When you take her top off, it's pure joy
by Nick van der Leek
There was a time when the only cars on South Africa's roads were made either by Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen or Mazda. The lucky could afford a BMW or Mercedes Benz. But the point is, this country was isolated and we weren't exactly spoilt for choice. That's changed.
Today the European manufacturers are all back; Fiat, Alpha, Citroen, the Korean car makers are here too and all the Japapense brands fly their flags side by side.
The Renault Megane is a sexy, classy car. The model I test drove was silver, and oozes style. There's no key, just a stiff black disk (with embdedded locking and unlucking mechanisms) that you insert into the instrument panel, and a start and stop button. It's just one of a host of modern, and nifty touches.
The Megane has 6 gears, and runs on diesel. It's sheer power made me think of the Alpha GT. This baby has a lot of power, and is very jumpy when you first get behind the wheel. She launches forward, turns effortlessly and stops at the slightest touch of brakes. Once you're aware of her subtleties, she has all the grace of a Japanese princess.
The upholstery is some of the best I've seen. Is it handstitched? The seats hug the body, and the instrument panel is sensibly functional and stylishly practical.
The cars headlights turn on and off automatically. Another nice trick is the easy push button assembly of the roof. Prepare to attract a small crowd. The car resembles a rocket that's adjusting airlerons for blast off. And when you emerge from your vehicle, remember to wave and smile gallantly.
The Megane has beautiful curves, so expect to turn heads in traffic. She's a soothing ride, and if you're unlucky enough to be a passerby on the streets, a mere onlooker, she's a heartbreaker.
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