Positive feedback from all sections of the media suggests the latest version of the Clio is all set to be a success in the showrooms.

But the next model range up from the smart new supermini is also playing a major role in the campaign to revive buyer confidence in Renault.

With a significant upgrade in quality backed by a few deft modifications to its flowing style lines, the Megane is winning fresh respect for the beleaguered French car manufacturer. Its latest engine line-up is also gaining renewed interest from fleet buyers – probably the most significant targets in the battle for sales.

Faced with ever-rising costs, business motorists are now paying even greater attention to vehicles that are genuinely versatile and can deliver improvements in operating economy and so far in our long term test, there’s a lot to commend the performance of the Megane Sport Tourer.

Like most of its rivals, this model considerably bigger than the original and the most practical car in the range excels by boasting the biggest load capacity in the compact class. Quickly achieved by pushing just one button at each side of the split-fold rear seat, the volume on offer makes this a viable proposition for users who need maximum space that’s easily accessed via the side doors and a wide rear hatch that swings up high enough to give protection from the rain.

Irrespective of load, ride comfort is excellent considering the car rides on sporty alloy wheels with relatively wide tyres. Supportive seats and the good spread of equipment that comes as standard in TomTom trim make it well equipped for full days at the wheel and cruise control proves to be particularly useful over long distances. 

Given that its bodywork is so commodious, the Sport Tourer is equally impressive at the fuel pumps with average economy on the better side of 60mpg.

By Maurice Glover