The Megane is a top scorer in official European crash tests and the Renaultsport version comes with all the safety kit of the standard car, including electronic stability control and airbags all round (including ‘anti-submarining’ airbags in the front seat cushions to ensure occupants remain in the optimum position to receive the full benefit should the main airbags deploy).

Given that the boot looks so prominent it’s not actually that big (330 litres is 20 litres smaller than in a Volkswagen Golf), although, as you’d expect, space can be increased by folding the seats flat. The rear suspension does not intrude into the boot area either. Useful storage areas within the cabin include a large air-conditioned glovebox and sunglasses holder.