The petrol units range from 1.4 to 2.0-litres in capacity. None are especially inspiring, the 1.4 petrol copes well enough, 1.6 and 2.0-litre are better, though all petrol units lack refinement. The 2.0-litre is also offered in turbocharged forms with 165bhp or a fiery 225bhp for those seeking a French hot-hatch option. The diesels range is generally better, especially the 1.9.

The 1.5 dCi from the Clio struggles with the extra weight, 1.9 dCi is tolerably refined and torquey.

The soft ride’s typically French. It copes well with UK potholes, but can become unsettled by especially rough roads though bodyroll is kept to a minimum. Roadholding is good, but the power steering is too light at speed and lacks feedback. The standard Renaultsport Megane is very prone to wheelspin especially if conditions are slippery. Cup and Trophy versions feature suspension revisions.