What is it?

This is the estate or 'Sport Tourer' version of the new Mégane; one of seven new Renault models to debut in Geneva. The front-end styling is the same as on the five-door hatchback and the estate body, with its sloping rear end and tapering glasshouse, is a neat and well integrated design.

A range of petrol and diesel engines are offered; including Renault's new TCe 130 petrol engine. This is a turbocharged 1.4-litre motor with 128bhp; no fuel economy or emissions claims have been made as yet, but the same engine in the Scenic returns almost 40mpg and 168g/km. A range of other units are offered from an 85bhp version of the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel to a 178bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Performance figures and full prices will be announced before sales start in August.

Why is it here?

As part of the expanding Mégane range. Renault has done a thorough job of turning the hatchback into a load carrier. To increase the load space the wheelbase is stretched and the rear overhang extended. The result is a 524-litre boot that can be extended to 1,595-litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat can also be stowed allowing objects of up to 2,550mm length to be carried.

The other big news from Renault at Geneva was the introduction of the first sub-£500 integrated navigation system. The Carminat TomTom system has a 5.8-inch screen and is designed to be easy to use. With data stored on an SD card Renault claims it is simple to keep the navigation system up to date with the latest maps. The updated Clio and new Scenic are also available with the same system.

Show stopper or floor filler?

It might not be a true show-stopper, but the new Mégane Sport Tourer is an important model for Renault. It looks good and has a range of engines that promise decent performance with good economy and low emissions. We will find out this summer how the Sport Tourer behaves on the road.

John Lambert - 10 Mar 2009