We have not made it easy for the new Renault Mégane 1.5 dCi: in front of him, a whole arsenal of rivals to those who demonstrate their potential: Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and Seat Leon.

More than any other, the C segment is the one that offers greater versatility in the automotive world. The compact is the car for all, the perfect place to move from point A to point B vehicle responding to virtually any need. He balance between performance, safety, efficiency, comfort and roominess, with a more than reasonable exterior size, is what makes this category a master purchase. Precisely, They are the best selling models, where manufacturers concentrate their efforts towards a competitive product to the utmost, as much play with them. All aspire to selling and, in the case of our protagonists they achieve their goal, because with Volkswagen Golf, Citroen C4 and Toyota Auris, are those who can boast a greater number of registrations at the moment. They must face the new Renault Megane, which adds to this group bringing a touch of fresh air to the segment, not only by design but also by the many interesting equipment that can incorporate, which will bring a touch of sophistication that rivals fail.

Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi, the best chassis

The more "veteran" group is a Ford Focus that although aesthetically not as innovative as its most recent rivals, It continues to surprise every time you drive. The reason, its frame. Is the only Lot counts with rear suspension, something that gives you a even better than their opponent behaviors, which is saying something. It is more fluid in twisty sections, more incisive and precise cornering, with a back rounding the turns and very fast direction. At the same time conveys a high sense of poise and strength, and it does not neglect comfort gear or the absorption capacity of the suspension. If you appreciate sportsmanship this is your car, but it requires certain driving skills to take advantage of all the qualities of its participatory forces the rear when walking pace. During the photo shoot in our usual test track INTA, It was the best endured the harsh treatment, which less degraded behavior and greater enjoyment which allowed us to your commands with its high efficiency. In short, it has dynamic qualities far superior to what most users may demand. One of his few points against is the maneuverability in urban environments, conditioned by a rear pillar which somewhat limits visibility to look back and a rather small exterior mirrors.

As for the mechanical section, engines chosen for this comparison are perhaps the most reasonable Diesel in their respective ranges, with powers between 110 and 120 hp. more than adequate performance and consumption "laughing" They are the general trend. In the case of Focus, despite its 120 hp, pure performance are not as prominent as expected, probably because in our scale has registered the greater weight of, 1,355 kg, a figure in any case very contained. Nevertheless, compared to the power demand response is overwhelming -the laws make the start throttle pedal travel is very appreciably and It has good ability to win laps, achieving a very nice ride and sense of dynamism.

Opel Astra CDTi / 110, the best engine

Like the Focus, the new generation Opel Astra is another model whose conduct is fully convincing. In this case, the engine is one of the elements that contribute to the satisfaction of Use, because it has a solvency from very few laps. It is the largest amount of torque has given up on our dyno offers a very immediate response and moves the long development chosen by Opel with amazing ease. Unlike the previous edition model, the use of such long marches no longer a drain on usability, because the engine runs smoothly from near idle regimes. Just take a look at their performance, both acceleration and overtaking, to see the good result. It is the fastest of the five, to the point that assails us doubt whether it is worth more powerful variant of the same engine, whose advantage is especially noticeable in the upper area of ​​cuentavueltas. The difference with the top version is more per chassis, for the most powerful takes a different rear, Wheel also pulled by torsional axis, but reinforced by effective Watt linkage of that dispenses our test unit. Chances are that most users do not detect difference in behavior between one or the other, because only in very demanding driving situations comes out greater guidance accuracy for more elaborate version of suspension. With the core we can boast a fabulous performance, in which very agile and very natural reactions are combined in cornering, even at very high rates. Few inertia, precise steering at all times and a high quality damping achieve a balance point unmatchable comparable to Focus but suitable for all audiences.

