New Renault Mégane

By Mark Nichol

09th September 2008

The wraps are off the new Mégane – and it’s still a real head turner!

Set to be unveiled at the French Motor Show next month, these are the first official pictures of Renault’s third generation Mégane – and the first look at the new interior. As you can see, the French maker has once again injected its family hatch with a heavy dose Gallic flair to to tempt buyers away from rivals.

While it’s doubtful Renault will resurrect its tongue-in-cheek ‘shake it’ advertising campaign for the new car – choosing to ditch the controversial rear protrusion of the current Mégane – there’s still no lack of visual drama. But this time it’s moved to the front!

The dished bonnet, which curves through the Renault badge towards each A-pillar, and steeply raked headlamps stretching outwards towards the wheelarches, give the hatch a wide-nosed, aggressive look.

As we revealed in issue 1,011, the five-door version you see here will be distinct from the three-door, with the latter featuring a coupé-like roofline and aimed at buyers wanting more sporting appeal. Six different models will eventually appear, including a coupé-cabriolet and more practical estate and Scenic MPV versions, all due by 2010.

Renault is intent on resolving the quality issues that have plagued the current Mégane since its launch in 2002, claiming the ‘accent [is] very much on the fit and finish of its panels’.

Clearly the interior look has been influenced by the latest Laguna saloon, with a sweeping dash top and high-set centre console available in colours and trim that reflect either luxury or sportiness. According to Renault, soft touch plastics pervade the cabin, and a raft of hi-tech equipment will be available, including hands free entry and ignition, an assisted parking brake which automatically applies itself when the engine is switched off, and the latest joystick-controlled 3D sat-nav.

The new Mégane sits on a modified version of the current car’s chassis, though the track is wider, and the suspension and steering have been heavily re-worked to provide a far more rewarding driving experience.

The engine line-up, too, has been revised, with a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines available. Of the six diesels that will eventually power the newcomer, three offer CO2 emissions equal to or below 120g/km. Launch cars get dCi diesel engines with power outputs ranging from 84bhp to 128bhp, with dCi150 and 160 engines coming later.

Petrol power comes from 1.6-litre engines with outputs of either 99bhp or 108bhp, as well as a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre unit with 138bhp and a turbocharged TCe engine generating 178bhp. A TCe130 will arrive in Spring 2009, powered by a lightweight 1.4-litre block promising low emissions. Five and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions will be available from launch.

The new Mégane will hit showrooms in November. In the meantime, be sure to pick up your copy of Auto Express 1,030 - available Wednesday 17th September - for more details on stylish French hatchback.

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