Renault | Car Reviews

Clio (2009 - )

Good: Clio facelifted for 2009 with same look as Laguna. 1.5 Eco2 diesel down to 98g/km CO2. RenaultSport Clio now 200PS.

Bad: Not as popular as Clios used to be in the days of Nicole and papa.

Clio Renaultsport (2009 - )

Good: One of the best hot hatches around, great handling and poise.

Bad: Very hard ride is uncomfortable, not enjoyable to drive in traffic.

Clio Sport Tourer (2008 - )

Good: Good sized boot, comfortable and easy to drive

Bad: Other small estates are better to drive and nicer looking.

Fluence ZE (2012 - )

Good: Electric powered compact saloon, refined and comfortable, 100 mile range, battery can be leased for £70 a month.

Bad: Small saloons not very popular here.

Kangoo Van (2008 - )

Good: Useful vans and combis, now in three different lengths including a 5,527mm Maxi version. Cruise control with speed limiter. 6-speed box.

Bad: Harder ride than Berlingo and Partner.

Kangoo ZE (2011 - )

Good: Electric version of mid length Kangoo van. Van available to buy. Battery leased at £70pm.

Bad: Unfortunately, a van does not qualify for the government £5,000 electric vehicle subsidy.

Laguna Coupe (2009 - )

Good: Good range of engines, 4Control four-wheel steer works well.

Bad: Centre console disappears under the dash for no good reason.

Master (2010 - )

Good: Bold new range of monocoque frame front and rear driver vans from the market leader. Economical new 2.3 litre chain cam diesel engine.

Bad: Double passenger seat squabs too short for long distance comfort.

Megane (2008 - )

Good: Soft riding, yet fine handling hatchback with superb steering.

Bad: Some interesting new engines, especially new low emission 1.6DCI 130. Less practical coupe better looking.

Megane Coupe (2009 - )

Good: Fine riding and handling and stunning looking coupe just £400 more than the five-door hatch.

Bad: Poor rear visibility, getting in and out of the back is hard work, fiddly stereo and sat nav system.

Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (2010 - )

Good: Stylish looks, impressive glass-panelled folding roof, comfortable and relaxing to drive, good quality interior, useable boot space, refined even with the roof down.

Bad: Fiddly sat nav and stereo, fairly pointless rear seats, emissions and fuel consumption of top dCi 160 on the high side.

Megane Renaultsport (2009 - )

Good: Excellent combination of smooth power, good steering, surefootedness and ride quality, even on 19" wheels with 235/35 tyres. Top of the class.

Bad: Gearchange its only jarring feature. Not as good as the rest of the car.

Megane Sport Tourer (2009 - )

Good: Stylish station wagon of 2009 Megane, with same range of low CO2 engines, decent handling and steering, versatile interior.

Bad: Surprisingly for a rep's car, no cupholders.

Scenic (2009 - )

Good: Third generation Scenic ticks all the boxes, comfortable for seven, great chain-cam water-cooled petrol turbo 1.4 TCe 130 engine. Brilliant new chain-cam1.6DCI 130 diesel engine from mid 2011.

Bad: 2.0 dCi torque a bit disappointing.

Trafic (2010 - )

Good: The most popular van of its size in Europe. Makes a very useful 9 seater bus in 5,182mm length. Now has Renault 2.0 chain cam diesel. Robotised manual option.

Bad: Slightly harder and harsher than Peugeot/Citroen's Expert/Despatch.