The all-new Megane has a more dynamic look than its predecessor - continuing a design revolution that has been taking place at Renault.

The fourth generation of a range stretching back 20 years was given its official UK launch at Rockliffe Hall, County Durham, in front of members of the motoring press, including the Telegraph & Argus.

A line-up of sporty-looking Meganes made a fine sight outside the five star hotel and golf complex, which is also home to the current training ground of newly-promoted Premier League football club Middlesbrough.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

PREPARED: A shining line-up of Meganes outside Rockliffe Hall

The launch event began with a presentation by Jeremy Townsend, communications director at Renault UK, who gave an insight into the Megane's previous success and the company's hopes for the new car.

He pointed out that global Megane sales were now in the region of 6.6 million, including 560,000 sales in the UK.

Mr Townsend said the revamped Megane, built in Palencia, Spain, had been constructed on a "new platform" based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which allows a wide variety of cars of different sizes to be created using common out-of-view parts, bringing cost reductions.

And he pointed to a number of highlights on the new vehicle, including what he described as "distinctive" front and rear lighting signatures, with the permanently-lit rear LED lights featuring Edge Light technology, along with a different grille and front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels. The new Megane is also lower and longer than its predecessor.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

STYLISH: 18-inch alloy wheels are part of the Megane's dynamic look

Mr Townsend also explained about the 4Control, four-wheel steering system, which is unique in its class. This particular piece of technology makes the car more responsive and precise to drive on twisting roads and more manoeuvrable at parking speeds.

He said that, at speeds of less than 50mph in Sport mode and 37mph in other modes, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, by up to 2.7 degrees at the back, giving the GT the manoeuvrability of a shorter-wheelbase vehicle. At higher speeds the front and rear wheels steer in the same direction, turning by up to 1 degree at the back, for greater stability.

After the briefing, I took to the rural roads of County Durham in the GT version - and was immediately impressed by its acceleration and handling capabilities.

The car is capable of 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds, with a potential top speed of 145mph.

Meanwhile, the Megane seemed to grip the corners in a stable and sure-footed manner, with its more balanced proportions created by a longer wheelbase and significantly wider front and rear track widths – now the widest in class. The GT suspension further enhances its sports driving dynamics.

Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to great comfort and a pleasant ambiance, with sports seats and an integrated headrest combining with improved noise insulation to make for a refined driving experience.

It's clear that Renault has paid great attention to detail when designing the interior. I particularly liked the flashed of blue on the dashboard - which mirrored the car's exterior colour scheme.

The design of the centre console and instrument panel containing the multimedia tablet and 7-inch TFT display, is another positive design feature and is very user-friendly.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

LINE-UP: The nicely-powered diesel version of the new Megane

From launch, potential buyers in the UK are able to choose from four engines – two Energy TCe turbocharged petrol options with capacities and power outputs of 1.2-litres/130hp (manual and EDC) and 1.6-litres/205hp (GT only – EDC).

The turbodiesel alternatives, one of which I tested later in the day, offer a 1.5-litre dCi 110 unit, with manual or EDC transmission, or a 1.6-litre dCi 130 engine.

The diesel version provided smooth acceleration and, for those who don't crave outright speed but want to get a move-on when necessary, felt to be a 'right-sized' engine for this vehicle.

In broader terms, these are interesting times at Renault. With the launch of the new Mégane and upcoming all-new Scénic, Renault will have completely renewed its C-segment family car line-up in little over a year.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

UNUSUAL VIEW: A strategically-placed Megane reminded dining journalists why they were at Rockliffe Hall, which had been subtly personalised for the day with Renault branding