Renault launched a new version of the Mégane hatchback car in the last week to add to the wide range of new hatchback models in the mid-sector of the market for 2016. Renault’s offering is fresh to look at and comes with some significant technical changes.

While Ireland is less of a hatchback market than many other European countries, this is still one of the most important market segments of all. Renault has stiff competition in the shape of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus to contend with, along with the Toyota Auris, and new versions of the Opel Astra and Peugeot 308 to add to the competition.

The look of the fourth generation Mégane car is different; it is marginally lower, with a longer wheelbase and Renault claims that the front and rear track widths are the widest in the class. The front of the new Mégane is distinctive using always-on lights to give good effect. The rear has similar LED type lights, which are also permanently lit when the engine is switched on.

There are significant changes to the inside and it feels more quality in terms of touch for the controls, including steering wheel. This new Mégane comes with a configurable 7in Thin Film Transistor (TFT) colour instrument display, R-LINK 2 connectivity systems via either a 7in landscape or 8.7in portrait tablet, Multi-Sense technology to personalise the driving experience. The higher specification GT versions get the addition of 4Control four-wheel steering.

This new Mégane comes with a new five-star Euro NCAP safety rating well ahead of its launch. The safety gear is impressive including adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking and lane departure warning throughout the range, while connectivity via the R-Link 2 system is fitted to all models above the entry Expression versions.

Standard safety features include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction and understeer control, speed limiter, hill start assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pre-tensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats.

While Renault is offering a new petrol version of the Mégane, the entry-level 1.5-litre turbo-diesel Mégane, carrying forward the well-established engine, is expected to be the most popular car in the range. This car is marginally more fuel efficient than before and the entry model now starts at 110bhp rather than 90bhp in the previous versions. That fact alone adds to the competitive nature of the new Mégane offer as Renault aims to get the car into the top four in the market.

This engine is cleaner and more fuel-efficient, helping to lower running costs. Out on the Wicklow road during the launch day for the new Mégane, it was possible to appreciate the engine power on the local roads. The only cars available for that test drive were the higher specification GT versions, while engine power and performance are almost the same as the standard entry model.

The cars come with a six-speed gearbox and in the GT version, there was a sporty feel to the driving experience. That was more of an engine sound and handling experience than performance as the car is not the fastest in acceleration terms relative to the more usual 1.6-litre diesel competition.

Renault will have a 1.6-litre diesel engine offering later in the year for a more true competitive analysis and that engine produces almost 20% more and torque. For most drivers, the 1.5-litre engine will be more than adequate and cost-effective.

It was difficult to get a full appraisal of the economy levels with the car and I took it across a range of different roads during the afternoon.

The official economy rate of 27km/litre (3.7/100km or 76mpg) is impressive against the competition and makes the new Mégane one of the most economical cars in the mid-size hatchback segment.

Running costs are overall very competitive at €0.26/km and would be marginally better if the new Mégane can get market share and enhance its re-sale values. That alone will lower the depreciation levels, which I found to be close to 32% over three years.

This segment of the car market is very competitive and the Renault Mégane has ground to make up to win back market share. The entry pricing is seriously competitive to start with coupled with competitive running costs.

The car drives and looks very well helped by the fact that it has the longest wheelbase. It also has a decent size boot (pictured above), the biggest among the five top sellers that I have compared it with. Unfortunately, the spare wheel is on the options list and the towing rating, while lower than some of the competition, is reasonable at 1.3 tonnes.

For car buyers, the new Mégane offer will be price attractive starting at €21,490 or £17,900 in Northern Ireland, for the diesel version, but that’s not alone the reason for considering it. This is a car that looks modern, has made good use of in-car technology and is rated very safe. Add to that low running costs and Mégane has to be on 162 registration shopping lists.

mmoroney@farmersjournal.ie

Twitter: @FJMachinery

Subaru offers new PCP finance option

Subaru Ireland has launched a new personal contract plan (PCP) finance option across the Subaru range for the new 162 registration period. At the end of the term, the customer can part exchange their Subaru for another brand new model. Alternatively, they may return the car with no further payment due or pay the guaranteed minimum future value (GMFV) and keep the car.