Peugeot 308 1.6 BlueHDi / 120, breakeven

French reference. Similar approach offers Peugeot 308, which has a very similar to Astra in efficiency and ease of driving behavior. However, to achieve its high level of comfort moron uses a buffer that lets the body more loose extension, which is apparent in not too common situations, such as changes very pronounced slope in full support. The result, nevertheless, is fully satisfactory and no drawbacks to security, always backed by high stability and successful ESP tared, disconnectable not above 50 km / h. Only when forces irrationally things could use some more precision to the limit, and a more communicative steering. However, in normal driving, and even very lively rhythms, it dynamically flawless. The same could be said of its engine, which has very smooth transitions when accelerating or stop accelerating, something which impacts positively on ride comfort, both driver and passengers. It is one of the best answer turbodiesel with a few laps, almost from idle, although long developments undermine its performance and, sometimes, we must resort to change. 6th virtually relief, is designed to achieve high efficiency and in fact, It is the one that has been a roadside lower consumption in our measurements.

Renault Mégane 1.5 dCi, revolution in equipment

Renault is the clearest example of the continuing evolution experienced by compact with each new generation, but taken a step further in terms of interior equipment, where it becomes very clear improvement in virtually all areas. It is the most sophisticated, with a digital control box we can change at will (color and design), Configurable ambient light five driving modes that modify the hardness of the steering, throttle response, engine sound, instrumentation … and even if we activate function seat massage, that we can regulate in three different patterns and varying speed and intensity. Higher versions also equipped with a touch screen generous dimensions that can be customized, and from which a large number of utilities are accessed: air quality sensor, discussion of efficient driving, browser, multimedia system, application (No store for download, some free, and we assume that gradually will be expanded catalog, which currently is slightly reduced), or climate, if only to functions less used, since the rest is through ago controls "for real", Remaining less attention. Presume plus a Head-Up Display retractable, in which information is projected in full color with very good resolution. Perfect for lovers of connectivity.

Striking. The other big step forward has been in design, with elements that enhance the body width and very attractive proportions. Once underway, driving his touch quite remember the previous Mégane, which had already reached a remarkable level of maturity, although this time It has improved the comfort of patching and poise of its frame. It gives great confidence and sense of security, because their reactions are most progressive against possible unforeseen, a curve is closed or the need to avoid an obstacle, always responding swiftly and faithfully to the driver’s wishes, by complicated they are. No weaknesses and fits all handsomely from a very dynamic driving on a tortuous stretch to a relaxed urban journey, situation getting a really low consumption.

Mechanical, without being too rapid, it is well-defended, although very few laps not have as much torque as engines Ford Focus, Opel Astra or Peugeot 308. In return, provides much greater smoothness and quiet running than its rivals. One of its most objectionable points, however, is the adjustment of the seat back, which is not done by a wheel but by lever so that it is less accurate when optimal driving posture. Rear visibility, in turn, is conditioned by the small size of the rear window, and by the rear head restraints.

Seat Leon 1.6 TDI, good chassis, low power

The fifth involved in this comparison is the Seat Leon, equipped for the occasion with version 1.6 TDI engine. This mechanism, which was renewed in August 2015 and went from 105 to 110 hp is available with DSG 7 gears or, in this case, with a 5-speed manual transmission. The first four marches have similar rivals (all with 6 gears) development, however, the engine does not have much verve and is worse off in measuring Overtaking. On the other hand, in actual use, the 5th is too long and should be reduced to 4th frequently if we want to accelerate with some ease, In addition the jump between the two is quite pronounced. It is also having a less immediate response a few laps, and a higher noise level when accelerating and when the engine turns high tour. Still, although this engine is not the most pleasant of the range, All in all a very good car. The steering feel is the most accomplished, and its chassis has a very successful balance taking into account the type of version that is. Their reactions are very neutral, It is also the lightest in our scale, resulting in a high efficiency and nobility for any eventuality. As for comfort, it is up to their opponents, causing generally is a round model. Therefore, we find a high level anyway, so, choose the one you choose, it is impossible to go wrong.