Much like celebrities Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, Renault’s Megane became well known for the shapely figure of its behind. This characteristic defined the second generation of Renault’s volume-selling hatchback. Butt now the Megane is back for its third edition and after shedding some pounds it’s sporting a sleeker, leaner look. Pitted as a genuine contender 
against the benchmark VW Golf, the Megane has a lot to prove here in NZ. It’s arrived here a couple of years after debuting in Europe but the Megane may be the vehicle to advance Renault’s place in the consciousness of kiwi car buyers. Car and SUV got some seat-time in a Megane hatchback and found out why.
Exterior Styling – No junk in the Trunk
The chunky back end of its predecessor is gone but it’s still no waif at the rear. Wrap-around two-piece taillights and a curved rear windscreen add visual width. Away from the famous derriere, the Megane has a strong look and although highly styled remains fairly sedate for a French hatch. Prominent front guards and muscular rear haunches give it a dynamic stance, and unique touches include thick plastic trim on the bottom of the doors and a deeply creased bonnet. The look is finished with colour-coded mirror caps, silver door handles and front fog lamps. Standard wheel fitment is a 16-inch 5-spoke alloy that has a chunky appeal but falls short of completely filling the cavernous guards. Overall, the Megane is an elegant looker, it may not appeal to those who like their French styling extreme but it won’t polarize opinion like its predecessor. Read the rest of this entry »
The Picanto’s price tag is also very tempting with the base model available from $18,590. So what do you get for the money?
not. Should the other kids be worried? Absolutely. Car and SUV spent some time in the top spec Amarok Highline to see if this upstart has brought its A-game.
Elantra to find out more.
Then in 2001 BMW reinvented the Mini in a modern form, some people weren’t so hot on it, many others were, but we all got used to this new Mini and grew to accept it. Now, in an understandable effort to broaden its model range and appeal, Mini has launched its new Countryman. With four doors and significantly larger dimensions it comes asking new questions of the public. Can people accept that Mini as a company is more than just one model with different variations? Can the Countryman be a viable option for practical-focused families and modern lifestyles? Will it still retain enough appeal for Mini enthusiasts and offer traditional go-kart-style driving dynamics? Car and SUV strapped into Mini’s top spec Countryman ALL4 in search of the answers.
at a $3k – $4k premium over the Getz but offers greater refinement and a higher level of specification. At this price point Hyundai is putting its i20 into the ring with some serious opponents like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Nissan Micra and Mazda2. To catch buyers’ attention Hyundai is marketing the i20 as receiving the distilled best qualities from a few of the successful vehicles in Hyundai’s current range.
go on to have two more generations and become known for its budget price tag and quirky styling. Now, for its fourth generation this super-mini has toned down its radical design and is baring its teeth to its competitors in the light segment through strong equipment levels and improved practicality. Car and SUV took the new top-spec Micra Ti for a run to see if it has the bite to match its bark.
in very different core market segments. Renault’s offerings will include the new Fluence sedan, Megane Hatch, Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and the Koleos SUV. The new-to-NZ models were unveiled as part of a press event held in Auckland yesterday.