Renault Megane Energy dCi 130 2016

It’s certainly an entirely adequate engine, with reasonable low-down and midrange grunt, but its strength may well be those consumption and emission figures. Sure, they claim 70mpg, but in the real world we recorded 47mpg. Given the testing nature of the route, that’s actually a very good figure, and should mean the Megane can cover nearly 500 miles between fill-ups. That’s good for drivers doing the miles, and a bill for just £20 for the annual VED will make private buyers smile, in the same way that company car drivers will smile at their low tax bills.

Handling and ride are pretty good, aided by decent front-end grip and little rolling into turns. The steering is good and well weighted and it’s generally a very sound blend of qualities to ensure trouble-free miles.

Inside, you are slightly troubled by the noise from the engine, which is far from the smoothest, and the gearbox can be a bit sticky, but otherwise the cabin is well finished and appointed. There is plenty of room for four full-size humans, should you know any, and that rear hatch means you have access to a decent 384-litre cargo space.

There is also a rather natty new tablet-like infotainment system, but that’s liable to be an option except for top grades. This is just one area where we’ll have to wait and see what equipment goes with what grades and what the prices are. We’ll know nearer the UK launch in summer 2016.

While we wait, it might be worth putting a marker against the new Megane. It’s a little different and has a host of good qualities that may well sway the heart as well as the wallet.

Renault Megane Energy dCi 130

Engine size: 1.6-litre diesel

Price: from £20,000 (est)

Power: 129bhp

Torque: 236lb ft

0-62mph: 10.0 seconds

Top speed: 123mph

Fuel economy: 70.6mpg

CO2: 103g/km