Renault has already made it clear that they are returning to the global and local market in a big way. Simplified model lines to remove the confusion caused by minor variations in packages and a commitment to a vast improvement in product and service.

The Megane Coupe is part of this deal and looks ready to live up to the high expectations that Renault has created.

Renault SA managing director, Xavier Gobille says it "represents the state of the art, from the use of cutting edge all-digital technology as part of its design and development process, through to the sporting pedigree of its styling and driving characteristics."

If you demand uncompromising quality and want pure driving enjoyment, then this is your car, he says.

The Coupe is derived from Renault’s concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and is intended to portray exclusivity and sporting agility.

Prominent air scoops, sculpted headlamps and creases that flow with the length of the body are most noticeable from the front.

It has a muscular stance, complemented by a raked windscreen, sloping roofline and air diffuser in the rear bumper.

The chassis configuration incorporates stiffer springs and dampers, a 30 mm lower front roll centre height and a 12 mm lower centre of gravity, for improved handling.

Renault says that although the front row has more of a racing-seat feel, it’s as practical as the Megane Hatch because it uses the same back row.

The luxury continues in the cabin, and considering the smart fittings in the Clio range, it may be worth buying a Coupe just for what you get inside.

That includes a custom-developed, digital-sound-processing system by specialist firm Arkamys that fills the cabin with sound from eight speakers. There are slots for RCA and USB plugs so that MP3 devices can be easily integrated and bluetooth cellphones synchronise seamlessly with the communications system.

The top of the range 1.4 TCe - which Renault says will be here in January 2010 - is also equipped with an integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system.

When it comes to getting out on the tar, an updated version of the Megane’s normally-aspirated 1.6-litre, 16-valve engine performs better throughout the rev range and is a lot quieter.

Renault puts maximum power at 83kW and peak torque peak of 151Nm at 4250 rpm. All this for a claimed fuel consumption of 6.9l/100 km.

If that's not enough to satisfy, then opt for the new-generation 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 96kW of power and 190Nm of torque, that tips the scales in its favout with an average fuel consumption of just 6.5l/100km.

It's safe as houses, too. Well, almost. It has earned itself a five-star Euro NCAP rating with its six crash bags, an additional pelvis restraint cushion and anti-submarining crash bags on both front seats.

Side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS and emergency brake assist are standard, while stability control is an optional extra.

Page two ... Specs and pricing

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