Renault Coupe

The Renault Megane Coupe is quite a different proposition to the regular five-door Megane hatchback. It does share some parts with that car, but it’s actually a far sleeker, more seductively styled machine and more closely aligned with cars like the Volkswagen Scirocco. The Megane Coupe mirrors the efforts of the competition to attract customers looking for style and indulgence over practicality and economy. It certainly looks the part and has a lot more visual appeal than the regular Megane. Inside, though, it’s broadly the same family hatchback, but it’s still worth mentioning that Renault interior quality has come on a great deal in recent years.

Here are three main lines to choose from, with the Dynamique Nav being the entry-level. Next comes the Limited Nav, then a sportier-looking version, the GT Line Nav. The GT 220 has not only sporty looks, but also the power and performance to match them, thanks to a 220bhp Renaultsport engine, with chassis, steering and brakes uprated to match. Engine choices begin with a 1.2-litre 115bhp petrol with a manual gearbox, rising to 130bhp if ordered as an automatic. The other petrol choice is the 220bhp Renaultsport 2.0-litre engine, which is only available in the GT 220.

Although this is the entry-level model, it still has air-conditioning and sat nav, while performance is good thanks to the gutsy engine. The Megane Coupe has never been subjected to Euro NCAP crash testing separately from the hatchback, but the regular Megane holds a four-star safety rating, missing out on a fifth star in part because some rivals have additional electronic safety systems.