Overall rating:

The Mégane Coupé often gets overlooked (unless it's in range-topping Renaultsport guise) and on this evidence that's a gross injustice. It still looks fresh, and hides a basic chassis that can put some more expensive rivals to shame. Add the brilliant turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine to the mix and there really is plenty to recommend the stylish Renault for.

Key Facts

Model tested: Renault Mégane Coupé Dynamique TomTom TCe 115
Pricing: £18,825
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Hyundai Veloster, Vauxhall Astra GTC, Volkswagen Scirocco
CO₂ emissions: 119g/km
Combined economy: 50.4mpg
Top speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 10.9 seconds
Power: 115hp at 4,500rpm
Torque: 190Nm at 2,000rpm

Inside & Out:

Every generation of Mégane has stood out from the crowd, and while this model isn't as controversial as its big-bottomed predecessor it is still distinctive. The recent facelift makes for an even bolder front-end, and the sleek roofline really does look more coupé than hatchback.

The sloping roofline and tiny rear windows mean the rear seats are particularly claustrophobic though, and the boot still has a chunky lip for items to be carried over. Up front the swooping dashboard follows the same lines as the exterior, and in general the materials used are good quality - though not on a par with its VAG Group rivals. By far the biggest annoyances are the digital speedometer display and stereo controls that are the very definition of fiddly.

Ride & Handling:

The Mégane, regardless of version, has always had a chassis that's felt light on its feet - and the good news is that this 1.2 TCe Coupé is no different. Certainly when compared to the leaden Vauxhall Astra GTC or even the talented Volkswagen Scirocco the Renault feels like it's a good few hundred kilos lighter.

Direction changes are quick and fuss free, though without the sports suspension of the GT line and Renaultsport models it does roll a little through the bends. The payoff is a nod back towards the kind of ride quality the French were once famous for. It's entirely neutral and faithful to your inputs, and combined with the front end grip proves that you don't need to buy a sports car to have fun from behind the wheel.

If anything lets it down it's the overly-light steering, while the view out of the rear window is almost non-existent.

Engine & Transmission:

It's a great little unit this 1.2-litre petrol engine, producing 115hp with a rev-happy nature. Admittedly if you push it towards the top end of its limits the noise does encroach a little, but with only 190Nm available you have little choice - even if stirring the six-speed manual gearbox isn't exactly a pleasure.

Still, it provides strong performance, dragging the pretty coupé from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds; it may not sound very quick but remember that tiny engine also promises to provide over 50mpg. Admittedly the Renault is at its best around town or on gentler flowing A-roads, but it rarely struggled with any of our demands.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

And though the £18,825 list price seems relatively sizable, the Astra GTC with a 1.4 Turbo engine costs £20,450 and that's before you add the £855 satnav. Look towards the Scirocco and you'll need at least £1,000 more for the basic model - though the Volkswagen has stronger residuals than either. Thankfully the recent facelift of the Renault also added some extras to the standard-kit list including TomTom satnav, LED daylight running lights, air conditioning, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless entry.