Driven by simplicity

SOMETIMES it pays to keep things simple and the Renault Megane Hatch 2011 is simplicity at its finest.

You have to admire the French automaker’s no nonsense approach to creating a vehicle that is built to serve a purpose.

The exterior design marks a new direction for the model, which is known for its protruding rear end. In the 2011 model this feature has been dropped in favour of a more conventional, smoother tailgate.

Traditionalists may argue the point, but in my opinion, this makes the marque all the more appealing and gives it a sportier feel. 

In terms of safety, the model boasts a number of features including driver and passenger airbags and unfastened seatbelt warning lights. Aside from the usual compact-car features, the safety equipment onboard also includes electronic brake-force distribution, ABS brakes, emergency brake assist and optional understeer and stability control as well as Bi-Xenon Lamps.

Two of my favourite features are the light and rain sensors. The front windscreen wipers, with automatic intermittent function, automatically start and adapt their speed according to the intensity of the raindrops. That might be unnecessary during the summer, but you wait for the sudden November downpour! A light sensor also turns the lights on automatically when it’s dark, for example, when you enter that dismally lit mall carpark (you know the one I mean!).

These safety features make the model an ideal starter car for a new driver or even a great mode of transport for small families.
 
The ruby red model I drove came with a 1.6-litre engine and 4-speed sequential mode automatic gearbox. The new model goes from 0-100kmh in a respectable 13.9 seconds.

Inside the hatch, the comfort features include dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents for passengers, lots of leg room and an illuminated glovebox.

Renault says the seats of the new Megane have been designed specifically with long-distance travel in mind, with specially-developed thick foam cushioning and intuitive controls for seatback, headrest and lumbar support. The steering wheel too is reach- and height-adjustable.

As for onboard entertainment, there is a CD player, radio and a USB socket to plug in your MP3 player. The options are simple, leaving you to give your full attention to the road and the often-treacherous highway lane-hoppers.
One of the main advantages of the Megane Hatch is that it is quite compact and easy to park. This is a very handy feature when trying to find a space near our new base on Exhibition Road where every centimetre counts.

Another feature worth bragging about is the innovative use of space that proves ideal for the weekly trip to the supermarket to stock up on groceries. Although the 2011 Megane Hatch is relatively compact on the outside, once inside there is a surprising amount of room thanks to the adjustable seats.

However, the ace-in-the-hole is the price tag. The Megane Hatch 2011 can be snapped up for a mere BD5,695. For further information contact the Renault showroom on 17732732.