IT is often said that the French have just as much flair for car design as the Italians, but going by the past three generations of Meganes, it would seem as if Renault designers were otherwise asleep.
In Singapore, the previous Megane was only available in hatchback and convertible versions. The model’s saloon variant, the Fluence, has a smooth-sounding name, but is rough around the edges, even by bread-and-butter standards.
The new Megane Sedan, on the other hand, is a lot more attractive than its predecessor. It has plenty of road presence, too. When you see it, you cannot help but give it a second glance.
The Megane, however, still faces an uphill climb. Its strongest European rival, the Volkswagen Jetta, remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a relatively…