Our Renault Megane long-termer tells a tale of two technologies that offer very different experiences for the driver.

One adheres to the Renault mantra of ‘different for better’s sake’ and uses cutting-edge hands-free technology to make the Megane a really hassle-free car.

The key is simply replaced with a keycard that you keep in your pocket.

When you walk up to the car and pull the door handle it unlocks and opens.

Climb in and press the ‘stop/start’ button and it works.

Climb out and walk away and it automatically locks.

However, the TomTom system, which sits in a plastic housing out of keeping with the quality of the rest of car, is a step backwards in my view, with none of the touch-screen useability or portability that makes TomToms so useful.

And for some inexplicable reason, the exhaust pipe ends a foot before the back of the car, so when it chuffs out diesel smoke, the fumes seep forward into the air vents. A different approach is needed in future.