Interior
Rating: 3.6/5

How is the quality and layout?

The Megane’s dashboard is based around a tall centre stack housing the touchscreen infotainment system. In Iconic trim this is a 7.0-inch, landscape-oriented unit, while RS Line increases its size to 9.3 inches and flips it 90 degrees to portrait.

It’s pretty logically laid-out, and Renault’s resisted the urge to shift functions like the climate control onto the touchscreen. Some traditional Renault quirks have also been addressed, such as the cruise controls which are now wholly found on the steering wheel.

It’s not devoid of odd buttons, though, and you’ll still find stereo controls on a strange protruding pod affixed to the steering column. Once you’re used to it, you’ll be able to make it bend to your will – but it’s a steep learning curve as its functions are typically hidden behind the wheel.

We’d benchmark the Megane’s interior quality against the likes of a Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus. It’s fine, but the materials lack that feeling of density and solidity that you’d get in a Skoda Octavia – particularly the fingerprint-prone glossy panel used around the infotainment and climate controls. And while the whole upper dash is swaddled in nice soft-touch plastic, several large areas just below decks feel rather cheap.

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Infotainment and tech

The Megane’s infotainment system generally holds up quite well – it’s not as simple or as intuitive as the software you’d find in a Kia Ceed, but after the Volkswagen Golf’s high-tech makeover we’d even say the Megane feels easier to use.

It doesn’t look as good, though, and even though both sizes of infotainment screen are fairly crisp the graphics look dated and clunky.

The same doesn’t need to be said of the standard 10.0-inch digital dials, though. These look and feel excellent to use – a little more clunky than the best systems, but high-resolution, good-looking and easy to configure.

Equipment
Rating: 4.1/5

As the Megane enters its twilight years Renault’s given it a lot of standard equipment to make it a more attractive proposition. All versions come with full LED lights and alloy wheels, so even ‘base-spec’ Iconic cars still look sharp. Keyless entry is also standard, as is a 10.0-inch digital instrument panel. The 7.0-inch touchscreen also comes with navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

RS Line brings a sporty-looking exterior makeover with a bodykit and larger, 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a rear parking camera, hands-free parking system, autonomous emergency braking and a larger, 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Meanwhile, full-fat RS models come even better specified. There’s a whole host of visual additions, including a bodykit, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a bespoke steering wheel and gearshift. The RS Trophy ups those wheels to 19-inches and also brings Alcantara upholstery.

Find full equipment lists on our Renault Megane specs page