Small family carIntroduced: 1996, major overhaul July 1999, discontinued end of 2002.
Bodystyles: Five-door hatchback, coupé, saloon, Scenic MPV, cabriolet, roadster
Prices: from £1000; coupé from £1500, Scenic from £2500, cabriolet from £3000; facelifted 1999 models from £2500, Scenic from £5000, coupé from £3500, cabriolet from £5500
4car rating: 
The Megane is: comfortable, roomy and cheap to run, as well as being a nice-looking alternative to a Focus or an Astra. Now that the all-new, radically-styled model has gone on sale, prices for this still fashionable generation are going down, and pre-1999 cars are now very cheap indeed. The coupé is distinctive and fun to drive, even if it's not the sportiest coupé around, and the Scenic was a pioneer when first launched, effectively defining the compact MPV genre, though the saloon is none too pretty and is a very rare sight in the UK. There's also the four-wheel drive Scenic RX4, a semi-off-roader. The convertibles (a four-seat and a two-seat roadster) were also sold in very small numbers. This version of the Scenic continues on sale new, and will be superceded in September 2003.
For: A good compromise between performance and economy, good safety provision, value for money
Against: The cabins are on the cheap side and of questionable quality, especially in pre-'99 cars; not the most entertaining car in the class to drive
Sum-up: The mainstream Meganes aren't quite as accomplished all-rounders as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, but they're usually cheaper and better-equipped, and are deservedly popular.
Model rundown and history:The Megane replaced the 19, though under the skin it was not that mechanically dissimilar. From launch, the three-door Coupé and five-door hatch were offered, in RN (1.4e), RT and RXE trim. RN models have power steering, driver airbag, sunroof and optional ABS and passenger airbag. RT models add remote central locking and optional front electric windows, alarm and air conditioning - standard on velour-trimmed RXE. Larger-engined RT models got standard electric windows in July 1996, and RXE hatchbacks gained alloy wheels. The Scenic compact MPV joined the range in May '97; RT models have twin manual sunroofs and electric front windows, and RXE versions have electric rear windows, roof rails, air conditioning, alloy wheels. Cabriolet launched July '97, with 1.6e or 2.0 16v engines; 2.0 16v model has power hood. Also available with 'Roadbox' conversion, which makes it a two-seater. Coupé 1.6 Sport has alloy wheels, front fog lamps and rear spoiler. Minor revisions in June 1998, with restyled grille, bumpers and headlamps, standard ABS, twin front airbags, central locking and electric front windows; upgraded equipment all round. New spec levels in April 1999 - Liberte, Alize, Sport, Sport Alize and Monaco, the latter with leather upholstery. Revised models launched September 1999, with restyled front end, standard front and side airbags, new engines. Spec levels relabelled for 2001: Authentique, Expression and Expression+ (standard kit including remote central locking), Sport, Dynamique and Dynamique+ (including front fog lamps, rear spoiler, alloy wheels), Privilege and Privilege+ (alcantara upholstery, air conditioning; coupé and cabriolet models have leather upholstery). Final revisions for 2002 gave every model double-optic headlamps and front fog lamps, uprated exterior trim, part-leather upholstery instead of alcantara, and new dark grey dashboards with aluminium-effect trim.
Meganes to buy: The 1999 revisions brought a new grille, some revised engines, standard ABS and twin front and side airbags and a much-upgraded interior. The 1.9 dTi and dCi direct-injection diesels are refined and lively (the dCis are the newest versions) and both the 1.8 and 2.0 16v petrol engines are usefully quick and pleasant. Metallic paint is preferred, although coupés in the matt bright yellow are very popular.
Meganes to avoid: The 1.4 16v petrol engine is smooth and powerful enough to make the 1.6-litre uneccessary - don't pay too much extra for a 1.6. The old 1.4e and 1.6e 8-valve models are pretty slow, as is the 1.9D. The direct-injection petrol 2.0 16v IDE engine was quickly replaced by the 2.0 VVT, suggesting probems - it is more complicated to maintain. The heavier Scenic needs an engine larger than the 1.6e to propel it along, and Scenics without air conditioning or ABS are difficult to sell.
Buying the best Megane: Renault dealers are keen to shift these old-shape models, so will be open to negotiation; their cars will come with a full Renault-backed warranty. The independents and car supermarkets also have plenty in stock, and there are no end of hatchbacks, coupés and Scenics for sale in the private ads. Look for a low-mileage car with a full, documented history - although the Megane has been reasonably reliable on the whole, there have been problems with electrical faults, oil leaks, poor starting and ignition, dodgy auto 'boxes, leaky heater/coolant systems and head gasket failure, and poor paint quality. Make sure you get a good one.
Engines and performance:(all figures for hatchback models)
Petrol:1.4e 8v (95bhp): 105mph, 0-60 14.3 sec, 39.6mpg
1.4 16v (95bhp): 113mph, 0-60 10.8 sec, 42.8mpg
1.6e 8v (90bhp): 116mph, 0-60 11.3sec, 41.7mpg
1.6 16v (110bhp): 121mph, 0-60 9.8sec, 40.4mpg
1.8 16v (120bhp): 124mph, 0-60 8.9 sec, 36.5mpg
2.0 8v (115bhp): 122mph, 0-60 9.7 sec, 33.3mpg
2.0 16v (150bhp): 133mph, 0-60 8.6 sec, 36.7mpg
2.0 16v IDE (140bhp, direct-injection): 132mph, 0-60 8.6 sec, 37.2mpg
2.0 16v VVT: no data
Diesels:1.9D (65bhp): 99mph, 0-60 16.5 sec, 45.5mpg
1.9 dTi (80bhp, 2001-): 108mph, 0-60 12.8 sec, 51.4mpg
1.9 dT (95bhp): 111mph, 0-60 12.3 sec, 46.8mpg
1.9 DTi (100bhp): 114mph, 0-60 12 sec, 54.3mpg
1.9 dCi (105bhp): 118mph, 0-60 11.5 sec, 54.3mpg
