2003 Renault Megane Sports Tourer Elegance review from Sweden

Had to replace battery.

I really like the styling, it looks so good. Quite sporty in apperaance, despite being a station wagon/estate.

Interior feels good, great to touch and feels like it is of higher quality than in my previous Laguna Ph2 from 1999. Colours are easy on the eye, controls and ergonomics great.

Equipment level is high, with automatic wipers, cruise control and speed limiter, climate control, electric windows in all doors. Standard stereo seemed a bit poor at first, but when I added the Renault original iPod adapter, the sound that comes from my iPod through the factory stereo is simply great.

Seats are well formed and driver's seat has an adjustable lumbar support. They are not as soft as french seats used to be, they feel comfortable when on a long journey.

Riding and handling is great, it runs smooth and I like the relaxed and stable steering. It's not so communicative, but then this is not a sports car. I enjoy driving this car, I feel relaxed.

The 1.6 16V petrol engine has enough power for fast overtakes, but I am a bit disappointed with sound levels. It revs 3000 rpm in 100 km/h and that is a bit high, so the motor is a bit noisy - but road and tyre noise is very low and the car feels very solid built together.

Interior space is average for this size of car, neither better nor worse than the competition (Focus, Stilo MW, Opel Astra).

I like this car, but I would welcome a 6th gear or a higher gearing to the 5th - to lower the engine sound at motorway speed.