A KNIGHT in shining armour?

Renault thinks so – this is its limited edition Megane Knight, which comes with GT-style body armour and a host of extras, including alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.

The exclusive range, available in hatch, coupé and sport tourer, and a choice of two engines, will only be on sale until autumn.

Prices start from £17,095, £350 more than its closest ally the Mégane Expression+ despite a cavalry of additional features, including dark chrome wheels, GT-style bumpers, dark chrome rear diffuser, dark chrome exterior detail styling and electrically folding door mirrors, as well as the rear parking sensors.

The Knight fleet comes with either a 1.6 16V petrol or dCi 110 Stop & Start diesel engine, which cuts CO2 emissions to just 90 g/km and qualifies for zero road tax.

Its special edition 16in dark chrome ‘Eptius’ alloy wheels give it a sporty, cutting edge over its Expression+ stable mate, while the extra tinted rear windows and tailgate add an air of mystery and power. The range comes in Glacier White as standard, but is also available in Ruby Red, Malta Blue and Arctic White, Diamond Black metallic paints.

On the road prices for the Mégane Knight Edition Hatch start at £17,095, the Coupé at £17,595, while the Sport Tourer kicks off at £17,895. All models qualify for Renault’s 4+ package: four-year warranty, four-year free servicing, four-year AA roadside cover and four-year finance.

The efficient and economical dCi 110 Stop & Start is the best-selling of all the Renault engines. It produces more torque (now 260 NM (+20NM), has lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption (80.7mpg). This is all achieved by utilising the very latest engine technology – much of which comes from Renault's Formula 1 experience and expertise, and is unprecedented at this level.