The stylish new Renault Megane against a city backdrop
The stylish new Renault Megane against a city backdrop
The fourth generation of the Renault Megane has arrived and it’s said to be the best yet. Placed to rival the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf the overhaul comes soon after its sister model the Clio received a makeover in 2012.
The design is definitely a talking point thanks to its bolder styling. The front bumper is lowered and the windows boast chrome detailing, giving the mid-sized family hatchback a sportier feel.
The smooth lines continue to the rear of the car adding rear lights that almost meet in the middle, if it wasn’t for the Renault logo. Larger than its predecessor the new Megane is wider at the front and rear and offers a longer wheelbase.
Bolder styling gives the Renault Megane a great first impression
The cabin is well built with soft-touch plastics and hard-wearing fixtures and fittings. The high spec trim levels are certainly high quality, offering a Napa leather-trimmed steering wheel and chrome detailed interior.
There are six trim levels: Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav, GT-Line Nav and GT Nav.
The standard equipment on the base level trim is impressive, including LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows, DAB radio and alloy wheels.
The interior space has increased thanks to the longer wheelbase with more room for passengers in the front and rear, in addition to an impressive boot space of 434 litres.
The high quality interior is stylish and impressive
You can increase the feeling of sportiness even more with the two GT trims, GT Line and GT Nav. These both offer a sportier exterior look including a honeycomb mesh grille and gaping air intakes. The GT Nav model includes suspension moderations and increased power under the bonnet. The interiors include a sport steering wheel and seats upholstered in Alcantara or cloth.
The All-new Renault Megane GT
The new Megane was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating thanks to the standard safety kit, which includes a multitude of airbags, seatbelt reminders in the front and rear, traction and stability control systems, as well as ISOFIX child car seat mounts. The new model scored 88% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection and 71% for pedestrian protection.
A large central touchscreen dominates the front dash and the landscape layout replaces the traditional dials. The 8.2-inch tablet-style control panel operates the R-LINK infotainment system and sat nav. (Available on the Dynamique Nav upwards.) There is also the option of a BOSE stereo and adaptive cruise control.
Additional safety tech includes traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.
The new Megane has a selection of six engines to choose from, three petrols and three diesels. The diesel offerings are available with 90, 110 or 130bhp and the petrols producing 99, 128 or 220bhp. The 202bhp petrol engine is only available on the GT model, which includes a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 110bhp diesel has been tipped as an ideal company car thanks to its projected emissions of 86g/km and BIK tax free.
The Renaultsport version is expected in 2018 and a petrol-electric hybrid is expected to arrive in 2017.
