New Megane dci160FAP - Any experiences?
Discussion
We have the opportunity, thanks to a company car change, of choosing a new Megane Coupe to add to the 'family fleet'.
We have a choice of the usual suspects for a fleet car: 318i, C180, Mondeo TDci, Insignia, 118d etc etc but this stood out as an unusual choice. It isn't particularly tax-friendly compared to the BMWs, but I quite like the look of it.
Now, I realise it isn't a Renaultsport, but the combination of 160hp in a well-equipped (Privilege) model looks more appealing to me than a poverty spec 118d. However, I'm worried it might not be a driver's car like a BMW, or even a Focus/Mondeo......
Any experiences?
We have a choice of the usual suspects for a fleet car: 318i, C180, Mondeo TDci, Insignia, 118d etc etc but this stood out as an unusual choice. It isn't particularly tax-friendly compared to the BMWs, but I quite like the look of it.
Now, I realise it isn't a Renaultsport, but the combination of 160hp in a well-equipped (Privilege) model looks more appealing to me than a poverty spec 118d. However, I'm worried it might not be a driver's car like a BMW, or even a Focus/Mondeo......
Any experiences?
I didn't get any feedback on this, but I thought I's share my experiences after 12000 miles in case anyone else fancies a warm diesel Megane such as the new GT.
Good Points:
Superb engine. Smooth, quiet, powerful. Feels as quick as a 225 petrol in most siuations thanks to the torque.
Styling.
Refinement. A great motorway car.
Bad Points:
Visibility: Rear and Rear 3/4 visibility is shocking - in fact, dangerous when turning out of side roads
Economy:
Averaged 41mpg overall. I guess that is OK, but our Focus TdCi averaged 50mpg in the same conditions and the Alfa 159 1.9d 46mpg.
Ride Quality:
The body control is good on smooth roads and copes with crests and cambers well. However, the lack of compliance over expansion joints and typical urban roads is annoying - and beginning to make the interior creak.
Feel:
Although the car handles well, the electronic 'understeer control' is intrusive and leads to a vague feeling of 'will it/won't it' interfere. I'd like to have the choice of switching it off completely. The steering has a peculiar weighting that makes it difficult to judge inputs.
Gearchange:
Already slack after 12000 miles
Overall, I want to like this car, but it has been my most underwhelming car since my Audi A4 (another car let down by its interior quality and ride compliance). This Megane may be faster and more stylish than a Focus, but it doesn't deliver the involvement and feel of the Ford. I can't see it remaining on the family fleet for much longer.
Good Points:
Superb engine. Smooth, quiet, powerful. Feels as quick as a 225 petrol in most siuations thanks to the torque.
Styling.
Refinement. A great motorway car.
Bad Points:
Visibility: Rear and Rear 3/4 visibility is shocking - in fact, dangerous when turning out of side roads
Economy:
Averaged 41mpg overall. I guess that is OK, but our Focus TdCi averaged 50mpg in the same conditions and the Alfa 159 1.9d 46mpg.
Ride Quality:
The body control is good on smooth roads and copes with crests and cambers well. However, the lack of compliance over expansion joints and typical urban roads is annoying - and beginning to make the interior creak.
Feel:
Although the car handles well, the electronic 'understeer control' is intrusive and leads to a vague feeling of 'will it/won't it' interfere. I'd like to have the choice of switching it off completely. The steering has a peculiar weighting that makes it difficult to judge inputs.
Gearchange:
Already slack after 12000 miles
Overall, I want to like this car, but it has been my most underwhelming car since my Audi A4 (another car let down by its interior quality and ride compliance). This Megane may be faster and more stylish than a Focus, but it doesn't deliver the involvement and feel of the Ford. I can't see it remaining on the family fleet for much longer.
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