Auto News & New car review

UNTIL now, Renault could only sit back and watch as all of its European rivals (and Mazda) exploit the strong growth of diesel passenger car sales in Australia. However, the French seem to have learnt from the others’ mistakes, because the new Megane dCi sedan is big on features, small on price and – vitally – comes with an automatic option. That it looks good and barely sounds or drives like a diesel are further feathers in the Renault’s cap.

UNTIL now, Renault could only sit back and watch as all of its European rivals (and Mazda) exploit the strong growth of diesel passenger car sales in Australia. However, the French seem to have learnt from the others’ mistakes, because the new Megane dCi sedan is big on features, small on price and – vitally – comes with an automatic option. That it looks good and barely sounds or drives like a diesel are further feathers in the Renault’s cap. So not only should the VW Golf and Jetta TDis feel threatened, but petrol-powered sedan competitors as diverse as the Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, Subaru Liberty, Honda Civic hybrid and Holden Commodore might feel the Megane dCi’s pinch as well.