What is it?
It's a diesel version of the recently revealed fourth-generation Renault Mégane.
Next generation Renault Megane Sports Tourer unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motorshow
Unlike the hotter GT version tested recently, which was replete with a 202bhp turbocharged petrol engine, dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel steering, this is a more conventional affair.
Behind that distinctive new nose you'll find a 1.6-litre diesel engine, badged Energy dCi 130, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
There's no trick four-wheel steer system here, which saves a little weight. Like the GT, however, it packs all-round disc brakes, MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the back.
It's likely to prove a more popular choice in the new range thanks to its low claimed emissions and fuel consumption - prominent factors for many a hatchback buyer, and of even more concern to company car drivers.
The 1.6-litre diesel reputedly emits 103g/km of CO2, for example. That means annual VED of just £20 and low company car tax. Fuel economy is similarly impressive, with a stated average of 70.6mpg. As always, though, your real-world figures may vary.
What's it like?
Key to the success of a hatchback is its ease of use. Anything that's finickity, a chore to drive or an ergonomic nightmare immediately drops down the class order, never to be seen in the best-seller lists again. Fortunately, the Renault has no major failings on this front.
Head out onto the road and you'll find it a fairly sweet-steering, smooth-riding hatchback. Sure, there's not a great deal of feedback through the wheel, but it's got plenty of grip and a tight turning circle.
The 1.6-litre diesel outputs a useful 129bhp and 236lb ft and, when you deploy all of that in earnest, it'll propel the Mégane from 0-62mph in 10.0sec. Decent in-gear pull makes motorway and cross-country work relatively effortless, too.
It's not the most refined diesel on the market, with a gruff note emanating through the bulkhead when loaded up or extended to its limits, but it's otherwise unobtrusive enough. Similarly, the six-speed manual 'box isn't the slickest around.
What is good is that it appears, in the real world, to be a frugal choice. Despite a wide mix of conditions and speeds on our test route, it returned 47mpg without effort. That would grant a 480-mile range on one tank.
Likewise, in terms of being a good hatchback, the Renault stacks up quite well inside. It's comfortable, there's lots of space both front and rear and its boot is bigger than that of a Volkswagen Golf. Practicality is bolstered further by big door pockets, a sensibly sized glovebox and myriad storage points.
Fit and finish is decent, too, with the only real detraction being some noticeable wind and suspension noise when on the move. The large tablet-like touchscreen is a little hit and miss, though. It looks smart and presents information clearly, but it can be reluctant to respond at times. It's likely to be an option on most models, mind, only appearing as standard on the flagship trims.
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Concerns
Maybe my reservation is a little out of date but there is nothing about this car that would make me want to consider it over say a Mazda 3 or Honda Civic, neither of which has quite the potential to break down.
Autocar, you really need to
It needs to be something more like: "Of course, your real-life usage of the car will not match these figures". Autocar gives the impression that we could possibly get 70.6mpg ("your real-world figures may vary") when we all know that this would be practically impossible.
The best that can be said for the current tests is that they provide a measure for comparison between cars. The absolute figures, on the other hand, are meaningless.
47
Megane again
Megane again