Subaru claims that these new PCP offerings mean that the customer pays low monthly instalments for 36 months of €320 for a new Forester 2.0D X model, with a GMFV. Subaru’s PCP is provided by First Auto Finance across the Subaru range and they also offer hire purchase (HP) agreements.

Dacia offers new Duster features for 162

Dacia Ireland has announced pricing and specification for the new Duster Phase 2 model, which features changes to both the exterior and interior. A new Prestige trim level has been added to the Duster range in addition to the Signature Prime limited edition that was launched last year. Entry prices start at €16,690 or £12,095 in Northern Ireland with the 4x4 option adding €4,000 (£2,000) to the price.

Duster Phase 2 gets a new refreshed look inside and out with a price increase of €300. The new Duster gets a new stylish dashboard, most notably the central section of the dashboard changes from light grey to dark carbon finish. There is also a new satin chrome centre console surround and the lower steering wheel insert changes from piano black to satin chrome finish.

Other changes to the standard equipment include DAB radio. There are also new headlights on Duster. On the inside, both the Duster Alternative and Signature models get new seat upholstery.

Peugeot delivers new 2008 for 162 registration plate

Peugeot’s new 2008, considered a compact SUV, is available in time for the July 162 registration plate. The restyled 2008 comes with enhanced features and an improved specification with a very slight increase in price.

This new model has a new vertical front grille, new wheel-arch extensions and scuff plates are standard from the higher grade Allure level. There is a new higher specification GT version with grip control in the range, as well as Access, Active and Allure versions.

Peugeot claims that its grip control system optimises traction according to the terrain by acting on the front wheels. The system works hand-in-hand with a 16cm ground clearance and combined with all-season Goodyear vector tyres, claims versatility in all weather conditions and in snow, mud or sand.

Retail prices start from €19,400, plus delivery related charges for the Access 1.2 PureTech petrol 82bhp model, rising to €27,280 plus delivery for the GT Line 1.6 BlueHDi diesel 120bhp STT model.

Kia get US top ranking for quality by JD Power

Kia Motors was recognised by the prestigious US-based JD Power 2016 initial quality study (IQS) as the brand with the highest scoring nameplate out of all 33 car brands in the US. This is the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the rankings.

Kia’s rise to the top was driven by the performance of the Sportage and Soul, while Rio and Sorento also ranked in the top three of their respective categories. The annual JD Power IQS analyses responses from vehicle owners in 26 segments evaluating the driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality-related problems within the first 90 days of ownership.

Superb tows lead for Skoda

The new-generation Skoda Superb Hatch, with its 2.0 TDI 150bhp engine, was declared best towcar in the British Tow Car Awards 2016 competition. As part of judging process, all 41 shortlisted cars were put through a test regime that included emergency lane changes, low speed slalom runs, incline tests and emergency brake tests.

All cars were tested solo to judge ride quality, handling and refinement, and were also assessed for running costs, value, standard safety equipment and resale value. The Superb won the title for its stability, performance and comfort.

The Superb range has a braked towing capacity of up to 2,200kg and is available with a wide range of towing options and accessories. These include an integrated tow bar that can be released via a lever in the boot and folded away after use.

The Superb also has one of the biggest and most practical boots in the sector, with the Hatch delivering 625 litres of space with the rear seats in position and the Estate offering 660 litres of luggage room.

Brexit and motor industry implications

Car companies with manufacturing operations in the UK have been looking closely at the implications of the vote to quit the EU. The British car manufacturing industry is nowadays mostly owned by foreign companies, including Nissan, Toyota and Honda, all of which have car factories in England. Over 55% of all cars built in Britain in 2015 were exported to EU countries.

For Irish car buyers, the British move to leave the EU will almost certainly mean higher new car prices as sterling stays low relative to the euro. For car companies operating from a British base, with Irish subsidiaries, the situation could be more complex, ultimately adding to the cost of doing business, and also contributing to pushing up Irish new car prices.

For those willing to buy a used car in the British market, this might be the time to move, as sterling remains weak against the euro. It is expected that there will be a surge in used car imports from Britain, which could have the knock-on effect of reducing the prices for used cars here in Ireland.