Renault Mégane: Less Versions, More Equipment

Sometimes, ageing cars receive changes in order to keep selling until the next model arrives. This is pretty much what we could say about the Mégane. Renault announced yesterday it would simplify its versions, enriching all of them and offering more value for money. In fact, it has also anticipated which will be the versions the upcoming Mégane III will offer.

Instead of the current Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilège, Mégane will have only three versions: Extrême, Impulsion and Exception. These names will likely be used for the rest of the Renault vehicles.

The Extrême will be the entry-level version, replacing the basic Mégane and the Authentique version. It has added 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, Audio Connection Box, steering wheel and gear lever knob covered in leather and the Papeete upholstery to the content of the Authentique. According to Renault, all these features cost € 1,050, but they will increase only € 100 to the price of the previous Authentique version. Since there is no free lunch, this new version smashes any remaining doubts about the imminent presentation of a third generation Mégane. With it, anyone that buys the car by now would feel discouraged to complain about the devaluation it will surely suffer when the new one arrives (what is expected to happen in this year’s edition of the Paris Motor Show, in October)

The intermediary Expression version’s place has been taken by Impulsion, which adds rear parking proximity sensors and the leather steering wheel and gear lever knob that are present in the Extrême version. No costs added. As for the Dynamique and Privilège versions, they have been replaced by the top-of-range Exception, which also received the rear parking proximity sensors, mixed leather-fabric upholstery and the option of 17-inch alloy wheels at no cost. The price has risen € 300. According to Renault, the extra items cost € 800.

Besides these changes, Mégane now also adopts packages of option items. Besides the existing Comfort and Sport packages, there are also the Safety, the Techno, the Premium and the Leather Pack, all said to increase savings up to 38%. Most of them should be offered in specific versions, since the standard version prices are the reference to the used car sale value. Optional equipment values tend to be diluted in this reference prices and only help to sell the car easier. Renault also mentioned aesthetical changes in the cars, such as chrome surround for the top air intakes grilles for all versions except the Sport and, for the Exception version, a chrome strip between the foglamps in the lower part of the front bumper. Anyway, no pictures of the new appearance have been provided... Dommage. Chrome also seems to indicate dying models, as the Fiat Stilo in Brazil has shown.

Press Release

A STREAMLINED, BETTER EQUIPPED MÉGANE RANGE

In a highly competitive market segment, the Mégane range has been enhanced thanks to efficient streamlining of the product offer. The previous equipment levels (Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilège) have been replaced by new Extrême, Impulsion and Exception versions. This new range brings enhanced equipment levels, as well as specific option packs.

A simplified range with more equipment

The Mégane range has been simplified in order to provide a better response to customer demand. The range now has two pillars: Confort and Sport, depending on body-type. Enhanced equipment levels across the range mean that the options list has become shorter, too. At the same time, four new option packs have been introduced, offering customers savings of up to 38%, and allowing them to configure their car as a function of their needs. The packs feature the following equipment:
- Safety Pack: ESP and rear lateral thorax airbags (saving: 38%),
- Techno Pack: Audio Connection Box and Bluetooth hands-free phone kit (saving:
27%),
- Premium Pack: tyre pressure monitoring system and Xenon headlamps with integrated washers (saving: 27%),
- Leather Pack: dark charcoal leather upholstery with technical grey stitching, and
heated front seats (saving: 25%).

Looks haven't been forgotten either in this new, streamlined range. In addition to their dynamic lines, all models (except Mégane Renault Sport) now feature a chrome surround for the grille's top air intakes. All Exception models will also feature a chrome strip between the foglamps in the lower part of the front bumper (except Mégane Coupe Cabriolet: Privilège equipment level).

The range in detail

Mégane Saloon and Mégane Coupe

The Mégane equipment level has been deleted from the range. The Authentique versions, including the L’Equipe special edition, will be replaced by the Extrême equipment level which features an upgraded equipment list. This includes 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, foglamps, the Audio Connection Box, dark charcoal leather steering wheel and gear lever knob, plus Papeete upholstery with dark blue cushion and seatback inserts. The total value of additional equipment amounts to €1,050, but the price increase has been kept to just €100 compared with former Authentique versions.

Expression versions has been replaced by the Impulsion equipment level. In addition to the previous model’s specification, the new car now comes with a rear parking proximity sensor and leather steering wheel and gear lever knob. In spite of this additional €400 of equipment, prices have remained unchanged. The Carminat version (available only on Mégane Saloon) features the same upgrades, as well as the second-generation Carminat Intelligent Navigation system.

The Dynamique and Privilège equipment levels have been blended into a single new appellation: Exception. In addition to the features of the former Dynamique versions, this equipment level now includes a rear parking proximity sensor and mixed leather-fabric upholstery, plus 17-inch alloy wheels as a no-cost option. The additional equipment is worth €800, but prices have risen by just €300 compared with the former Dynamique equipment level.

The unique, assertive personality of the GT version means that its name has not been changed. Equipment levels will be upgraded to those of Exception versions (except rear parking proximity sensor).

The Renault Sport F1 Team R26 (Coupe version only) and Renault Sport Luxe have not undergone any changes.

The 130hp 1.9 dCi engine without particulate filter and 2the .0 16V engine with manual transmission have been deleted from the range. It should be noted that 86 per cent of Méganes sold are not taxed under the latest French environmental legislation, while 67 per cent of them are eligible for the French government’s bonus payment.

Mégane Estate
The Mégane, Fairway and Privilège equipment levels disappear from the range, as do the versions powered by the 130hp 1.9dCi engine without particulate filter and the 2.0 16V engine with manual transmission. The Extrême, Impulsion and Exception equipment levels have been introduced, as per the Mégane Saloon and Coupe ranges.

Four-door Mégane Saloon
The Mégane, Dynamique and Privilège versions have been deleted from the range, as have those versions powered by the 130hp 1.9 dCi and 2.0 16V engines. The Authentique and Expression equipment levels will be replaced by the new Extrême and Impulsion equipment levels, as per the Mégane Saloon and Coupe ranges. The coming weeks will also see the introduction on all versions of a new chrome strip between the front foglamps along the lower section of the front bumper.

Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet
This top-of-the-range model is a car people often fall in love with at first sight. In the new range, it can be customized thanks to a range of 'collections'. The Extrême collection replaces the Authentique version, with identical equipment to Mégane Saloon and Coupe.

The Dynamique and Privilège versions have been retained and are joined in the slimmeddown range by the Exception equipment level.

To ensure that every car is perfectly tailored to meet customers' needs, Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet retains its extensive range of options.