The Renault Megane Sport Tourer is now available, offering those in need of a little more practicality an alternative to the Focus, Golf and Astra estates.

Its boot has grown to 524 litres, without spoiling the looks of the hatchback – we think it looks every bit as good as the regular car.

It’s clear Renault has put a lot of effort into its design. Long gone are the days when car makers cobbled together estate versions as an afterthought.

The fact it’s called a ‘Sports Tourer’ and not ‘estate’ hints at Renault’s target audience. Features including the stylised silver roof bars and raked roofline should attract ‘lifestyle’ buyers, as well as serving their function.

Intricately detailed rear light clusters add some flair to the tail, and on closer inspection hundreds of tiny Renault logos can be seen hovering in the red plastic.

The boot release is discreetly positioned below the rear number plate, so the hatch is bigger than you might first expect. When open, there is a wide and flat loading bay, which is also low – a big plus when loading heavy items.

Fold the rear seats down and there is 1,600 litres of load space. Fold the front passenger seat flat too and it’s possible to carry items up to 2.55 metres long.

Relaxed atmosphere

Interior quality has taken a huge step over the previous Renault Megane estate, and is very comfortable indeed.

Soft touch plastics line all of the upper cabin and the door trims and steering wheel, helping to make driving a relaxed affair.

The steering wheel and front seats adjust over a greater range than any other car in the class, so all drivers can get comfortable.

Our only criticism is the slightly slack feel of the gear shift, which is smooth enough, but lacks the pleasant weighting of the Focus and Golf.

None of the engine range in the hatchback has been held back, so you can spec the car to pretty much the performance and economy levels you require, from 86bhp to 180bhp.

Diesel engine range:

1.5 dCi 86 – 118g/km CO2, Benefit in Kind 13%
1.5 dCi 106 – 120g/km, 13%
1.9 dCi 130 – 134 g/km, 18%
2.0 dCi FAP 160 – 155 g/km, 22%
2.0 dCi Auto FAP 150 – 175 g/km, 26%

Petrol engine range:

1.6 100 – 159 g/km, 19%
1.6 110 163 g/km, 20%
1.4 TCe 130 – 153 g/km, 18%
2.0 TCe 180 – 174 g/km, 22%
2.0 CVT 140 – 174 g/km, 22%

We sampled the 2-litre dCi diesel with 160bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox, and it proved a very capable engine indeed.

Quiet and punchy diesel

It’s very smooth for a diesel, and aided by a new sound-proofing design for the car’s floor, it makes for one of the quietest diesel cars of its size.

Unlike many diesels it’s also happy to rev, so holding a gear to more than 4,000rpm doesn’t bring the vibrations and harshness associated with old diesel cars.

Drive along a challenging road and the Sport Tourer might not be a sports car, but it does acquit itself well. The steering is linear and precise (it’s a bit too light at low speeds but weights up as you go faster) and there is a good compromise between dynamics and comfort.

Despite being supple, with good ride quality, the Megane Sport Tourer remains almost flat through bends and has plenty of grip.

Good safety record

The Megane hatchback scored a full five stars in recent EuroNCAP crash tests, and we expect the Sport Tourer to achieve a similar result.

Entry-level Expression models get front and rear curtain airbags, and ESP, which is standard across the whole range.

Air conditioning, radio and CD player, folding front passenger seat, electric windows, roof bars and keyless entry card are also included.

Dynamique is expected to lead UK sales and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth with MP3 connection, hands-free Renault card and leather steering wheel.

Privilege trim brings more luxury, in the form of dual-zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors, dimming rear view mirror and rear armrest.

Notable optional extras include an Arkamys 3D sound system which alters output depending on where occupants sit (£350), and Carminat Tom Tom satellite navigation – which employs Tom Tom maps via a dashboard mounted screen and the car’s audio speakers (£450).

Overall, the Megane Renault Sport Tourer should appeal to a significant number of customers looking for a hatchback, but who need a bit more room. Costing £950 more than the equivalent Megane, it’s certainly more cost effective than going to the next class up.

The fact the Sport Tourer also has an appealing design, decent handling and a wide range of engines helps its make a strong case against the opposition.

Key Facts

Model tested: Renault Megane Sport Tourer 2.0 dCi Privilege
On the road price: £21,785
Date tested: June 16, 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin