Renault’s Megane is the French brand’s mid-sized family hatchback – a rival to incredibly popular and accomplished cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. That’s really stiff competition, especially when you consider hatchbacks as a whole have really taken a beating from the family SUV sector. Even Renault’s own Captur and Kadjar are vying for a slice of the same pie as the Megane.

Good looks, a comfortable driving experience and a choice of either a pragmatic plug-in hybrid or the firebreathing R.S. hot hatchback are the Megane’s tools of choice when it comes to getting you into the showroom, and Renault’s typically generous finance packages certainly help too.

Those looks really do help the Megane stand out among its rather dowdy competition. It wears the same ‘face’ as all current Renault cars, but stretched across a curvaceous hatchback body – it looks low, lean and purposeful, whether you’re going for a low-specced hybrid model or the sporty hot hatchback.

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While a few years ago the Megane range was extensive and included petrol and diesel engines, nowadays your choice is rather more simple. You can select either the E-Tech plug-in hybrid or the R.S. hot hatchback, and each has two trim levels. That’s your lot.

The Megane hasn’t enjoyed a lot of success in comparison with its Focus and Golf rivals, especially in recent years when Renault’s other products have attracted customers away. But should you still have it on your shortlist?

• The best hatchbacks to buy
• Best hybrid cars – self-charging and plug-in

Over the next few pages we’ll score the Renault Megane in 10 areas before giving it an overall rating. We take into account the driving experience, interior practicality and quality, and what it’ll cost to own and run.