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Renault's Mégane - a compact family car that's turned 21 this year. To celebrate its two decades of expression, Renault launched the fourth generation Mégane. 

The first generation was experimental with its eye-catching exterior, they looked like nothing else in its class. This was a good start as it got the Mégane noticed. 

The second generation had a big bootylicious rear-end paired with a more conservative front-end styling. This generation was less memorable in my opinion. 

The third generation, the outgoing Mégane, looked bubble-like in its design.

All three models were revolutionary evolutions with marked differences from one another; not always hitting the bull's eye in implementation. The one thing that united each of their eccentric designs was their poor build quality. 

Renault says that things are changing. Their chief designer, Laurens van den Acker said, "Renault can produce cars with a Latin skin and a German heart." 

With that said, the new Mégane is designed with the same artistic pen that's created Renault's renaissance of comeback designs. These are the sexy Clio, the cute Captur and the stylish Kadjar. 

I'd stick my neck out and say that this, the fourth generation Mégane, is the best-looking Mégane to date. Its prominent styling made good by its LED C-shaped headlamps, together with its tall shoulder line which wraps around to its long bold almost Frida Kahlo-esque tall lights. They never seem to end - like Kahlo's eyebrows. 

Move along inside the Mégane, you notice an upmarket feel made prevalent by the cars virtual dials and large portrait-fitted touchscreen tablet. These two innovations are benchmarks within this class of car. A criticism aimed specifically at the touchscreen tablet would be its complexity of use. Time and experience will mean mastering its applications, but its user experience can be improved and I'm sure, over time it will be with feedback from its users.

The Mégane has stepped up its game in the quality department. The cars cabin-feel is solid. Fixtures and fittings sit precisely. There isn't a rattle to be heard which is impressive considering I was reviewing the GT version. This top of the range model, for now - until the RS model arrives - features firm, sporty suspension and beautiful mags fitted with low profile tyres. This combination a sure-fire way to create. Luckily, this cocktail didn't leave the Mégane feeling either shaken nor stirred. 

The GT model also features another category first: four-wheel steering. You'll find this feature on cars like BMW's latest 5 and 7 Series. It allows for small but effective angular movements from the car’s rear wheels which quickens the Mégane's turning movements. 

In practice, parking is a breeze, city cornering lightening quick and high-speed lane changes almost unnoticeable. No longer do you need to turn and turn your wheel. Rather, Renault's 4Control almost halves your turning circle. There is a downside - feedback through the wheel is average at best. Knowing what the tires are doing on the road is a little bit of a guessing game. But dynamics are fantastic. 

The GT model is fitted with a 1.6T motor, borrowed from the Clio RS. It's mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. This combination is unfortunately not the perfect marriage. Perhaps like the last days of Brangelina, it's a heated and fiery relationship - almost schizophrenic. To drive the car in a civilized manner means very delicately brushing the accelerator pedal. Any sudden moves of only slight excitement awaken the angry beast. The GT model becomes anxious, aggressively revving the car while briskly charging forward. The brakes are sharp - amp at doing their job, but sharp, so harmonious that driving is an art to master. 

The GT model packs an impressive 151kW/280Nm - these figures translate into a 0-100km/h sprint of just 7.1 seconds. Albeit, the GT feels faster and ready to take on the likes of the Golf GTI. Note: the GTI is easier to live with and more mature in its way of delivering its power to the tarmac. It's the benchmark after all. 

Likes

• Striking looks - especially in Nova Blue.
• Good build quality.
• Well insulated from tyre noise.
• 4Control steering.
• Dynamic driving experience.
• Playful interior.
• I love the fact that the card key is intuitive - picking up when you have left the car and when you are approaching it. 

Dislikes

• The highly-strung engine and gearbox combination. 
• The 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.

The competition 

Opel Astra, Ford Focus, VW Golf, Peugeot 308, Alfa Giulietta, Mazda3, Toyota Auris, KIA Cerento and Hyundai i30.

The pricing

• Renault Megane hatch 84kW Dynamique - R282,900.00

• Renault Megane hatch 97kW turbo GT Line - R343,900.00

• Renault Megane hatch 97kW turbo GT Line auto - R358,900.00

• Renault Megane hatch 151kW GT - R452,900.00

Service and warranty

The New Renault Megane line-up comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Also standard is a 5-year/90 000km service plan. Services take place at 15 000 km intervals (10 000km on Megane GT).

My choice

Renault Megane hatch 97kW turbo GT Line - R343,900.00

www.renault.co.za