A major player on the small car scene, Renault has a track record on larger cars too. It was first to market with a mid-range front wheel drive hatchback, for example. The Renault 16 of 1960s was a radical design and so, to an extent, were the even larger 20 and 30 models afterwards. With the launch of the first Megane in 1995 it came up again with a competitive lower medium “Euro-Hatch”.
Apart from getting in early on the trend to differentiate between 'sporty' three- and 'family' five-door variants, saloon, estate and folding hard-top coupe-cabriolet models came too. The real innovation here, however, was the first Scenic in 1996. By offering a down-sized Espace concept the Megane ushered in the first Compact MPV – and shook up the whole lower-medium sector.
Apart from getting in early on the trend to differentiate between 'sporty' three- and 'family' five-door variants, saloon, estate and folding hard-top coupe-cabriolet models came too. The real innovation here, however, was the first Scenic in 1996. By offering a down-sized Espace concept the Megane ushered in the first Compact MPV – and shook up the whole lower-medium sector.
As a result, the whole Megane range is very very important to Renault. The new Megane was launched at last September’s Paris Show with a pan-Europe roll-out for 2009. Five door hatch came late in 2008 with the three-door early in 2009. The seven-seat Grand Scenic followed quickly in May, Scenic in July and ‘Sport Tourer’ (estate) here during the Summer too. The hard-act-to-follow-but-looks-up-to-it Megane RenaultSport three-door will be here in the Autumn.
Sign of the times or not, the latest Megane (like Peugeot’s 308 and VW Golf VI) sits on a platform and powertrain evolved from the previous car. It’s not totally new from the ground up. But the larger bodywork, cabin and interior is new. New petrol 2.0 litre TCe and 1.9 dCi Diesels are gutsier and cleaner. And, apart from the petrol and diesel entry models, all get six-speed gearboxes.
But the Megane still has a beam rear axle – unlike a fully independent multi-link arrangement like the Golf’s. Taking its cue from Ford’s Focus, the Golf, together now with Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed/Proceed all have a more sophisticated mix of ride and roadholding abilities – where the trade-off between sharp handling and comfort is not so pronounced.
Renault has gone for ride comfort with the standard Megane range but the car’s roadholding is secure enough and quite composed – on a par, say, with Peugeot’s 308 or Honda Civic. The RenaultSport people can do more than compensate for the elementary rear end through all the work done at the front – steering, suspension, traction, brakes. And that is one sharp car!
Expression, Dynamique and Privilege are the three basic models and even the cheapest comes with air-con., keyless, remote/central locking and heated electric door mirrors come, for example. Also included are all the electronic stability aids: ESP and ASR/CSV together with braking backed up with ABS/EBD.
The 1.9 dCi 130 (£17,585/£18,485; Insurance 9E/10E), which is generously kitted out, can reach a claimed 127mph and cover 0-62 in 9.5 seconds. The official combined fuel consumption figure is 55.4mpg with a pretty decent 46mpg achieved on test – so 50mpg day to day should be within reach. CO2 134g/km.
Asking price for the entry model five-door is £13,735 with an Insurance ticket of 6E. The new Megane is not cheap, but is a distinct improvement on the previous car, has quite a bit of appeal and hasn’t put on weight – an achievement in itself. A thorough re-working of a familiar mainstream model, it’s comfortable, frugal, has more than a dash of quality inside and is much more than a mere makeover.
By Huw Thomas
Sign of the times or not, the latest Megane (like Peugeot’s 308 and VW Golf VI) sits on a platform and powertrain evolved from the previous car. It’s not totally new from the ground up. But the larger bodywork, cabin and interior is new. New petrol 2.0 litre TCe and 1.9 dCi Diesels are gutsier and cleaner. And, apart from the petrol and diesel entry models, all get six-speed gearboxes.
But the Megane still has a beam rear axle – unlike a fully independent multi-link arrangement like the Golf’s. Taking its cue from Ford’s Focus, the Golf, together now with Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed/Proceed all have a more sophisticated mix of ride and roadholding abilities – where the trade-off between sharp handling and comfort is not so pronounced.
Renault has gone for ride comfort with the standard Megane range but the car’s roadholding is secure enough and quite composed – on a par, say, with Peugeot’s 308 or Honda Civic. The RenaultSport people can do more than compensate for the elementary rear end through all the work done at the front – steering, suspension, traction, brakes. And that is one sharp car!
Expression, Dynamique and Privilege are the three basic models and even the cheapest comes with air-con., keyless, remote/central locking and heated electric door mirrors come, for example. Also included are all the electronic stability aids: ESP and ASR/CSV together with braking backed up with ABS/EBD.
The 1.9 dCi 130 (£17,585/£18,485; Insurance 9E/10E), which is generously kitted out, can reach a claimed 127mph and cover 0-62 in 9.5 seconds. The official combined fuel consumption figure is 55.4mpg with a pretty decent 46mpg achieved on test – so 50mpg day to day should be within reach. CO2 134g/km.
Asking price for the entry model five-door is £13,735 with an Insurance ticket of 6E. The new Megane is not cheap, but is a distinct improvement on the previous car, has quite a bit of appeal and hasn’t put on weight – an achievement in itself. A thorough re-working of a familiar mainstream model, it’s comfortable, frugal, has more than a dash of quality inside and is much more than a mere makeover.
By Huw Thomas
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