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Discussion
Had a weekend with an almost brand new 1.5dci and I can say I hate it. My own fiesta is a better car at doing what is intended for and the focus, astra, golf, or probably anything else has it beaten in the class.
Car looked ok from the outside, inside was a bit bland and too dull, sunroof was a nice thing to have and the stereo is ok, 4 electric windows and A/C. But why does the A/C turn itself on everytime you restart the car? Space inside isn't great considering the cars bulk, rear seat passengers wouldn't have got behind me (6ft tall) once I had a driving position mainly due to the lack of adjustable steering wheel and the awful driving seat. Driving position was awful, seat slightly too close to the centre of the car, wheel not adjustable, no lumbar support, poor height adjustment in the seat, and a set of pedals so compromised by the addition of a left foot rest that meant braking or changing gear needed extra care to avoid hitting the wrong pedal.
Car was delivered with 32 miles on it so the engine may free up but the 1.5 dci was generally gutless, had an annoying rattle when cold, very little torque (or very blunted due to the weight) and gave nothing once above 3000rpm. This isn't a car for those that like to be able to overtake slower traffic without planning in advance and approaching already at speed. It rode quite smoothly and with Cruise turned on was a nice place to do 50-75 mph,not sure how it handles and I have no idea or desire to find out, the steering was so light and has so little feel I may as well have used telepathy to find out what the tyres were doing, the brakes were good but maybe over assisted.
So after a weekend in one I would not part with moeny for one, the power was down obviously as a result of the weight and the emissions friendly engine, but even at 50-60mph on a straight dry road it couldn't better 45mpg, and overall on my 380 mile round trip averaged 42mpg (Calculated from when delivered to briming back up). So not really the kind of economy that makes me think the poor perfomance is worth putting up with.
Car looked ok from the outside, inside was a bit bland and too dull, sunroof was a nice thing to have and the stereo is ok, 4 electric windows and A/C. But why does the A/C turn itself on everytime you restart the car? Space inside isn't great considering the cars bulk, rear seat passengers wouldn't have got behind me (6ft tall) once I had a driving position mainly due to the lack of adjustable steering wheel and the awful driving seat. Driving position was awful, seat slightly too close to the centre of the car, wheel not adjustable, no lumbar support, poor height adjustment in the seat, and a set of pedals so compromised by the addition of a left foot rest that meant braking or changing gear needed extra care to avoid hitting the wrong pedal.
Car was delivered with 32 miles on it so the engine may free up but the 1.5 dci was generally gutless, had an annoying rattle when cold, very little torque (or very blunted due to the weight) and gave nothing once above 3000rpm. This isn't a car for those that like to be able to overtake slower traffic without planning in advance and approaching already at speed. It rode quite smoothly and with Cruise turned on was a nice place to do 50-75 mph,not sure how it handles and I have no idea or desire to find out, the steering was so light and has so little feel I may as well have used telepathy to find out what the tyres were doing, the brakes were good but maybe over assisted.
So after a weekend in one I would not part with moeny for one, the power was down obviously as a result of the weight and the emissions friendly engine, but even at 50-60mph on a straight dry road it couldn't better 45mpg, and overall on my 380 mile round trip averaged 42mpg (Calculated from when delivered to briming back up). So not really the kind of economy that makes me think the poor perfomance is worth putting up with.
I'm just waiting for Avis to come and take mine away. Didn't like the lack of power or the excessive thirst (29mpg from a 1.6 petrol? when I get over 30 from a 2.3 Saab that I drive pretty heavily-footed everywhere?), but the biggest failing for me was the woeful visibility - I'm sure it will pass all the NCAP tests with flying colours, which is lucky as I could barely see out of it in any direction.
In it's defence, it did produce warm air in about 1 minute this morning after I'd removed six inches of snow from it.
In it's defence, it did produce warm air in about 1 minute this morning after I'd removed six inches of snow from it.
Well I have had a Megane 1.5 Dci to drive since Thursday and overall I quite like it. Very solidly built with just enough go to keep up with traffic. If the computer thingy works I averaged 53 mpg on a brisk motorway journey (the car has about 300 miles on it). Yes controls are light (my wife likes that) and the styling is inoffensive (reminds me of the new Imprezza). Ride is firmish with reasonable handling - not up to new Focus standard. Some things I didn't like - side on view through seats and B post appaling, aircon that dosent stay off and a very fiddly computer that can knock on the wipers accident with every push and rear window needs constant wiping. I drive a Volvo V50 2.0D and my wife has a Citroen ZX TD (as new with 73000 miles). To be honest beyond the undoubted safety of the Megane i cannot see where we have significantly improved in 12 years. The ZX does 50 mpg all day long and goes like stink. It has a brilliant ride and good handling and can be kept going very cheaply. I think thats its replacement is more likely to be a Focus rather than a Megane -but a good effort from Renault - and it can handle the snow and ice very well indeed!
