2016 Renault Megane Sport Tourer dCi 130 Dynamique S Nav first drive

What is it?

Here we have the distinctive fourth-generation Mégane in more practical Sport Tourer form. Since the last-generation version appeared on our roads, the C-segment estate class has been infiltrated by newcomers, most notably the Seat Leon ST, which, like the Leon  hatch, ticks many boxes. The new load-lugging Mégane has some ground to make up, then.

Behind its distinctive nose, you’ll find a selection of four engines from which to choose at launch. They are two petrols and two diesels, including the Renault Sport-tweaked 202bhp turbocharged petrol engine, which is mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel steering. However, our slightly less energetic test car comes with the 128bhp 1.6-litre diesel mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Renault will expand the Mégane’s engine range in 2017, with a more powerful diesel and a hybrid assist powertrain joining the fray. The latter will pair Renault’s 108bhp 1.5-litre dCi unit with an electric motor.

The new Sport Tourer dimensions is slightly longer than its predecessor but remains the same width, while Renault has gone to great lengths to give its new estate a more aggressive stance. It has achieved this by lowering the suspension and revising its geometry to reduce the roofline by 20mm, as well as widening the front and rear tracks.

Inside, the Mégane Sport Tourer is similar to the hatchback. It features Renault’s R-Link 2 infotainment system, with a higher-specification unit, which uses an 8.7in portrait touchscreen display, fitted to pricier trim levels. The rear seats have also been revised, with leg and knee room all being improved thanks to an 11mm extension of the wheelbase over that of the old Mégane.

The boot, however, comes with 521 litres of space available with the seats up, which makes it less capacious than the outgoing version.

What's it like?

Renault's 1.6-litre diesel engine is surprisingly inaudible, even during a cold start on our sub-zero test drive, and remains so until you exceed 3000rpm, at which point it goes from grumbling to clattering as you rise through the rev range. There's plentiful torque to exploit from as little as 1400rpm, making painless work of getting up to speed and carrying out safe overtakes. Progress is further aided by the relatively slick six-speed manual gearbox.

The Mégane's steering is light and precise, making it easy to turn in and judge how much lock is needed. It's relatively numb, however, which, in addition to pronounced body roll, means it's not as engaging to drive as some of its closest rivals.

However, out on rutted British roads, the Mégane does a remarkably good job of providing a cosseting ride. Only larger potholes cause thuds and vibrations to pass through the cabin, and it never loses its composure outright.

Inside, everything is logically laid out. Our mid-spec Dynamique S Nav test car sported a decent amount of soft-touch plastics and premium-feeling trim materials, with the lower-rent plastics left mainly out of sight.  

Space is good, too, with plenty of room and adjustment for the front passengers. The rear seats provide ample knee room for even tall adults, but head and shoulder space is at more of a premium given the slightly sloping roofline.