Renault always manages to do things just a little differently... I guess that’s why their cars are loved so much.

In a world of identikit cars, Renaults tend to stand out as being a little different to say a Mazda or a Vauxhall.

Take Megane. This is Renault’s alternative to Focus and Astra, has been around since the mid-1990s and has been a big success, to such an extent that it now covers three models – coupe, hatchback and sport tourer (estate).

Tested here is the main model, the hatchback, which is very different to its mainstream rivals. It is rather more interesting and much more sporty.

There’s a price to pay, as ever, with being interesting and sporty; in this case it’s that the rear seats are a touch cramped and the rear headroom is compromised. Having said that, it’s a well-priced model which is good to drive. It has some fine engines, particularly diesel models, and matches the likes of Focus and Astra in many areas.

It’s well equipped. This test version is the high-end Dynamique model, which comes with Tom Tom satellite navigation, climate control, alloy wheels, traction control and electronic stability programme. That’s some spec sheet for a family car, even a £20,000 one.

It has a sporty stance. In fact, it looks more like a sporty Italian model rather than a middle-of-the-road family car.

Having said that, the current Megane is less outrageous than the previous model (remember the ‘shaking that ass’ advertisement?). It seems to have matured into an interesting, smart car.

It has a very good NCAP crash rating, low emissions and excellent performance, which makes it a sensible choice.

The Megane borrows its fair share of Laguna hardware to make up the cabin, and that’s no bad thing. There’s no need to plump for a top-range model to get a nice cabin either, as every model gets the kind of good quality materials that calm the nerves and make you feel at ease when climbing aboard.

It’s a sensible layout too, if a little unusual in places. The mix of analogue and digital instruments is a surprise, but with a little familiarisation proves effective and clear. The only downside is that some of the buttons lower down on the fascia are a bit small and require a well-aimed finger – but the superb stalk controls cover most of the features more conveniently.

Assume also a healthy engine range, from 1.5 to 2.0 litres. The test version is fantastic, offering an admirable blend of power, smoothness and economy.

The torque is spread evenly over the rev range, so you get a smooth and consistent push until you find yourself up against the rev limiter. It is well in contention with the best four-cylinder diesels for refinement, with a quiet start-up and smooth running.

You may lust after a hot hatch, and Renault will sell you one, but what you really need every day is a good compromise between comfort and fun.

The ride quality is very good indeed, in the best French tradition, and by resisting the urge to make even the humblest models drive like track warriors, it means that bumps are barely noticed and miles slide by with ease. Not that you can enjoy the right sort of roads – the steering is accurate and has decent feel, and your inputs are faithfully translated to the road.

The word that best describes the Megane is accomplished, and this model is designed to be a car for all seasons.

Renault Megane Hatch 1.9 D Dynamique: PRICE: £20,470. Range starts at £14,289.

ENGINE: a 1.9 litre turbo-diesel generating 129bhp through front wheel drive.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 120mph, 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds.

COSTS: Average 55.4mpg.

INSURANCE: Group 21.

EMISSIONS: 134g/km.

WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles.

Steve’s Ratings: Performance: 4/5 Ride/Handling: 3/5 Space/Practicality: 4/5 Equipment: 4/5 Security/Safety: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5