THE most mainstream-friendly Renault Megane yet has spawned a sensible sedan option, tested here in Zen guise, the lower of two specification levels.

In the absence of European competition bar the Volkswagen Jetta that is now two generations behind the related Golf, Renault seems to have positioned this variant of the booted Megane against some big-name contenders from Asia.

This is good news for Australian buyers wanting something a bit different, but without venturing outside the traditional three-box format.

Even better news is that after a week behind the wheel, we reckon this Renault is worth a look because it dispatches the dull daily duties of sedan life with more than a dash of joie de vivre.