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.
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CO2 levels? Really?
For a 130bhp diesel they're talking 128g/km - Vauxhall will sell you a new Astra Sports Tourer of 101g/km.
If you're a company car driver it's a no brainer - the Vauxhall is cheaper on the P11D and much lower on the CO2 - which means far less tax.
Nope
For £2,000 LESS
Life's to short sometimes to worry about a few hundred quid over 3 years