Chloe Fraser reviews the 2011 Renault Mégane Hatch Privilege. Released in October 2010 the Renault Mégane Hatch Privilege adds style to the market niche.
Renault has a reputation for producing some of the most unique looking cars, however, recently, Renault has released a new range with a re-vamped and more contemporary style, including the Megane Hatch.
While creating a more elegant and appealing look, the Renault Megane has kept some of distinctive features. Coming in the standard range of colours and trims, the Megane retains an edgy exterior with a sleek hatch and striking bonnet. With a sunroof and 17 inch alloy wheels as standard, this car certainly starts ticking the boxes.
The interior is decked out with leather trimmed seats, however, its dash and center console areas are rather basic, excluding the ever so helpful GPS. The digital speedometer is something that is very handy to p-platers to ensure they’re doing the correct speed and something about the re-design of the interior gives the Megane a sporty feel.
Storage inside is not a priority, with bottle holders awkwardly in the door and only one bottle holder is available in the center console area, only once you remove the holder for the GPS remote. However, the boot provides a large storage space. Equipped with Bluetooth, 4 speakers and AUX input with USB connection, the Megane certainly has all the connectivity and music facilities.
One thing I did find, once in the Renault, was that it was not very user friendly. Many of the buttons took a lot of fiddling with to understand their use and locating the correct buttons became a task! The multi function stalk behind the steering wheel in particular was difficult to get used to and it took a while to work out how to change radio stations from AM to FM.
Despite some negatives, the all important thing is the Megane provides a very comfortable and safe ride for all passengers. With ESP, ABS, dual, front, side and curtain airbags provide maximum safety. The Megane also boasts cruise control, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors make driving the Megane that much easier.
The Megane Privilege is powered by a 2.0L 4 cylinder petrol engine with CVT transmission which only uses around 7.9L/100km and has a maximum torque of 195Nm and delivers 103KW of power. The power is not sporty but provides a smooth and quiet ride. Handling in relatively good for the class with the light steering a little lacking in feel but allowing the driver to manage the car with ease.
With a starting price of $33,323, some may begin to question whether the Renault Megane is value for money. The Renault Megane leaves you with mixed feelings as it exudes class in many areas but some basic use of functions dont translate well to the Australian driver. Renault is trying hard to make their car more appealing to the modern day Australian market and they certainly are on the road to achieving this.
The exterior is incredibly attractive and the Megane boasts many premium features as standard including the GPS and sunroof. However, Renault have a bit further to go in combining their superior exterior with their interior and ensuring the car is user friendly for all drivers.
With the Megane hatch Renault have created a car that is moving leaps and bounds in the right direction however, the pricing is still unachievable for p-platers and doesn’t necessarily reflect value. It is however affordable for trendy inner city couples for example and would make an excellent vehicle for them.
P-Plate Positives:
1. The Megane, while becoming more streamline and tame in its appearance, has kept its distinctive looks to create the best of both worlds, resulting in a very attractive car.
2. This small little car provides a comfortable ride for every passenger and good boot space.
3. It’s jam-packed with loads of standard features that most cars have as optional including the GPS, sunroof and 17 inch alloy wheels.
P-Plate Negatives:
1. The lack of ease to navigate around the car creates a few problems as its not very user friendly, which incorporates its lack of storage.
2. Its price is quite out of the most teenagers price range, however is is cheaper than its competitors like the VW Golf.
Rating: 3 out of 5