2003 Renault Megane dCi review from Australia and New Zealand

There was no battery included with the ignition card. Security system was not operable.

Rear hatch didn't close properly.

I leased this through Renault whilst in Europe. You actually own the car when you lease it, with Renault buying it back at the end of the lease.

This was a very nice car with loads of extras. 6 speed manual (I used the 6th gear once at 170kph), automatic windscreen wipers, automatic lights, 6 stacker CD system, 16" alloys, storage spaces throughout, keyless start & entry, cruise control, stereo stalk on the steering wheel.

The ride was firmish on country French roads, handling was like a go cart. Autoroute travel was comfortable. The perfect mix! Leather steering wheel was superb.

Overall build quality was excellent, no niggling rattles or gaps. Although the rear hatch was difficult to keep closed, tending to stay open occasionally.

As it was a diesel, I could not "wind it out" as with a petrol driven motor, however it did get up and go. Driving in towns and cities I forgot it was a diesel, the whir of the turbo being the only give away.

Autoroute cruising was a breeze, the gearing is relatively high and the 1.9 turbo keeps it motoring along. Whilst it doesn't throw you back in your seat, it does seem to get to top speed quickly. The 6th gear would only be good for the German Autobahn, I used it once briefly on the Auroute.

Braking was good.

No problems with the electrics apart from the language barrier with the onboard computer. Annoying beeper when seat belt wasn't fastened.

The interior is fabulously designed (although better quality carpet would have been preferred), seats are fantastic, as is the retro- exterior which has the typical Renault "Love it or hate it" appeal.