Back to the future; MEGANE COUPE ODDS ON FOR REAR OF YEAR..

Byline: Richard Hammond

I NOW have a wellstocked cellar full of fine wines thanks to the Renault motor company.

Actually I haven't, but everyone will think I have because this week's road test car is a Renault, which makes it two on the trot.

It's not my fault if the company provides a pair of interesting cars at the same time and I promise you won't be reading about another Renault for months. Unless I get low on wine. Oops.

So this is the new Megane Coupe. Renault first made one of these in 1996 and it was the top-selling small coupe for four years running.

Quite why they didn't make a coupe version of the Megane 2, I don't know.

Bit like making a Harry Potter film and then not bothering to do another despite everyone under the age of 99 having been to see the first. Perhaps the wacky shape of the last one was too hard to coup-ise.

But the designers haven't had any trouble turning the new model into a coupe - because it looks fantastic.

There's a hint of Alfa Romeo Brera in the back but it looks far better overall than that. I think it even improves on the VW Scirocco, and that's a fine looking thing, too.

The back's the best bit, followed by the light-grey air intakes at the front.

Why you'd bother buying the more expensive and less pretty Laguna coupe I don't know.

The hottest version you can buy has a 2.0-litre 178bhp turbocharged petrol engine.

Or rather, the hottest version at the moment has, because the folk at Renaultsport are building a fire-breathing version.

Don't panic, it's a while off yet. The model we have is the diesel 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique which as you can guess has got 130bhp.

It'll be the most popular be-causit's economical and has plenty of torque but if you want to go fast you'll want to wait for the Renaultsport one.

The coupe is based on the old Megane but with some serious tweaking to the rear axle, front subframe and a new power steering set-up.

The Megane hatchback is a sound motor and quite fun to drive. The coupe's suspension has been dropped by 12mm to reduce body roll and is stiffer, too.

The inside isn't as sexy as the outside but if Renault had given it a special cabin it would cost more than the asking price.

The most special-looking feature is the white LED display that shows you how fast you're going and other useful bits like when you're going to pit for fuel.

The test car has Renault's new TomTom satnav.

It's not an expensive option, and it looks ugly sticking out of the top of the dashboard.

I'd still rather stick a road atlas under the seat or have a removable satnav.

In the back there's ample room for kids and even enough for adults. There's a decent boot, too. What there isn't, though, is much of a view out of the back.

Unless you live next door to a bodyshop and it's owned by someone who owes you a favour, I'd recommend the parking sensors - you will definitely back the car into something when reversing.

The trouble with driving the new Megane coupe is that you can't see it when you're in it.

Standing next to it is almost more exciting than being behind the wheel.

It's quiet on motorways, handles nicely with very little rolling about, doesn't use much fuel and is very comfortable.

I think Renault might be back in the charts with it. Megane Coupe - the sequel: worth watching. And owning.

THE RIVALS

Alfa Romeo Brera Much more money, but if you can look just as good for less, why spend extra?

Vauxhall Astra Sport hatch 1.7 CDTi More a swoopy hatchback than a true coupe. Looks good all the same. Up for replacement soonish.

Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI Looks great - fab to drive too. Slightly more money but which one you'd choose comes down to looks and badge.

CAPTION(S):

HARDLY SEXY Coupe's roomy interior