This is a traditional hallmark for Renault and the latest-generation Megane is no exception. It was awarded a maximum five-star rating for adult occupant safety by Euro NCAP, plus four stars for child safety, although it was downgraded to three stars in 2014 due to more rigorous testing methods. It comes with a full complement of airbags including curtain, lateral and rear.

Renault Megane safety will be a big attraction for buyers. It was the first car to feature anti-submarine airbags which are designed to stop the driver and front passenger from slipping under the seatbelt – holding occupants in place for the best possible protection in a crash. Renault improved safety on the Megane range in 2012 by adding even more technology to maximise driver and passenger safety.The Visio System has two functions.

The first is the camera that improves night-time vision by permanently scanning the road ahead. Whenever natural or street lighting is poor, and when no other vehicles are detected, it automatically switches to full-beam headlights at speeds of more than 28 mph. The second part of the Visio System includes a Lane Departure Warning alert. The camera emits a warning if it believes that the vehicle has involuntarily changed lanes, an occurrence frequently due to drowsiness or a drop in driver vigilance, and a major cause of accidents, especially on motorways.

If lane markings are crossed without the indicators having been being activated, visible and audible warnings are automatically activated.

The boot will easily swallow a couple of family suitcases and two overnight bags with ease, but with 372 litres the luggage space isn’t quite as large as alternatives like the Ford Focus and lags way behind the Honda Civic. Still, the tailgate is wide, making loading easy and there is extra stowage under the boot floor which adds a further 33 litres.

The rear seats fold easily with the bases flipping up, allowing the backs to fold flat. There are plenty of cubbyholes in the central console along with useful underfloor storage areas in both the driver’s and passenger’s footwells.