12 Apr 07
The hot diesel Megane is a strong performer - it'll tackle the 0-62mph acceleration in just 8.3secs, lagging some way behind the petrol 225's time of 6.5secs, but the diesel is actually quicker going from 50 to 75mph. This makes for impressive overtaking ability, thanks to that high amount of torque available from a low 2,000rpm.
It also means you can happily leave the six-speed 'box in third or fourth and blast down roads at a fair lick without having to continually cog-swap - something which the rev-happy Clio 197 should take note of. Just plant the throttle and the torque does its work, pulling you out of corners with minimal fuss.
There's no torque steer to be felt through the steering wheel, and the standard stability control system doesn't come into play unless you've done something very stupid - which can mean only one thing: the chassis is very well sorted indeed. It's been tweaked to account for the extra weight of the diesel lump under the bonnet, so it doesn't feel nose heavy on the road. The brakes are strong too - meaty four-pot Brembo brakes nestle behind the alloys, available in 17" and 18".
Altogether, it's a pretty swift way to blast through the scenery. It provides a very surefooted drive, but leaves you somehow wanting more. Whereas the petrol hot Meganes are an absolute blast, with their punchy turbocharged engines gagging to be thrashed to the nth degree, the diesel can run out of puff quite quickly. Low- and mid-range performance is very good, but it's at the top end where the diesel misses the mark.
