2004 Renault Megane Sport Tourer Dynamique from UK and Ireland - Comments

As a type this, I find myself actually trying to think of one more reason to go and have another drive in the Renault Megane Sport Tourer currently parked on my driveway. I've already been out to fill it with fuel, get some milk and take the dog for a walk. What can I dream up next?

That's how good this car is.

To set the scene, I am towards the end of one of the most important times in any company car driver's life - the 3-yearly car research project. This usually starts about a year before the change, and involves getting as many test-drives as possible out of the lease company!

I am in the market for a family diesel estate, having thoroughly enjoyed driving a VW Bora Tdi 115bhp for 3 years. With growing children and 2 dogs, an estate was the obvious choice this time. But I really wanted the refinement of a VW. Oh another thing - money is a bit tight, so I need to consider the cost.

My first thought was a BMW 320d ES Touring. I tried one for a week and loved it. With a "Euro 4" diesel engine, it only attracted a 15% tax burden which grought it within reach. But in the end I couldn't live with the heavy springy clutch. I then tried a Mondeo TDCI 130 which had lighter clutch and a "Euro 4" compliant engine also attracting 15% tax. I had virtually decided on this excellent car when I decided to check out the new Megane Sport Tourer.

So why am I so impressed? In the main, it's this car's refinement that sells it to me. Wind it up to 80mph and it just remains as hushed and quiet as anything I've tried - including the BMW. It also has less clatter at start-up and although slightly less sprightly than either the Mondeo or BMW is entertaining enough to give a rewarding drive. But it's this quietness that keeps impressing you as you drive. You come to a bit of road that you're used to hearing through the tyres and there's no change. You can hold a perfectly normal conversation at 80,90 and it doesn't get any noisier. Virtually no wind noise either.

Back in the town driving, it is infinitely more easy to drive than the BMW. The steering is light and the clutch/gear lever combination just right to smoothly pull out of junctions. Judging the biting point is second nature, rather than a constant challenge in the BMW.

Then there's the space. Rear legroom is on a par with the Mondeo a class above. This is because the wheelbase has been stretched from the standard Megane. I proved this by parking next to a Mondeo - and the Megane is only fractionally shorter. At the front, room is not a problem, and there's loads of storage too - air-conditioned glove box, center storage box that actually doesn't inhibit the drivers elbow when changing gear, CD storage in each front door, the list goes on and on. The boot is large and square with useful storage under the floor too.

And it looks gorgeous from all angles. Inside, gone are the garish fabrics I have previously associated with French cars, instead it's understated yet fresh and modern.

Build quality is also excellent. Shut the tailgate, and you get no tinny bang, just a reassuring thud. The other doors are the same, and everything from the steering wheel to the indicator stalks all feel high quality.

It's full of thoughtful touches. Keyless starting might appear a bit of a gimmick, but is actually rather good. My car has the optional "remote card" option, which means you just walk up to the car and it "knows" you are there. Open a door, and it unlocks and opens because you have the card on your person. Neat huh? And then you just sit down, put your foot on the brake, and press the start button. It's particularly good for Diesel drivers, as the car works out exactly when to start the car once the glow-plugs have warmed to the optimum point. It does this whilst you are putting on your seatbelt.

There's something else I want to point out. When you're driving on a motorway due north or south in the winter, the sun is often beating straight in through the side-windows. This car copes with this really well. Firstly, there's rear side sun-blinds for the kids (standard), and the driver's sun visor actually blocks the whole side window, something very few cars seem to do these days.

Safety is outstanding. Every airbag you can think of (including curtain bags), plus all the doors lock as you pull away and stay locked even if you stop at lights, until you open a door from the inside.

Performance is great, so what ore my niggles?

Not many really. The front seats could have more height adjustment; I'd like to be just a bit lower. And the driver's sun visor needs a cover for the mirror. The brakes on my car squeaked a bit too, but it has only done 180 miles from new. That might also explain the 42mpg I've been averaging. I was expecting something nearer 50mpg which I regularly managed in the VW Bora. Perhaps this will come as the car loosens up.

My decision has now become a really tough one. I May well decide on this Renault over the Mondeo. If it had an E4 compliant engine - I wouldn't hesitate.

Good review,

I too am considering this Car when I replace my current 1.9dci Scenic.

Whilst getting said Scenic serviced recently I took a quick look at the Megane tourer and was very impressed, apparantly it has more room inside than the Laguna tourer!

Might just test drive it now...

Good and reassuring review.

I've had my Megane Tourer for just a few days now (incidentally, it is called Grandtour here in Poland).

First impressions are more or less the same: a very enjoyable car, but squeky breaks and appetite for fuel dampen the joys of the honeymoon a little. My dealer says it will cure itself out of it very shortly. I hope it will.

