Next Mégane is caught in the shade

By Mark Nichol

01st August 2008

Get set for a French revolution! This is the all-new Renault Mégane, which was caught under shade between film shoots for a new advert.

And despite the best efforts of an entire film crew to conceal it, our spies captured the next family hatchback.

Looking hot in burned orange paintwork, there’s no disguising the third-generation Mégane’s most distinctive feature: the striking front end.

Renault has never been afraid to spark a debate. The love-it-or-loathe-it rear end of the current Mégane was highly controversial when it hit showrooms in 2002, putting some buyers off. But while this has now been toned down, the designers have shifted the drama from back to front!

The headlights of the three-door shown here have a pair of contrasting silver air intakes. And this time around, there’s a clear difference between the three and five-door models. This distinctive front end will be unique to the three-door, which will be named Mégane Coupé when it hits showrooms in 2010. It will also have a shallow tailgate, a narrower glass area and attractive tail-lights.

But it’s not all style and no substance. Renault is keen to address reliability concerns that have plagued the current machine since its arrival – particularly electrical niggles.

The Mégane III, which is based on Nissan Qashqai underpinnings, will have higher-quality plastics similar to those in the latest Laguna.

Its cabin layout will also be inspired by the family model, while equipment will include keyless go, Bluetooth phone connection, an advanced airbag system and stability control.

Engines and prices have yet to be confirmed, but expect few surprises, with entry-level 1.6-litre petrol and diesel versions starting from £13,000. A turbocharged Renaultsport flagship with 300bhp is due to appear at a later date.

We’ll let you know whether the Renault revolution is the real deal when the new car is officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October.