Full review by
redrebo
on 6th Jun 2007
User Rating : 8
Respect :
0
Good Points: Fun. Adventure! And really wild things! That is what I had in mind when I was handed over the 'carte' for a Renault Megane Classic 1.6. I said to myself, this is a car I wanted to drive for so long. So, let's see: The card, or 'Carte Renault', has three buttons: one to unlock the vehicle, one to unlock the boot, and one to resecure the vehicle. Handy, but wait! The car is open, so I slide into my seat, and slide the card into the dashboard! 'Yuppee, I'm gonna enjoy this, I've been waiting for this for so long', I thought.
Well, it took me about ten minutes to figure out how to start the car because in the excitement, I overlooked the dashboard message saying clearly: 'Press Brake Pedal + Start to start Engine'. The all electric works which run across the windows, the rear view mirrors, and semi-electronic A/C make many tasks easy, and the seats are pretty comfortable. Plenty of airbags to withhold the comfort even through accidents, and strong fog lamps are there to help you prevent the latter. The RDS radio K7 player has controls on the steering column. But what I really, really, really liked, was the power steering, which kicked in even before the engine started (this is Renault's Electrically Assisted Steering!). And the engine is just marvelous on the highway! It offers cup holders if you are the sort of person to have breakfast in your car, plenty of storage space with empty pockets throughout doors, and a moderately sized refrigerated glove box. The acceleration is not brutal but the 1.6 does have plenty to say. And the ABS certainly proves useful and present. The console looks very modern and if you are an airplane pilot, you might want to be careful with the throttle control because that's really the handbrake! You might want to stick a post it note somewhere on the dashboard to remind you.
Well, all in all, once you get over the excitement of starting the car with the button, you suddenly find out that this car is very ordinary. Not to say that it isn't good, because it really is! And for a reason!
Bad Points: The fuel economy isn't to be stressed on, but then again this is a 1.6 sedan and the performance does match. The shape isn't one of this car's drawbacks, but it isn't one of its selling points either. I was disappointed the car didn't have alloy wheels. The handbrake shape is quite different and takes some getting used to. I personally found it a bit sluggish in handling. But some people love it, so I guess it's a matter of opinion?
Well, let us try to be moderate here: I really tried hard, but I couldn't really see anything major to whine about! Renault have upped standards!
General comments: All in all, provided you are a sane person who likes to drive smoothly, this petrol Megane is perfect for midtown, out of town, or long journey trips. The boot offers plenty of luggage space and five adults can still enjoy some level of comfort inside this saloon. The 3 headrests in the back do not promise 3 full seats and the leg space won't be enjoyed by basketball players. Well, tall basketball players. I enjoyed driving this car as a matter of fact even though it takes some getting used to before you feel comfortable just starting the engine every morning. But once you're through with that, you might suddenly discover that you found yourself a new love, 'A la carte!'
redrebo's review and ratings | 593 words
