Renault Megane Sports Tourer 1.6 Review: Loaded for the Road

Renault Megane Sports Tourer 1.6 Review: Loaded for the Road

We all know how quirky the French can get when it comes to design. This is one of those cars that immediately impresses without trying too hard. So, who would have thought a wagon could be as good-looking, and at the same time, an impressive handler as this?  

OneShift Editorial Team
OneShift Editorial Team
21 May 2007


Roomy and spacious are the two best words to describe the Sports Tourer’s interior. Renault also did some changes inside – the once red lighting of the meter cluster and on-board info centre are now white, making the clarity level easier for the eyes now.

The inside

In addition, although not stated anywhere, I have to swear that the signal and wiper stalks feel better when touched. Renault being Renault, everything is well put together, giving it a feel of solidity that will surely surpass the COE expiration date of this car..

There’s also a full-leather interior as a cost option.

The Sports Tourer will be suitable for any occasions – be it those long haul drive up North or just a weekend shopping trip. Three (or even four!) adults can sit comfortably at the rear, with the rear boot space (without folding the seats) having the ability to swallow up to 520 litres worth of barang-barang.

Also worth mentioning are the many “secret compartments” within the Sports Tourer’s interior – handy when you need space to keep those knick-knacks off prying eyes.

The test

The main test we made the Sports Tourer go through was a long drive across the Causeway, driving the Sports Tourer all the way up to (ed. yes again) Cameron Highlands.

The 1.6 litre multi-valve with electronic-control and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine doesn’t complain when stretched, and has no problems keeping up at highway speeds by utilising the 110bhp steadily, according to my size 9 right feet. Engine refinement can be improved upon though.

Its 4-speed Proactive automatic gearbox changes gears progressively up the rev meter, and there’s honestly nothing much to complain about it.

Switching to the manual selection mode, the car proves to be quite impressive, attacking each and every one of Cameron Highland’s bends and corners with much gusto.

The dealer-shod Michelin Energy rubbers might complain when sweeping bends were taken too enthusiastically, but the Sports Tourer’s well-sorted ride and handling department still has much more tricks up its sleeve.

It’s commendable how Renault can manage to come up with a suspension set-up that can be comfortable, but at the same time, well controlled for a wagon!

What impresses further is the availability of cruise control, which is especially useful on a long drive like this.

On a local drive, the Sports Tourer was caught struggling at times to keep up during Orchard Road’s weekend traffic. But it’s forgivable, considering the fact that it has to lug around a 1,260kg bodyweight.

After all, you don’t buy a wagon to race around, do you? That aside, the Sports Tourer has really strong brakes that are assuring enough to stop the car when some joker up ahead decides to cut ahead of you unexpectedly, or worst still, slow down deliberately to view an accident scene.

Summing up

The Sports Tourer is the sort of car that in the proper hands, get its job done without fail. At a value for money price of $75k, the Megane Sports Tourer really is a bargain.

For that price, it comes with a whole list of kits, and at the same time, offering French solidity and built quality. If you’re a family person looking for a change of wheels, now is the best time to consider changing your current set of wheels to one of these.

Potential wagon owners will surely enjoy what the Megane Sports Tourer has to offer after a test drive.

Credits: Text and Photos by Azfar Hashim

New Cars
Similar Category Cars
get quote bg
Sell your car at the highest price in Singapore
  • pros
    Convenient and Hassle-Free
  • pros
    Consumer Protection
  • pros

    Transparent Process
    With No Obligation

Other Articles
Explore moreright arrow
2024 Porsche Taycan Review: Perfect Round Two
Renault Kangoo E-Tech Review: Driving the Future of Urban Delivery
Customer Deliveries Of Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II In Singapore To Commence In Q1 2025