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| Car of the Year 2003: Courage pays |
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| Everybody says Renault Mégane’s
exterior style is very daring for a popular car. Almost half of Car
of the Year jurors gave their top points to the French model, many
of them quoting the unusual looks among its winning assets. Mazda
6, the other top contender, was first or second best for 30 out of
58 Jury members (see voting grid). |
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| Renault Mégane |
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| Renault has chosen to launch initially only
two body versions of Mégane’s new generation. A 4-door
saloon, 5 and 7-seat versions of compact MPV Scenic, a wagon and even
a Cabrio-Coupe waiting in the wings should complete the wide range
that has become a Mégane trade mark. Bold looks were a major
plus in the trophy-winning car for 2003. But new Renault was also
praised for a number of bright aspects: active and passive safety
equipment, materials and fit in the cabin, good ride, handling, brakes
and the lively 1.9 dCi engine and its 6-speed gearbox. Competitive
prices were also in its favour. The unusual feeling of the electric
power steering and a certain space restriction in the rear seat and
boot —conditioned by the styling— were quoted as weak
points for this potential top-seller. |
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