Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Engine & Specifications
Renault has released the latest generation of its Mégane range in a choice of three body types - Hatch, Sedan and Coupé-Cabriolet, plus the highperformance Mégane Renault Sport versions - all of which feature a distinctive, individual personality and an increased level of safety equipment.
While maintaining the original style of the Mégane, the latest generation is even more eye-catching. The updated exterior design features modern, tapered headlamps, a revised grille and bumpers, translucent rear lights and new wheels and wheel trims. Inside, the revisions create a more refined, bright interior, with new trims and subtle changes to enhance useability.
The Mégane Phase II range sees the introduction of a number of new technological functions, including electronic stability program (ESP) with understeer control, automatic roll-hoops on the Coupé-Cabriolet and rear parking proximity sensors on selected models.
When it comes to safety, the Mégane stands out as the benchmark. Its driver aids ensure control of the vehicle and help correct the vehicle's trajectory in emergency situations. Its passive safety performance is remarkable - the original Hatch and Coupé-Cabriolet versions were the first vehicles of their respective categories to obtain a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
All body types are available with a 98 kilowatt 2.0-litre engine which is engineered to offer excellent low-range torque. While the entry-level hatch comes with an 82 kilowatt 1.6-litre engine. Renault Sport models use one high performance turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 165 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 300Nm.
Renault has reduced the complexity of the range and improved specification levels across the model line-up. From the original Mégane line-up of 24 variants, the range has been reduced to just 12. The Mégane range now includes four Hatch, two Coupé-Cabriolet, three Sedan and three Renault Sport variants.
According to Renault's managing director, Rudi Koenig, the "safety for all" program, brings to Renault's Australian Mégane range the benchmark safety expertise for which Renault is world-renowned.
"Our aim is to offer the benefits of Renault's extensive research and development in safety.
"The Mégane range has always had a comprehensive level of standard safety equipment but with the addition of ESP, we are providing customers with a more comprehensive active and passive safety package.
"Research by Renault has shown, the benefits of ESP are substantial, with an estimated 35% reduction in single vehicle accidents attributed to the fitment of ESP," said Mr Koenig.
Design and Comfort: Refined Appeal
With its strong personality and assertive character, the Mégane's appealing, innovative lines have evolved to feature an even more eye-catching frontal styling and a more modern design for the rear. Mégane also comes with a range of new technologies aimed at enhancing comfort and driving pleasure.
The more refined, dynamic design of Mégane is aimed at establishing it as the benchmark in its segment. Its racy front end and muscular, robust lines exude an impression of strength and dynamism which is underpinned by the new design of the headlamps, grille and front bumper.
The headlamps have a more high-tech look thanks to their new elliptical modules, highlighting the Mégane's revised frontal styling which is further accentuated by the more pronounced "V" of the grille which tops the redesigned front bumper. The bigger air-intake and its protective housing have been re-penned to blend in even more harmoniously with the new front design. The fog lamps are now located further towards the outside of the car, as on Mégane Renault Sport, which emphasizes the model's sporty and robust design.
At the rear, the now translucent light clusters are the new lighting hallmark of the Mégane Hatch and Mégane Renault Sport, with parallel horizontal lines underlining the car's dynamic, modern looks. The styling of the rear lights of the sedan version has also evolved.
The design of the Mégane Renault Sport's new grille accentuates the dynamic character of this model.
The ergonomic design remains a benchmark across the Mégane range: all the instruments are grouped together in front of the driver, while the intuitively positioned controls are within easy reach. The visual harmony of the interior design is improved by the use of "soft" materials such as on the dashboard cowling. For easy reading, the dials are backlit with white light, while the red needles themselves are thinner. Mégane Renault Sport models now have red stitching on the steering wheel.
The quality and refinement of the different interior trim levels has been enhanced by the use of satin-finish chrome on the climate control display frame and steering wheel insert.
Renault's engineers have equipped the Mégane with a number of new functions aimed at making life onboard both easier and more pleasurable. Now available as standard on Coupe-Cabriolet and Privilege sedan models, the rear parking proximity sensors facilitate maneuvering and reduce the risk of collision with obstacles situated behind the vehicle. The system can be deactivated with a switch located on the centre console.
All models are equipped with improved rain and light sensors. The new rain sensor means the driver no longer needs to re-prime the automatic front wipers when the car is started. New smart and more effective flat blade wipers have also been fitted.
To ensure cleaner cabin air, all Méganes come with an active carbon cabin air filter as standard. This filter prevents particles and smells from entering the cabin. The air-conditioning system has also been re-calibrated with a view to improving both its stability and start-up efficiency (colder more quickly), while at the same time ensuring low fan noise.
The Mégane features the same comfort-enhancing innovations that contributed to the success of the previous generation Mégane, namely vast storage space (including in the floor and side armrests), an aviation-style handbrake which frees up space for storage underneath the central armrest, a built-in fuel filler cap and the Coupé- Cabriolet version's glass roof.
Engines and Suspension: Power and Dynamism
As in the previous generation two normally aspirated petrol engines are available in the Mégane range: a 1.6-litre available in the Authentique Mégane hatch and a 2.0-litre in all other models. The Mégane Renault Sport models come with a high performance turbo-charged 2.0-litre engine, which is noted for its prodigious torque output across the rev range.
1.6 16V 110hp 82kW: Fuel-efficient and agile
This 1598cc engine (K4M) puts out 82kW at 6,000rpm. Driving pleasure is enhanced by its maximum torque of 152Nm at 4,250rpm while its combined cycle fuel consumption has been kept to just 7.0l/100km. It is matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.
2.0 16V 98kW: Dynamic and powerful
The principal features of this 1998cc unit (F4R) are its maximum torque of 191Nm at 3,750rpm and its power output of 98kW at 6,000rpm. For enhanced flexibility, 90% of maximum torque is available from 2,000 rpm. Fuel consumption is 8.2l/100km (combined cycle). It can be coupled to either a six-speed manual gearbox (ND0) or Renault's four-speed proactive automatic transmission (DP0).
2.0 Turbo 16V 225 (165kW): High performance
Developed jointly by Renault's Powertrain Engineering Department and Renault Sport Technologies, this engine is based on the normally aspirated 2.0 16V (F4R). It delivers 165kW at 5,500rpm for maximum torque of 300Nm at 3,000rpm, 90% of which is available between 2,000 and 6,000rpm. It is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox (NDO).
The Mégane's performance lives up to the promise of its looks. Renowned for outstanding road holding, it is built on a chassis that combines comfort, pleasure and control.
Its suspension* has been developed to combine directional control and a high capacity to filter out both vibrations and noise. The MacPherson-type front suspension and rectangular lower arm ensure a high level of transverse stiffness with a view to optimizing road holding and comfort. The rear suspension features a programmed-deflection torsion beam with coil springs, plus an anti-roll bar for optimal control of body roll.
According to body type, a range of wheel sizes is available: 15-, 16- and 17-inches, plus 18-inch wheels for five-door Mégane Renault Sport models. The capacity of the braking system has been designed with a view to combining maximum efficiency and a sensation of bite and power.
The Mégane is equipped with electric power steering, the precision of which has been uprated thanks to a "tube-in-tube" link, which ensures better feedback of information from the road to the driver. This system permits the filtering out of roadgenerated vibrations and impeccable steering precision thanks to a sliding link between the two steering column shafts.
* Mégane Renault Sport features specific suspension (double axis strut suspension) and Brembo front brake callipers and discs for powerful, efficient and lasting stopping power.
