Renault Megane (2016 – 2022) Review

Renault Megane (2016 – 2022) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Renault Megane does most things competently enough, but it’s not a rival for the very best in the small hatchback class.

+Good cabin quality. Superb touchscreen infotainment set-up. Very well equipped. Quiet diesel engines.

-Lower specification models have a dull cabin. GT model isn’t very exciting.

Insurance Groups are between 14–27
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The Renault Megane has always been a big player in the compact hatchback class, yet this generation struggled to make a strong case for itself. Good in most areas, it just didn’t excel anywhere, which is a problem when faced with rivals such as the big-selling Ford Focus, sporty SEAT Leon and redoubtable Volkswagen Golf. Read on for our full Renault Megane review.

The fourth-generation Renault Megane constituted the most evolutionary update the French company has ever given its family hatchback.

The company played things safe, aiming to avoid controversy and instead giving used buyers the sort of conservative solidity that has made the Volkswagen Golf so consistently popular.

The outside looks fine, but the interior doesn’t quite follow suit, although things get better as you move up the trims.

A Renault Megane in Dynamique+ spec or above is furnished with a delightful 8.7-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation, similar to the one you’ll find in a Volvo XC90 or a Tesla. And unlike so many infotainment screens, this one is easy to use.

However, lower level Renaullt Megane models make do with a smaller touchscreen, and the most basic get plain old-fashioned buttons.

Elsewhere, the Renault Megane gets the basics right. It has a highly adjustable seat and wheel, clear switchgear and low running costs. There’s a sense of solidity and quality inherent in the Renault Megane that’s a match for the mid-ranking rivals in this class, if not the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus.

Options such as a full colour head-up display, the aforementioned giant touchscreen and four-wheel steering were tempting when new. Even without these, the entire driving experience is generally refined.

The range of engines offers good efficiency – even the 205PS turbo engine of the GT model, which gets the car to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, emits just 134g/km of CO2.

The 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre dCi units both put out just 96g/km of CO2, returning averages of 76.4mpg and 68.9mpg respectively. The Renault Megane also rides well if you avoid the adjustable suspension tech.

And so, equipped with one of the diesels and with a specification that includes the fancy media system, the  Renault Megane makes for a very reasonably priced hatchback with a modern look and feel. It’s just not one to get excited about.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar's Renault Megane review.

Ask Honest John

Renault Megane - do I need to replace the timing chain?

"My 2017 Renault Megane 1.6 DCI Signature Nav is approaching 36,000 miles. Do I need to replace the timing belt/ chain?"
This engine uses a timing chain and is designed to last the life of the car. That should happen as long as you keep the oil clean with a change every 12,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Answered by Dan Powell

Can you suggest a family car for London and occasional longer drives?

"We have a maximum budget of £14,000 for a reliable, used SUV or estate with good economy and lots of space. We were originally drawn to the Renault Kadjar having hired them a few times, liking the panoramic roof, the great sound system, driving comfort and huge boot. But living in London we really want to avoid diesel cars. The real MPG/economy of the petrol Kadjar engines raised concerns. Ok for driving around London but worried the much longer runs to we regularly do would cost more than other more economical cars. We're finding it difficult to find something that fits our needs. Thanks."
It's a tricky one, but don't write off a diesel Kadjar. It might make sense, as long as you take it for a good run every 300 miles or so for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) to regenerate. It'll be ULEZ compliant and more efficient than a petrol on your trips further afield. If you do want a petrol, you'll probably have to swallow worse fuel economy. An estate like the Skoda Octavia might be a good compromise. You could also look at a Volkswagen Golf estate if you'd prefer a slightly plusher interior. Also look at the Renault Megane.
Answered by Andrew Brady

How long is it reasonable to wait for a replacement car?

"My Renault Megane was damaged in a car accident in February 2018 and treated as a write off March 2018. I was advised that a like for like replacement vehicle would be delivered to me within 8 - 10 weeks. It is now approaching 20 weeks and neither the insurance company or designated car supplier are returning my emails or calls. Is this length of time for a replacement normal and what can I do about it as being car less is a major disruption for me?"
The delay is likely down to the imposition of EU6d TEMP / WLTP emissions regs from 1st September 2018 and subsequently RDE emissions regs from September 2019. It has caught a lot of manufacturers out because reducing NOx tends to increase CO2 and if a manufacturer's corporate averaged CO2 exceeds 130g/km over a year the manufacturer gets fined. Raise a complaint with the insurer and contact the Financial Ombudsman Service to complain about these time scales and the cost incurred for being carless. Advise the insurer you wish to raise a chief executive complaint. If the car is not available, it does not come as a surprise, but they should be updating you, or making alternative suggestions or arrangements.
Answered by Tim Kelly

What's causing the heavy start on my Renault Megane?

"I've just bought a Renault Megane 1.6 petrol. When I start the engine, it starts but loses power at first. It needs a bit of accelerating to keep the engine running. I have changed the spark plugs already, but the problem still persists. Can anyone help with a bit of advice?"
Not sure what year but have assumed 2003 onwards. Would suggest that you remove and clean the throttle body (the throttle valve gets stuck because of deposits in the throttle body). This is a known fault on this engine.
Answered by Alan Ross
More Questions

What does a Renault Megane (2016 – 2022) cost?