After eight months on the local market, the new Renault Mégane has exceeded the expectations of local agents Auto Sales Ltd - Kind's of Lija.

General manager Mario Xuereb said that the outgoing four-door Mégane Classic was still in demand and the Renault importer was expecting the new model to do just as well.

This must be one of the few models where the diesel version being marketed is actually cheaper than the petrol model, although the diesel comes with the entry level Authentique trim, while the petrol has the better equipped Expression trim.

Standard equipment on all models include air-conditioning, four airbags, radio controls on the steering wheel and best-in-class safety. The Mégane is the only car in its class to have five stars in the EuroNCAP safety ratings.

Mr Xuereb also looked forward to two new models to be launched in Malta next year, the Scénic and the coupé cabrio.

Diesel versions of the Mégane Classic are powered by an 80 bhp common-rail 1.5 dCi engine with the petrol versions having the 1.6-litre 16-valve 115 bhp engine. Additional trim levels on the Expression include electric mirrors, colour-coded bumpers and a superior interior trim. Prices start at Lm8,600 for the diesel and Lm8,650 for the petrol.