Renault Megane Sport Tourer dCi110 EDC: Practicality and Economy in Focus
Renault’s Megane Sport Tourer with the dCi 110 diesel and EDC automatic aims to balance family estate practicality with low running costs, but real-world consumption diverges from official figures.
Renault’s Megane Sport Tourer dCi110 EDC, launched as a facelifted version for the 2013 model year, targets families seeking estate practicality with lower running costs. The combination of the 1.5-litre dCi diesel and six-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic aims to tempt buyers away from rivals like the Volkswagen Golf Variant, Ford Focus Estate and Opel Astra Sports Tourer.
Engine and EDC gearbox: diesel meets dual-clutch
The 1.5-litre dCi engine produces 110 PS at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm. Renault pairs this with its EDC dual-clutch automatic, a six-speed unit designed to compete with Volkswagen’s DSG. In most driving, the EDC shifts smoothly and unobtrusively, though on steeper roads it can hesitate before selecting the right gear. For buyers who prefer not to use a manual, the EDC offers a credible alternative, though some may still favour the manual for ultimate control and marginally better economy.
Official figures claim 4.2 l/100km on the highway and 5.1 l/100km in the city, but real-world results diverge. In city conditions, the trip computer showed 7.2 l/100km, with normal driving and climate control off. On the motorway, consumption hovered just above 5 l/100km at 110 km/h with cruise control. Lower speeds and careful driving can bring the figure closer to the official claim, but most owners are likely to see higher numbers in daily use.
Cabin and practicality
The Megane Sport Tourer’s cabin will be familiar to anyone who has driven a recent Renault. Controls are logically placed and the driving position is adjustable, though taller drivers may find their head close to the roof when using the electric seat adjustment. Equipment on the tested version included leather seats with heating, a Bose premium sound system, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an electronic handbrake.
Space is competitive for the class, with comfortable seating for four adults on longer journeys and a boot offering 486 litres with the rear seats up. Sound insulation is adequate at motorway speeds, though not class-leading. Some practical niggles remain, such as only one front cupholder and a lack of a cooled glovebox, which rivals like the Astra Sports Tourer have addressed.
On the road: comfort and dynamics
The ride is tuned for comfort rather than handling, which suits the car’s role as a family estate. The suspension communicates enough of the road surface without being harsh, and steering is precise for urban and motorway driving. The chassis is not intended for spirited driving, and buyers wanting hot-hatch handling will need to look elsewhere in the Megane range. For everyday use, the Sport Tourer is easy to place in traffic and provides a reassuring drive.
- EDC gearbox is smoother than many rivals’ automatics
- Real-world fuel economy is higher than official figures suggest
- Cabin well equipped but could use more storage solutions
- Boot space matches key rivals in the segment
Pricing and value
Pricing for the Megane Sport Tourer dCi110 EDC started at just under €16,000 in 2013, with well-equipped versions like the tested car approaching €21,000. This placed it in direct competition with the Golf Variant and Astra Sports Tourer, both established names in the estate segment. Buyers prioritising automatic gearboxes and diesel economy may find the Renault a strong alternative, though manual versions and rivals with newer platforms may offer better efficiency.
