So, the Renault Megane II waltzed off with the 2003 European Car of The Year Award. Now we've become used to seeing the car and it's strangely conceived bottom out and about on the road, perhaps we can take a coldly rational view of proceedings. The 2.0-litre petrol models will never be the big sellers but they give us a glimpse of what Renault can do when it brings its A game.

It has to be said that the European Car of The Year panel have taken some rather peculiar decisions down the years. In 1982 the Renault 9 (anybody?) saw off the far more accomplished Volkswagen Polo. Of course, we have the benefit of hindsight to highlight each entrant's lasting legacy, but it's still illuminating to note how often the experts get it wrong. Automotive giants like the Audi Quattro and the Renault Espace never got a sniff of the title whereas in 1990, the mighty Mercedes SL was bested by the not-so-wonderful Citroen XM. A few eyebrows were also raised when, in 1996, Fiat's Brava/Bravo got the nod over a number of more pressing claims. By and large, however, the panel get it right, recent years having seen the Alfa 156, the Toyota Yaris, the Renault Scenic, Fiat's Panda and Renault's Clio rightly win the crown.

Looking back, we can probably say that the Megane II was the right choice as well, it certainly stirred-up the previously mundane family hatch sector some. The 136bhp 2.0-litre models are available in three-door Dynamique trim, priced at £14,760 or five-door Dynamique and Privilege variants priced at £15,260 and £16,260 respectively. The other option is the 2.0-litre Turbo engine which powers the Megane Renaultsport, and various derivatives thereof, in 225bhp and 230bhp form but is also available in standard Megane GT models with a less frantic 165bhp output. You can also get the standard 2.0-litre unit in Saloon and Sport Tourer guise but the Turbo is restricted to the hatches and the Coupe Cabriolet.

Powered by the 136bhp 16-valve engine with variable valve timing, the standard models offer a more sporting drive than you might expect. Admittedly, that's not saying too much, Renault concentrating on a family friendly approach with the latest generation Megane leaving the range-topping Renaultsport cars to wow the crowds, but a sprint to 60mph in 9.2 seconds is not to be sniffed at, nor is a top speed of 124mph. One advantage of the VVT engine is that at more sedate throttle openings, it's very fuel-efficient and an overall return in excess of 35mpg is a testament to Renault's engineers.

"An overall economy figure in excess of 35mpg is a testament to Renault's engineers"

Whether you opt for three-door or five, the ride feels reasonably sporting; quite at odds with the flabby barges that have so often come from France over the years. The steering takes a little getting used to as well, the electrically assisted set up having a strong self-centring action that initially feels a trifle odd. You soon get used to it, but it proves just another departure from the run of the mill. With the Megane II, there are so many such features it's sometimes difficult to believe it spawned from the original Megane. This was a car so middle-of-the-road it wouldn't have looked out of place with cats eyes running over the bonnet and roof.

Most of the attention is drawn to the rear, the Megane being treated to an Avantime-style bustle back. Rather than tone down the design, however, Renault have exaggerated it, creating a crazily intersecting riot of straight lines and arcs. When Patrick Le Quement, Senior VP of Renault Corporate design talks of "the understated dimensions of the boot" you really have to wonder whether he's looking at the same car. Perhaps Patrick has a talent for understatement as well as design.

Today's Megane II moves the game on a little further. 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.

The interior of the Megane II isn't as eye-catching as the exterior lines, but look closer and you'll spot scores of neatly-styled touches. Some of the shapes are voluptuous in the extreme, the cowling over the main instruments saucily suggestive, whilst others like the dramatic handbrake reprise ideas seen on other cars. The interior door handles are neatly sculpted almost Mobius-like swirls which match the metallic finish used on the instruments. Soft feel plastics, quality fabrics and a cohesive design philosophy means a not-so-fond farewell to old-school Renault interiors.

A credit-card style key and a quick prang of the starter button fires the 2.0-litre powerplant into life, the engine being pleasantly refined in the lower half of the range, but it reminds you of its presence if you really try to eke out every last horsepower. Space is fine up front with a wide range of adjustments available to the driving position, but long-legged frontal occupants will exact a penalty on rear legroom. That bustle-backed shape does wonders for rear headroom though. Even the three-door car can easily seat a six-footer. Luggage capacity is also pretty good, although the width of the rear aperture may limit the Megane II's ultimate carrying ability.

As with all contemporary Renaults, safety is a priority. 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. There's also twin front and side airbags with full-length curtain bags to protect passengers from flying glass.

With Dynamique, GT and Privilege trim levels occupying the upper strata of the Megane II range, equipment levels are suitably generous. But you don't buy a car as good looking as this for the toys. Just make sure you're well insured. There could well be a spate of Megane rear-enders brought about by drivers admiring their acquisition's profile in plate glass windows. Keep your eyes on the road and your neighbourhood beautiful.

TOP 5 MEGANE DEALS

The results below show the top MEGANE deals on buyacar

	Renault Megane 2.0 dCi 150 GT 3dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £253	Saving £4,713	Price £13,197
	Renault Megane 2.0 dCi 150 GT 5dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £259	Saving £4,844	Price £13,531
	Renault Megane 2.0 dCi 150 Privilege 2dr Cabriolet Convertible
	ETR	Mthly £347	Saving £5,543	Price £17,642
	Renault Megane 2.0 dCi 150 Dynamique 5dr Tourer Estate
	ETR	Mthly £268	Saving £5,011	Price £13,954
	Renault Megane 2.0 T 16V Privilege 165 2dr Cabriolet Convertible
	ETR	Mthly £333	Saving £5,266	Price £16,929

typical 12.23% APR

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