Following the Renault Clio’s impressive top-three finish in 2013’s Car of the Year, we expected much from the new-gen Renault Megane. By honing the Clio’s impressive drivetrains and introducing a host of fresh technology and a striking new design language, Renault Megane IV should’ve been knocking on the door of brilliance.

Instead, it’s a case of quite near (if we’re talking about the rorty GT) but still some distance behind where the small-car benchmark sits in 2017. Or even 2013, because the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf remains the hatch to beat. And the new Megane simply isn’t up to the task.

Renault Megane: 2017 Car of the Year

Given the performance of the GT’s 1.6-litre turbo (7.1sec to 100km/h), its 6.0L/100km combined fuel number is particularly impressive, and given the wealth of standard equipment in low-end variants, plus a five-year warranty and fixed-price servicing, the Megane range appears to offer genuine value for money.

Renault Megane GT rear

The GT is exempt from much of the criticism, seeing its Renaultsport-tuned chassis and four-wheel steering add genuine involvement and precision. It proved grippy and quick on all surfaces, and effortlessly controlled through the emergency lane change, though its ride is overly firm and refinement isn’t great. “A lovable rogue”, as Byron described it, with enough flair to overcome its lack of ultimate polish.

Renault Megane GT interior

It seems like Renault spent the majority of its time developing the GT (and hopefully the forthcoming Renaultsport version), and then rushed to the finish line with the 1.2-litre variants. The Megane Zen isn’t a bad car by any means – cue its interesting design details, zesty drivetrain, and generous front seats – but it lacks the polish of a Volkswagen Golf, and the panache we’d expect from a brand like Renault.

Specs

BODY Type: 5-door hatchback, 5 seats Boot capacity: 434 litres Weight: 1265 – 1392kg

DRIVETRAIN Layout: front engine (east-west), FWD Engines: 1198cc 4cyl turbo (97kW/205Nm); 1618cc 4cyl turbo (151kW/280Nm) Transmissions: 6-speed manual: 7-speed dual-clutch

CHASSIS Tyres: 205/55R16 – 225/40R18 ADR81 fuel consumption: 5.5 – 6.0L/100km CO2 emissions: 125 – 134g/km Collision mitigation: No Crash rating: 5-star (Euro NCAP) Prices: $22,490 – $38,490