Hatchbacks Tested: Renault Megane, Seat Leon and Vauxhall Astra

Crossover SUVs may be the model du jour, but the five-door family hatch is still pulling in the sales. Buyers are drawn by this traditional genre’s nimble road manners, economical running costs and cheaper showroom prices. The Renault Megane has always been a strong contender in this marketplace, and with the latest, all-new version here at last, we’ve decided to pitch it against its direct rivals from Vauxhall and Seat.

In mid-capacity turbodiesel form, all three models especially appeal directly to the lucrative company car market. Which one makes the best buy? We try the £19,400 Megane 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique Nav, £18,345 Astra 1.6 CDTi 110 Ecoflex Tech Line, and £19,650 Leon 1.6 TDI 110 Ecomotive SE to find out.

Straight on to the road, and it transpires that the heavier Renault seems slower than its rivals, particularly in the traffic-light sprint. Its gearbox is vague as well, although the car is the most refined on the motorway. The Vauxhall feels particularly peppy through the ratios, and it’s the smoothest diesel here. Meanwhile, the Seat’s engine sounds boomier and the cabin is the noisiest, but its transmission is the slickest on test.

The prize for the most comfortable ride goes to the Megane, as it’s smooth and cushioned over poor surfaces. However, the body rolls noticeably through corners, the weight-adjustable steering lacks feedback and the slowing action is less than smooth. In short, there isn’t that much driving enjoyment to be had.

With its eager handling, natural controls, plentiful grip and well controlled lean, the Leon feels very stable in corners, and the Astra comes up nearly as well, if a little more nervous. Both cars have a slightly pattery ride, but it never becomes over-firm.

Inside, the drivers get pleasant and comfortable environments. The Renault’s seating position is less natural than its rivals’, with the Seat’s the best of the bunch. The Vauxhall’s £250 lumbar support is a bit of a stretch, though. We love the Renault’s cool infotainment screens and all-round ambient lighting, and think the Vauxhall’s dash looks smart, while the Spanish model’s dash is sturdy yet dull.

In the rear, the Astra is the best all-rounder and the Leon is spacious too. The Megane has poor leg and foot room. It also has the highest load lip in the boot, although all three models are closely matched for capacity.

Business buyers will prefer the Vauxhall, because it has the cheapest Benefit in Kind costs. It will also appeal the most to leasers, as over three years it’s £1000 cheaper than the Seat and £3000 less than the Renault. Mind you, the Megane has the lowest PCP leasing deals, with a £2500 deposit and £244 a month. The Leon adds £39; the Astra, £66. Factor in that the French model boasts the most standard-fit kit, including sat-nav and climate control, and it has the greatest showroom appeal.

All three cars have earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with the Megane leading the active safety aid haul with auto-dip headlights, speed-limit display and a well priced autonomous emergency braking option. This kit is more expensive in the Astra and unavailable on the Leon.