outstandingly safe, well equipped and good-looking, but plagued by niggling faults
What's the used Renault Megane saloon 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.
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.
Ownership cost
What used Renault Megane saloon will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Renault Megane saloon?
Fuel bills aren't steep. All diesels return more than 50mpg on the official combined cycle, and the 80 and 106bhp 1.5 diesels bump that up to more than 60mpg. The 1.4 and 1.6 petrols manage more than 40mpg.
The only annoyance is that servicing a Megane is dearer than for a Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus. However, going outside the Renault network could shave about a quarter off the labour bill.
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Megane saloon 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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