With its distinctive design, trademark Renault ride quality and proven safety credentials, the Megane is plenty of French hatchback for the value-seeking family man. The car has character too, which is an increasingly rare commodity in the mass market.
The new Astra has raised the stakes in the Golf game. Dynamic looks (carried into the cabin) and a creamy automatic have boosted the Opel’s potential to challenge the benchmark. If it had more off-the-line thrust for stop-and-go urban motoring, the Astra would have nearly been a Golf beater.
For now, it will take more work at Opel and Renault to defeat Volkswagen once and for all. Although the VW is not as pleasant as the Megane or as progressively styled as the Astra, its peppy drivetrain, high build quality and do-it-all capability are trump cards that keep the Golf at the top of its game and justify its premium price tag.
Volkswagen Golf 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 8-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1197cc
Bore x stroke 71mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 105bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque 175Nm at 1550-4100rpm
Power to weight 99.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.6 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 17.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza ER300
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4199mm
Width 1786mm
Height 1479mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb Weight 1241kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $120,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Quiet interior, punchy engine, outstanding fuel efficiency
– Low-speed jerkiness, average cabin space, no cruise control
Opel Astra 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, DOHC
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.5mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Max Power 115bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 155Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 83.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 13.3 seconds
Top Speed 182km/h
Consumption 14.1km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Energy Saver
Size 205/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4419mm
Width 1814mm
Height 1510mm
Wheelbase 2685mm
Kerb Weight 1373kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $122,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Dynamic styling, agreeable gearbox, well-sorted ride and handling
– Cosy back seat, no reverse sensors, inadequate low-end energy
Renault Megane 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, DOHC
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79.5mm x 80.5mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Max Power 105bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 145Nm at 4250rpm
Power to weight 87.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 13.9 seconds
Top Speed 180km/h
Consumption 13.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear EfficientGrip
Size 205/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 4
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4295mm
Width 1808mm
Height 1471mm
Wheelbase 2641mm
Kerb Weight 1205kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $98,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Sleek design, keyless start, excellent all-round visibility, good comfort
– Laid-back pick-up, dated automatic, small glove compartment
