Renault Megane praised as European Car of Year

The Renault Megane II, on show at Big Boys' Toys in Auckland last week, has won the 2003 European Car of the Year award.

A jury of 58 motoring journalists from 22 European countries gave the Megane II the gong.

It scored 322 points to narrowly head off the Mazda6 (302) and the Citroen C3 (214). Thirty new cars entered the competition. The win was the fifth for the French carmaker, following the Renault 16 in 1966, Renault 9 in 1982, Renault Clio in 1991 and Renault Megane Scenic in 1997.

The jury praised the expressive design of Megane II, a five-door hatchback, in what is usually a conservative market segment.

It was also impressed by the new model's ride and handling mix, dynamic behaviour, and its passive safety system. Renault claims a best-in-class performance for the Megane II and is looking to score five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Megane II was launched in Europe on October 11. Already sales are running well above forecasts, with diesel versions in most demand.