I've just had my megane over the weekend there.
It was a 1.5dci, not sure of the trim level but it had the electrics, twin sunnies, cruise control etc.
Delivered some 3 hours early and with 288 miles on the clock.
The interior and build felt solid and of good quality - how long would that last though... Air con switches itself on all the time. Couldnt find a decent intermittent wiper setting - just seemed to be able to alter the sensitivity of the auto setting..?
Driving wise there was decent enough go between 1700-2500rpm, enough for me to find out it had traction control anyway...
Ride and handling was solid and firm, potholes and speed bumps no problem
Brakes and steering awful, no feel, way too over assisted.
Covered 570 miles and got 46.5mpg average, that was with tanking it and sitting at 80-85 on the motorway (km/h of course).
Overall, 7/100. Decent small car ruined by numb steering and brakes. If they could get some feel into them the 1.9dci would be a very competent hatch.
It was a 1.5dci, not sure of the trim level but it had the electrics, twin sunnies, cruise control etc.
Delivered some 3 hours early and with 288 miles on the clock.
The interior and build felt solid and of good quality - how long would that last though... Air con switches itself on all the time. Couldnt find a decent intermittent wiper setting - just seemed to be able to alter the sensitivity of the auto setting..?
Driving wise there was decent enough go between 1700-2500rpm, enough for me to find out it had traction control anyway...
Ride and handling was solid and firm, potholes and speed bumps no problem
Brakes and steering awful, no feel, way too over assisted.
Covered 570 miles and got 46.5mpg average, that was with tanking it and sitting at 80-85 on the motorway (km/h of course).
Overall, 7/100. Decent small car ruined by numb steering and brakes. If they could get some feel into them the 1.9dci would be a very competent hatch.
tog said:
I did, but can't remember how soon after booking. Checked Junk folder?
Thanks - booked about 3 weeks ago for April so a while in advance......have advised him to check his junk mails, call the number and if not book another one - you never know he might get 2 turn up at the same time 
Just had the phonecall from an AVIS guy to confirm the delivery address and to take my CC number.
They're dropping it off at my work friday and picking it up monday.
I asked about whether the missus had to be there as well to show her driving licence and he said "no, as long as you bring her licence along it's ok"
I was thinking about heading for Scotland (I live in Swansea) to give it a good thrashing and a nice weekend for us both.
Any suggestions on where to go "up north"?
They're dropping it off at my work friday and picking it up monday.
I asked about whether the missus had to be there as well to show her driving licence and he said "no, as long as you bring her licence along it's ok"
I was thinking about heading for Scotland (I live in Swansea) to give it a good thrashing and a nice weekend for us both.
Any suggestions on where to go "up north"?
jhfozzy said:
Just had the phonecall from an AVIS guy to confirm the delivery address and to take my CC number.
They're dropping it off at my work friday and picking it up monday.
I asked about whether the missus had to be there as well to show her driving licence and he said "no, as long as you bring her licence along it's ok"
I was thinking about heading for Scotland (I live in Swansea) to give it a good thrashing and a nice weekend for us both.
Any suggestions on where to go "up north"?
Thats a long way for a weekend. Why not do The Peaks (Bakewell, Buxton, Castleton etc.) and then Yorkshire Dales (Grassington, Hawes) and then cut across to the M6 to return home.They're dropping it off at my work friday and picking it up monday.
I asked about whether the missus had to be there as well to show her driving licence and he said "no, as long as you bring her licence along it's ok"
I was thinking about heading for Scotland (I live in Swansea) to give it a good thrashing and a nice weekend for us both.
Any suggestions on where to go "up north"?
Got mine booked to coincide with a lads weekend in the Lakes at the end of March. By the sounds of things its going to struggle up them 'ills!
Edited by GreatGranny on Tuesday 17th February 14:06
uuf361 said:
tog said:
I did, but can't remember how soon after booking. Checked Junk folder?
Thanks - booked about 3 weeks ago for April so a while in advance......have advised him to check his junk mails, call the number and if not book another one - you never know he might get 2 turn up at the same time tog said:
uuf361 said:
tog said:
I did, but can't remember how soon after booking. Checked Junk folder?
Thanks - booked about 3 weeks ago for April so a while in advance......have advised him to check his junk mails, call the number and if not book another one - you never know he might get 2 turn up at the same time 
GreatGranny said:
Why not do The Peaks (Bakewell, Buxton, Castleton etc.) and then Yorkshire Dales (Grassington, Hawes) and then cut across to the M6 to return home.
Just looked at a route taking that in and it seems a good idea.Anyone going that way friday/sat/sun and see a new Megane hooning it around, give us a wave!!!
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