Driven: 2016 Renault Megane GT - Interior Assessment

The Megane IV’s cabin is spacious, and it has enough room in the back for three adult passengers. The dash has a modern look, especially on higher trim levels, as it features a massive screen for the multimedia unit, along with minimal buttons and switches for the primary functions. The gauge cluster is part digital, part analog, and the former has a customizable interface, which is elegantly designed.

The controls are intuitive to use, and the driver has everything within arm’s reach. The buttons on the steering wheel are well placed, and Renault’s signature control panel for the audio system is still set separately. Thanks to that decision, the French automaker had the ability to integrate new functions on the steering wheel, while the audio controls sit on their dedicated stalk, just below the controls of the wipers.

The multimedia unit is simple to use, and the only thing peculiar about it - the portrait configuration instead of the typical landscape format, takes a little time to get accustomed. A few buttons have been maintained on the center console, just like competing automakers have done with their equivalent models that have been converted to a simplified layout of the dash.

The logic behind keeping physical controls for the climate unit, as well as defroster, door locks, and hazards is simple - any user can find those buttons easily, while more advanced functions will require a look through the menu.

Build quality has significantly improved since the previous generation of the Megane, and the fourth generation of the French hatchback is easily on par with the best of them. We already mentioned we tested the GT version of the Megane, which comes with dedicated trim elements, different seats, and other stylish improvements.

As usual with volume automakers, Renault has not focused extensively on how soft the rear door cards are, but this is not a problem, but the norm of the segment. The Megane feels well built and sturdy, and the new trim elements, along with ambient lighting inserts, provide a premium feel to the French hatchback.

Some plastic items are still a bit harder to the knock and touch than we would like, but this only happens with the parts found in the lower part of the interior.

Another thing we would like to mention concerning the interior design of the sporty GT version of the Megane is something that we did not find. We would have greatly appreciated a black headliner, an optional equipment even for premium models, which brings a significant improvement to almost any car.

Soundproofing has also been enhanced, and Renault’s compact hatchback is as silent as the best models in the segment. The sporty Megane GT seems almost too quiet in some situations.

The sporty-profiled front seats are comfortable to sit in, even for longer journeys, and their support is excellent. A set of sportier Recaro seats would not necessarily be an improvement over what you can find in the Megane GT.

The rear seats are also comfortable, but they do not compare to the front ones, as it happens in every hatchback on the market. The outer rear seats have a sporty profile, but the one in the middle has a flat backrest and seat support. The former also hosts an elbow support and a set of cup holders. The ride for the passenger sitting in the middle will not be as comfortable as for their homologs, but it’s better than it used to be, and on par with the Megane's competitors, if not better.

As far as practicality is concerned, the Megane does well for itself regarding storage spaces, as the center console features two areas, along with the armrest. There is also sufficient room in the front door cards, as well as in the glove box.

Speaking of which, the latter has the dash elegantly styled around it, a touch of detail which brings character to the new Megane. The trunk is spacious, and its opening is large enough to fit most of what owners typically carry with them. Naturally, the rear seats can be folded down for more space.