Percentages add up for Renault

This is a far better choice than the old 2.0-litre 160 diesel unit, which for some reason continues on at the top of the Megane range, an engine with very few real-world benefits over this diesel 1.6, a powerplant that’s 50 per cent cleaner and more frugal. One of the best diesels currently on sale, this one’s a good choice if you plan to use this Renault for towing, with a useful 320Nm of torque meaning a sub-10s rest to sixty time on the way to 124mph.

Equally as impressive is this model’s combined-cycle fuel consumption of 70.6 mpg, which is a 20 per cent saving compared to the former 1.9 dCi 130 engine. CO2 emissions stand at just 104g/km. That’s about 15 per cent better than a rival Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 140 and about 10 per cent better than either than competitors like VW’s Golf 2.0 TDI 140 or Vauxhall’s Astra 1.7 CDTi 125PS.

Renault has taken what is widely accepted as a handsome piece of automotive styling work and had a little tinker to both five-door Hatch and Sport Tourer estate variants.

The front end now features the ubiquitous LED daytime running lights while the bumper gets a gloss black finish with chrome highlights. The selection of wheels has been entirely revised. The cabin comes with updated interior trims, including a two-tone leather pack available in a choice of two finishes in the UK.