THE Renault Megane success story is about to get a new instalment with the launch of the 1.5 dCi 100 Auto - the first automatic transmission to be offered on the diesel versions of Europe's best-selling car, with prices starting from as little as £14,490 on-the-road. The Megane was also the best-selling diesel car in the UK in June, so this is a significant addition to the range.

There are currently two petrol-engined automatics available across the range, 1.6 VVT 115 and 2.0 136 VVT, with this latest engine and transmission combination available to order now on the Expression and Dynamique trim levels of Megane Hatch, Sport Saloon and Sport Tourer, with a dCi 100 Auto also available on the Sport Hatch Dynamique. The partnering of one of Renault's highly regarded diesel common-rail engines, the 1.5 dCi 100, with the company's advanced automatic technology, looks like a winning combination.

This particular powerplant's reputation was enhanced earlier this year when it powered the Clio to victory in the Supermini category of Diesel Car Magazine's Car Of The Year Awards in June, while the intelligent, four-speed "Pro-active" automatic gearbox promises to add an unrivalled blend of refinement and smooth power delivery to the Megane range's already first-class ride and handling by allowing a "flick-shift" manual mode and ensuring smooth gearshifts by adjusting itself to an individual's driving style.