Renault Megane II is voted European Car of the Year

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Mégane II has been voted "Car of the Year 2003" by a jury of 58 motoring journalists from 22 European countries. Mégane II scored a total of 322 points, coming in ahead of the Mazda 6 (302 points) and Citroën C3 (214 points). In all, 30 new models were in the running for the 2003 award.

The members of the jury praised the expressive design of Mégane II in what is usually a conservative market segment. They were also particularly appreciative of the new model's ride and handling qualities – dynamic behaviour, braking and comfort were all considered exemplary – and its highly sophisticated passive safety system. Indeed, Mégane II claims best-in-class performance and is looking to score five stars in the crash tests conducted by the independent body Euro NCAP.

Mégane II was launched on October 11 and will be on sale in the whole of Western Europe by the end of November. It has got off to a very promising start with sales well above forecasts. The five-door Hatch currently accounts for 70% of sales and, as expected, diesel versions are the most in demand: 70% of the current mix (40% for the 1.9dCi version developing 120bhp and 30% for the 80bhp 1.5dCi version). Also notable is the fact that customers, particularly those attracted by the Sport Hatch, are considerably younger and were often previously owners of vehicles from rival brands. Renault's ambition is to sell 250,000 Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch models in 2003.

This is the fifth time that Renault has received the "Car of the Year" award. Previous models to win the award were the Renault 16 in 1966, Renault 9 in 1982, Renault Clio in 1991 and Renault Mégane Scénic in 1997. This honour augurs well for the other models in the Mégane II programme, with no fewer than six new models – five- and seven-seater MPV, coupé-cabriolet, saloon, sport tourer, sports derivative – being rolled out in the next 16 months.