When Renault first introduced the Megane, they dropped a bit of a clanger. On paper, everything should have been smooth sailing. They were introducing a box-fresh car with a range of decent common-rail diesel engines into a market that was blowing up, yet maybe they hadn't read the small print. Not all the engines were Euro IV-compliant, and those that weren't were instantly scored from the shortlists of corporate buyers. The flagship 120bhp diesel was such a victim and as soon as it was launched it was dead in the water. Thankfully Renault have re-engineered this powerplant. It's back again in a facelifted Megane. Cleaner and more powerful than before, but have they missed the boat?

The Megane squares up against rivals such as Ford's Focus, Vauxhall's Astra and Peugeot's 307, all of whom have had a wide range of low-emission diesel engines for some time. Although the Peugeot (despite its facelift) is a little long in the tooth, newer entrants like the SEAT Leon and the Citroen C4 are lining up to replace the Renault in the bid for the business user's pound. The 120bhp dCi unit was always a pleasant engine to drive, if not to foot the tax bill for, but the 130bhp powerplant is better in both key regards.

Naturally, it's a little quicker off the blocks, getting to 60mph in just 9 seconds. Given its head, it'll run on to a top speed of 124mph which makes it quick enough for most of us. As with all turbodiesel cars, these figures disguise the real performance capabilities, which lie in the mid-range urge. Torque has been plumped up to a healthy 221lb/ft which is roughly the same as a Mercedes E280. You can take it as read that this Renault isn't going to be embarrassed by any outside lane cut and thrust. As expected, fuel economy is a strong suit, the Megane turning in a combined figure of 50.4mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions are a reasonable 148g/km and the tick in the Euro IV box means that business users who choose this car sidestep the three per cent benefit in kind charge.

"Renault may score low on timekeeping but it's tough to fault the end result"

The six-speed manual box allows for very relaxed cruising and also means that it's easier to plug the Renault into the meat of the torque curve at each opportunity. Research has shown that many diesel drivers actually use their gearboxes very poorly and rely on the low down lugging power of their engines instead of dropping down a cog. Drive in this lazy manner and higher emissions are the inevitable result as unburnt hydrocarbons exit the combustion chamber. There are many customers who prefer the power delivery of a diesel engine and also enjoy the fact that they have a far longer range than their petrol counterparts, meaning less tedious fuel stops. What also counts in the Megane's favour is the fact that sales to date have backed Renault's gamble on that adventurous shape. 2.4-million Megane models were shifted to customers in Western Europe between 2002 and 2005.

Expect to pay from £15,950 for an Expression five-door or a Dynamique three-door hatch. There's also a four-door saloon version offered as well as the attractive Coupe Cabriolet. Opt for the drop top and you'll need over £20,500 for the Dynamique and £1,000 more for the privilege of a Privilege. Interestingly, there's also an automatic gearbox option which suits the dCi130's languid, muscular style.

Although time will doubtless dilute its impact, it's still something of a kick to flip open the garage door and be greeted by a car that looks like an escapee from a motor show stand. Renault have a name for this effect. - 'X Appeal' - and claim that this has been responsible for encouraging sales. Of course, selling diesels in the UK isn't a tricky job at the moment with more than 40% of all new registrations drinking from the black pump.

Today's Megane II takes things on to another level. More observant members of the public might spot elongated, sleeker headlamps and alterations to the grille which see everything come together in a 'V' shape either side of a more prominent Renault badge at the front. The rear benefits from it's own re-sculpted bumper and revised light clusters while, inside, the instrument binnacle features chrome-ringed dials with white background lighting.

Ride quality is good, the Megane remaining composed through corners and dismissing rolls, dips and humps with disdain, but cats eyes and expansion joints can occasionally send a jolt through the cabin. Most of the time, however, you'll merely be astonished at the Megane's refinement; road noise and trademark diesel engine thrum are muted to almost silence. The steering takes a little getting used to, but once you've become accustomed to its strong self- centring action, it makes a better overall impression.

More than the styling, more than the driving experience, for many the biggest surprise will come when they drop into the driver's seat of the Megane II. The design is neat without being gratuitously radical, but the real revelation is the great strides forward made in terms of quality of materials and finish. It's almost as if a Renault designer's company hack was rear-ended and he got an Audi courtesy car for the week. Soft feel plastics, quality fabrics and a cohesive design philosophy means a not-so-fond farewell to old-school Renault interiors, many of which were built with the visual drama and structural integrity of a film set.

Genuine innovation is much in evidence. Take Renault's anti-submarining airbag, a device which leaps forth from the seat cushion to protect the pelvis. This replaces the traditional (and some would say uncomfortable) hump at the front of the seat and is a neat solution that provides both comfort and unparalleled safety, effectively making it impossible to slide beneath the seatbelt in the event of an accident. Like the Laguna II, the Megane features a card rather than the traditional key, and multiplex wiring systems ensure that all of the usual refinements such as rain-sensing wipers, cruise control with speed limiter and automatic headlamps are available. Spend more and you can even specify a full-length sunroof and Carminat satellite navigation.

Better late than never, Renault have licked their diesel Megane range into shape. Communicating this message may be easier to beady-eyed fleet managers than to the man on the Clapham omnibus but that would appear to be the price Renault must pay for taking their eye off the ball.

TOP 5 MEGANE DEALS

The results below show the top MEGANE deals on buyacar

	Renault Megane 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique 5dr Auto Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £244	Saving £4,688	Price £13,187
	Renault Megane 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique 5dr Non FAP Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £224	Saving £4,420	Price £12,455
	Renault Megane 1.9 dCi 130 Privilege 4dr Auto Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £270	Saving £5,318	Price £14,117
	Renault Megane 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique 5dr Auto Tourer Estate
	ETR	Mthly £263	Saving £4,997	Price £13,968
	Renault Megane 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique 3dr Auto Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £238	Saving £4,557	Price £12,853

typical 10.76% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000