Renault Megane Sport Tourer – accomplished quality

The French have a reputation for some rather advanced mechanical design as well as a certain aesthetic flair. Renault have an additional automotive string to their bow in F1 racing, and especially with the new Team Alpine where hopes for success are high.

Success is very evident in the latest Renault Megane Sport Tourer.

Despite the rebranding of estates as tourers and shooting-brakes they are still designed with practicality in mind. Although not the largest estate the Megane still has a useful load area over a hatchback.

Prices for the range start from €27,304 (£23,500) but in the case of my RS-Line Plug-in hybrid it’s a somewhat hefty €38,336 (£32,995). That’s a near €6,971 (£6,000) premium over the nearest pure petrol stablemate, but the Plug-in hybrid develops an extra 20hp and carries additional features including that plug-in capability.

Most plug-in hybrids have a short pure electric range, being designed for the daily commute. Typically, they recharge in less time because of the smaller capacity battery and most importantly there are no range concerns as you have, in the Megane’s case, a 1.6-litre petrol engine to back you up.

There’s a pretty decent all-electric range of around 30 miles which is enough for a modest daily commute. As ever a home charger is essential to get the best from the car’s electric power.

The interior of the Megane has an air of quality, much improved of late, and there’s a decent size touchscreen built into the fascia, no ‘bolt-on iPad’ look here. It really is a very nice place to be accommodated.

Unlike so many cars the digitalisation is at a sensible level – rivals please take note – and there’s a choice of driving modes to make the most of the hybrid options.

On the road there’s plenty of power for quick getaways and overtakes and it’s mostly carried out in a serene and audibly calm atmosphere. There’s a slightly sporty edge but this is no traffic light grand prix car or point-to-point racer, but it acquits itself well soaking up bumps and undulations on our roads along the way.

All-in-all this is a very accomplished car, lots of standard equipment and the look and feel of a quality build. The hybrid element adds to the potential practicality but at its price there’s some stiff competition from more premium badges. That said I would still very happily have kept hold of this one.

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Renault Megane Sport Tourer R.S. Line Plug-in Hybrid 160
• Engine: 1.6-Litre, 4-cylinder petrol with plug-in hybrid 40 kwh battery
• Gears: 6-speed automatic
• Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) Petrol 9.8 secs. Maximum Speed Petrol 178 kmh (111 mph)
• Economy: Petrol 1.3 l/100km (217 mpg) WLTP/Electric only range 48 km (30 miles)
• Emissions: Petrol 30 g/km WLTP

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.