Otherwise, it is a real charger and overtaking is a pleasure even with the power of the 1.9 dCi still to be fully developed.

The suspension could be just a little bit softer and the front seats a little longer and more thigh-supportive.

And there is a certain feeling of crampiness in the front, perhaps caused by the large expanse of the well-designed, but slightly intruding cockpit.

The squeaking brake problem is something I found on my 52 reg megane dynamique and was only solved recently by the dealership replacing the brake pads and adjusting the arm that the pad moves along (at least that is how they explained it). The problem I was having was to do with moving away - the brake pads were dragging on the disc making a horrendous racket all the way up to about 25 mph. Anyway it is all fixed now and I love my car!

I have just purchased the Megane Saloon 1.6 vvt Privilege and I love it. When driving around I get quite a few baffled looks from Megane hatch drivers as it look quite different from the hatch. It's also quite a bit longer as the tourer is and look huge from some angle.

So far only done 600 miles, but no problems so far and I love it. The CD player is much superior to my BMW's and even sat in the back it is brilliant.

I think all the extras are great and the whole car is very good value for money. Only have one problem with paint runs on one of the passenger doors so need to get that sorted. My car was imported by Freeway so managed to get 27% off the list price so paid around £11 grand for a top of the range car - not bad eh? Hope nothing drops off during the tree year warranty.

Renault megane sport tourer dynamique 1.9dci

having took delivery of vehicle in September 04 was immediately impressed with cars equipment, comfort and quietness at any speed. have found fuel economy very good and love all the toys like key less entry, automatic headlights etc. the vehicle was ordered with the optional handling pack.problems-have found the rear of vehicle very skittish on corners at various speeds feels like it is skipping to the side. also think the suspension very soft. has anyone else experienced this problem or is it just me!

I have owned a megane (bought brand new in nov 2003), thought about a golf, bit too expensive for what I wanted the car for (driving school). 1.5dci. Great Engine, pulls in pupils because of the unique shape of the car.

When I read all the reports of the car, on this website, and other motoring magazines, they are so false, they only have the car for a few days.

My megane has been back in the dealer for:

Start Stop button not working correctly (twice)

Wouldn't start, AA didn't know what was wrong, got towed to the renault dealer-took them 4 days to get a battery!!

Took 10 days to fix in all, including a new wiring loom!!

(I could go on about this one incident for hours, but it would get so boring going on how bad the aftersales service is at Renault)!!

The bonnet stay arm has snapped off about 25 times (no joke)!!

The key card doesn't open the boot anymore, don't forget the car is 53 plate!!

The airbag system has finished working, due to a water leak from the passenger front door, water leaking in and airbag lights flashing on the dashboard, thinks it needs another wiring loom (car in Renault as we speak)!!

Couldnt get car fixed in any dealer in my local area within a 2 week period!!

Had to take my car over the Severn Bridge, from Wales to England, to get it looked at quickly!!

Even then Renault have sent the wrong part to the dealer, took 2 days longer than expected (hopefully, could be longer)!!

Should of bought that VW!!

OK, gonna be honest, the car has 55k on it, hard worked in a short time, still no excuse, NEVER AGAIN!!

I've got a 1.5 dCi 108PS Dynamique Sport Tourer on order as my next company car. Was very impressed with the car's refinement and comfort, not to mention the performance from what is a tiny diesel engine. This is quicker and more refined than my Focus TDCi (100PS) and that's a 1.8!

My only concern is reliability and durability. I do 30-40k a year over 3 years. The Focus has been faultless and still drives beautifully. I can't help feeling that French build quality and particularly electrics are maybe not quite to the same standard. I feel the car itself is good enough to warranty taking the risk however.

Renault Megane Sports Tourer

Thinking of buying one of these to replace my vauxhall zafira. Like the looks and price, but have heard horror stories about reliability (partic. electrics and ignition system)

Are people still having problems with later cars (55 plate on)? I am looking at a 1.6 vvt, anyone any idea what it's real world mpg is (I know its quoted as 40 combined, but what are people getting around town?)

Thanks all.

I'm currently driving the Renault M2 1.6 lit. (A). It was great initially for the first year, but somehow, in Singapore, due to its all year round tropical weather, the car tend to slack a little in performance. Especially when the weather is hot, 33 deg Celcius, car is panting for Breath!! However when its on a rainy day with temp outside at 22 deg celcius, it's extremly light and smooth.

This car has lots of ignition coil problems plus Oxygen sensors problems as well, I guess it could be due to its engine design, climatic issues again, size wise, ht wise, is excellent. It will be much better if it comes in a 2.0 lit. version, at least it compliment its weight.

1.275 tons Estate, 1.270 tons for a saloon.

Whoever is going for this range, I would highly recommend to check and test the car thoroughly before owning it.