There’s a broad engine line-up, ranging from a 1.4- to a 2.0-litre, and from 80bhp to 165bhp. The 1.6 petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel reward a relaxed driving style, as does the 1.9 turbodiesel, which also provides strong acceleration and cruising ability, while the 2.0 petrol has plenty of punch. The turbocharged 2.0 unit develops 165bhp.

The ride is supple, although it can’t mask all potholes and rutted surfaces. This cushiness is evident in some lean in tight corners, but it holds the road well. However, the electric power steering is devoid of feedback, and strong self-centring means you have to keep a firm grip on the wheel.

The 1.6 petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel engines are vocal when extended and noticeable even when cruising at motorway pace, but the 2.0 and 1.9 turbodiesel are less intrusive. There’s some rear suspension thump on poor surfaces, and wind noise becomes apparent from about 60mph, but by class standards, the Mégane is quiet.

Renault has gone out of its way to make the Mégane one of the best-value cars in this class. Prices are low, and operating costs should follow suit. Easy repair of minor knocks helps keep insurance premiums low, while good fuel economy and low emissions figures help business users. A face-lifted Mégane is due in showrooms this spring.

The quality of the Mégane’s cabin stands comparison with the class best, such as the new VW Golf and Mazda 3. It has top-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces and excellent trim fit and paintwork, and in our latest reliability survey, the French manufacturer put up a good showing, so all bodes well.

The low insurance ratings afforded all Méganes attest to Renault’s efforts on both counts. Deadlocks are a standard fit to combat theft, and top versions have a keyless entry and starting system. Five-door models have eight airbags while the three-door has up to 10, and all get anti-lock brakes.

The driver sits high, but there’s two-way steering adjustment to make it easy for all to get comfortable. Forward vision is fine, but there are blind spots over the shoulder and to the rear. The controls are well laid-out and easy to use, but the five-speed ’box in smaller-engined models is slicker than the six-speeder fitted higher up the range.

The latest Mégane is bigger than its predecessor, but rear passenger space is only average. Headroom is fine, but legroom is inadequate for adults. The boot is flat and rectangular but it’s not the biggest in class. The Sport Saloon variant has a huge boot, but doesn’t feel spacious considering its size.

There are five different trim levels, although not all are available with every engine or body style. The bottom two models do without air-conditioning, a CD player or split rear seats, but every model has anti-lock brakes plus an extensive list of passive safety features.