Renault’s new Megane range is to be instrumental in rebuilding the French firm’s image with the UK fleet industry.

Six years after problems with its predecessor torpedoed buyer confidence in the brand, higher perceived quality has become as important as stand-out styling, revealed head of product planning Patrick Pelata.

Speaking as the next-generation line-up was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, he told Fleet News: “Quality has become such an issue that we decided to increase our manufacturing costs to make sure the Megane is more durable.

"It amounts to an extra €400 per vehicle, which represents an added cost of more than 4%.

"Personally, I think that is too great, but it is significant that the car is scoring higher marks than the Laguna in our internal assessments, and improvements made to that model have resulted in exceptional quality.”

One of the major launches at the show, the Megane reflects Renault’s response to customer feedback and has set the company on the way to becoming the third best quality car manufacturer in Europe, he said.

Fewer trim options reflect higher equipment levels across the range, priced from £14,000, and new and revised petrol and diesel engines offer higher power and greater economy.

A coupé version unveiled alongside the five-door hatchback in Paris will be available in January and Grand Scenic and Scenic models are due in June and July.

Mr Pelata also revealed that the next Espace range, due in showrooms next year, has been cancelled.

“We are rethinking our strategy over the Espace as a result of tax changes across Europe based on CO2 emission figures,” he said.