Honda Civic vs Renault Megane

Most Honda product hails from Thailand, but this Civic hatch comes from Britain, so it has some nice styling touches that stand out from the Thai-built sedans. However, it's also $2300 more than the Megane and several thousand more than comparative Japanese and Korean hatches. Features are plentiful such as climate control airconditioning, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights and rear parking sensors, plus Honda's traditionally good resale value, reliability and build quality.

Renault has trimmed its prices. The hatches start at $22,990 and go through to $29,990 for the Privilege, which is no more than they were back in 2003. That's not bad considering you get standard equipment not on the original model such as six airbags, cruise control, ESP, hands-free keycard and Bluetooth with music streaming.

It looks like the sportier Type R with its racing-influence design. There's a mesh grille replacing the clear plastic grille, a race-style petrol cap, integrated tailpipes and Flash Gordon door handles including hidden door handles on the rear door. The tailgate has a stylish spoiler in the middle of the glass. Inside are drilled pedals, sporty steering wheel, a big red start button like the S2000 and a futuristic dashboard.

The big-bottomed Megane has trimmed down and is a far less polarising design. It's now quite an attractive car inside and out with plenty of French flair in its scintillating swoopy roof and dazzling body lines. However, there are also a few French quirks in the controls, but you get used to them quick enough.

Honda was the first to use variable valve technology in its engines which converts it from a mellow kitten at low revs to a screaming wildcat at high revs. While this 1.8-litre engine is hardly a wildcat, it does work much better at high revs. The i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed auto. The Si comes with a reliable Bluetooth system, but doesn't include music streaming. There are AUX/USB connectors and a convenient 12V outlet in the centre console.

The 1.6-litre engine has been replaced by a two-litre four-cylinder with 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, which gives it the edge in torque on the Honda, but it loses out in economy by about 1L/100km. The engine is mated to one of the best six-step continuously variable transmissions we have come across.

Six airbags, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability and a tyre-pressure warning system earn it five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. However, the stylish rear spoiler splitting the rear window creates a blind spot and the rear three-quarter view is limited by the thick C pillar. It has rain-sensing wipers, but no wiper on the rear.

Megane has always been a top safety car with a class-leading four-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the first model in the late '90s thanks to its safety cell. This comes with six airbags, automatic headlight and wipers, ESP, ABS, emergency braking assist, and energy-absorbing bumpers to protect pedestrians. Forward visibility is good but rear visibility is limited.

The Si is a mellow version of the Type R with softer suspension and more sedate performance. Handling is capable and consistent, never messy or fussy. It feels classy inside, if a little noisy on the highway. Useful touches include a 12V outlet in the cargo area, wide-opening rear doors and flat-folding 60-40 split rear seats. There is plenty of room in the back for three adults. The futuristic split instrument panel has the all-important speedo mounted high and is obscured by the top of the steering wheel.

The seats are not the usual lounge-chair French seats but are comfortable and supportive. The steering wheel is sporty and the cockpit inviting. There is good room for four adults and a convenient cargo area. It's a quiet and refined ride with plenty of steering feedback and excellent road manners. The CVT is surprisingly good. When pushed hard it screams as expected, but if punted around town doing the daily battles with traffic, it is a clever transmission that does what its told. plus it has better economy than the manual.