Renault unveils new Mégane hatchback and coupé at Paris show
The third-generation Renault Mégane arrives with fresh styling, lighter construction and a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines, targeting the C-segment with hatchback and coupé bodies.
Renault has launched the third-generation Mégane hatchback and coupé at the Paris Motor Show, revealing a pair of sharply styled C-segment models that share only bonnet, wings and headlamps. Both versions are slightly larger than before but, thanks to lighter construction, each is on average 8kg lighter than its predecessor.
The new Mégane hatchback and coupé both measure 4.30 metres in length and sit on a 2.64 metre wheelbase. Renault has focused on a dynamic stance, with short overhangs, a steeply raked roofline and wide tracks. The coupé in particular takes a more aggressive approach to its silhouette, while the hatchback aims for broader family appeal.
Despite the visual similarities at the front, Renault has made a clear distinction between the two: only the bonnet, wings and headlamps are shared. The rest of the bodywork is unique to each, giving the coupé and hatchback their own identity within the range.
Engines and performance
At launch, the new Mégane range features a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The diesel line-up is headlined by the dCi 130, producing 130hp and 300Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, with CO2 emissions of 135g/km. Renault plans to extend the range with a dCi 160 manual and a dCi 150 automatic. Petrol buyers can opt for a 1.6 16V with 110hp, a 2.0 16V with 140hp, or the TCe 180. The 2.0-litre engine is initially paired with a six-speed manual, with a CVT option due later. The TCe 130 turbo petrol is scheduled to join the line-up in spring 2009.
- dCi 130: 130hp, 300Nm, 135g/km CO2
- dCi 160 (manual) and dCi 150 (automatic) to join later
- 1.6 16V petrol: 110hp
- 2.0 16V petrol: 140hp, manual or CVT (later)
- TCe 180 petrol: turbocharged
- TCe 130 petrol: due spring 2009, 130hp, 190Nm, low emissions
Transmission options include five- and six-speed manuals and automatics, depending on engine. The TCe 130 is a new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol designed to offer the power of a 1.8 and the torque of a 2.0, but with lower emissions than a typical 1.6.
Safety and comfort features
Safety is a focus for the new Mégane, with double side-impact sensors and dual-chamber airbags, technologies first seen on the Laguna III. Renault claims the car is 95 per cent recoverable by weight at the end of its life, with 12 per cent of plastics sourced from recycling, averaging 22kg per car.
Both hatchback and coupé offer hands-free entry and ignition, automatic assisted parking brake, and a remote lighting function. The assisted parking brake is applied automatically when the engine is switched off and can be released by pressing the accelerator. This system also assists with hill starts and can be operated manually from the centre console.
A comprehensive audio range includes the debut of a bespoke Arkamys 3D sound system. Buyers can also expect a full suite of comfort features, including hands-free locking and unlocking, and remote lighting to help locate the car at night.
Environmental and segment context
Renault positions the new Mégane as a more environmentally responsible choice, with its use of recycled materials and low-emission engines. The company is looking to strengthen its position in the C-segment, competing with rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 308. For more on the evolution of the Mégane, see Renault Megane Unveiled With New Look at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show
