Renault Megane gains 165PS TCe petrol for sharper performance
A new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, developed with Renault Sport, brings 165PS and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to the Megane hatch and estate in France.
Renault has introduced a new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine to its Megane hatchback and estate ranges, delivering 165PS (163bhp) and 250Nm of torque. The TCe 165, available from October 2017 in France, is paired exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox.
This new engine fills the gap between the existing 130PS TCe and the 205PS Megane GT, offering buyers a more powerful petrol option without stepping up to the full GT specification. The TCe 165 is available on the Megane hatch in Intens and Akaju trims, as well as the Megane Estate Intens.
Performance and driving modes
The TCe 165 engine, developed with input from Renault Sport engineers, is a detuned version of the 1.6-litre unit found in the Megane GT. It produces its maximum 250Nm of torque from 2,400rpm and maintains a linear power delivery up to 6,000rpm. The official 0-100km/h time is 8.2 seconds, with a maximum speed of 215km/h, placing it comfortably above the 130PS model for acceleration and flexibility.
Renault offers four selectable driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Neutral and Sport. These adjust throttle response, gearbox behaviour and steering to suit different driving conditions. The engine management features a thermal management system to speed up warm-up and improve efficiency, while the alternator recovers energy during deceleration and braking.
Fuel economy and emissions
Official NEDC figures put combined fuel consumption at 6.0 litres per 100km (47mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 134g/km. These figures are competitive for the segment, especially given the performance on offer. Buyers in France face a €173 ecological penalty for the hatch in 2017, rising to €540 in 2018.
Pricing and trim levels
French pricing for the Megane TCe 165 starts at €29,100 for the hatchback in Intens trim, with the Akaju special edition costing €30,900. The Megane Estate Intens is listed at €30,000. The new engine is not available on lower trim levels, reflecting its positioning as a higher-specification offering within the Megane range.
| Model | Trim | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | Intens | 29,100 |
| Hatchback | Akaju | 30,900 |
| Estate | Intens | 30,000 |
Where the TCe 165 fits in the Megane line-up
The addition of the TCe 165 closes a gap in the Megane petrol range, which previously jumped from the 130PS 1.2-litre TCe to the 205PS GT. This new engine gives buyers seeking more power, but not the full GT treatment, a viable alternative. Its introduction follows a similar move in the Kadjar SUV, which also gained a 163bhp version of the 1.6 turbo around the same time.
At launch, the TCe 165 is only offered in France, but Renault indicated plans to roll it out to other markets, including Spain, in the following months.
Technical details and efficiency features
The TCe 165 is part of Renault's new generation of modular engines, developed in collaboration with Mercedes. It uses direct injection and turbocharging for improved responsiveness and efficiency. The engine's electronic thermal management system helps reduce fuel consumption by accelerating warm-up, and the alternator recovers energy during overrun and braking phases.
With this update, the Megane range offers a broader choice for buyers who want a petrol engine with more punch than the entry-level options, but without the higher cost and insurance of the GT or RS models.
Comparison with other Megane engines
The TCe 165 sits above the 1.2-litre TCe 130 and below the 1.6-litre TCe 205 found in the Megane GT. For reference, the former offers less power and slower acceleration, while the latter is reserved for the sportier GT trim, which also brings chassis upgrades and four-wheel steering. The new 165PS unit provides a balance of performance and everyday usability for the mainstream Megane buyer.
For a detailed look at the Megane GT and its 205PS engine, seeRenault Megane GT Energy TCe 205 EDC: Sporty Focus for the Fourth Generation.
