Renault Megane hatchback (2008-2016) - Reliability & safety
Despite all the updates, the Renault Megane isn't as safe as it used to be
The Renault Megane is no longer the safest car in its class, but it features a good amount of safety kit. However, the Megane originally scored a full five star rating for its safety credentials, but has since been downgraded to four stars – less than the best of its rivals.
Renault Megane reliability
Unfortunately for Renault, the Megane suffered a shocking slide to drop from 20th to 92nd place in our Driver Power 2014 customer satisfaction survey – and little has changed in the facelifted car. It scored poorly in numerous areas including build quality, ease of driving and seat comfort. Certainly, the Renault’s interior uses poorer-quality plastics than the Volkswagen Golf’s. In comparison, the Golf sits at 18th position in the survey, but the SEAT Leon falls outside the top 100 completely.
Carbuyer readers reported numerous problems with electrics in the previous-generation Megane, but this has improved with the current model. Problems they’ve reported include a squeaky accelerator pedal and oil leaks, and MPG figures that don’t come close to the official ones. But in general, owners have praised the improved reliability of the 2008-onwards model.
Renault Megane safety
Modern Renaults are usually very safe, but the Megane isn't perfect in this respect. It was originally given five stars by Euro NCAP in its crash tests, but that was revised to just three before changes to some of the safety kit earned the Megane four stars when it was reassessed in 2014. In contrast, the current SEAT Leon and Ford Focus both received the full five stars.
Adult protection for the Megane was rated by Euro NCAP in 2014 at 83%, child protection at 78% and pedestrian protection at 60%. The Megane has six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. It also comes with braking assistance and cruise control.
The optional Visio System adds lane-departure warning and helps night-time driving by automatically putting the headlights on full beam when required. This £400 option is not available on the entry-level Expression+ car.
Renault also offers the Vision Pack, which offers a rear parking camera for £600. An emergency spare wheel costs £95.
