Renault has shown its all-new Megane in Frankfurt.
Described as 'dynamic-looking, high-quality - loaded with technology features from higher-segment cars' the Megane will, alongside a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, be available from launch as a GT created in association with Renaultsport. A 'Hybrid Assist' diesel will be added in 2017.
The new Megane will be available with six engines from launch - three ENERGY dCi diesels delivering 90, 110 or 130hp, and three TCe petrol units with outputs of 100, 130 or 205hp. The EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission will be offered with the dCi 110 (six-speed) and the TCe 130 (seven-speed) engines. The seven-speed EDC is standard with the TCe 205 unit in the GT. The core of the range will be the ENERGY dCi 110 diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. This version of the new Megane emits 86g of CO2 per kilometre and has NEDC combined fuel consumption of 85.6mpg, meaning it is 'ECO2' listed. Since June 2015 Renault has been using the ECO2 label to highlight the most economical engine in each model range.
In 2016 the diesel ENERGY dCi 165 engine, linked to six-speed EDC dual clutch automatic transmission, will also become available in the GT.
A 'Hybrid Assist' diesel will be added early in 2017. With a targeted NEDC cycle figure below 3 litres/100km (94.1mpg) and CO2 emissions of 76g/km, achieved by capturing energy under deceleration and braking, then boosting acceleration under certain conditions, especially at low engine speeds.
Styling wise, at the front the large, upright diamond logo and broad grille is accentuated by daytime running lights incorporating LED technology to provide the C-shaped signature that extends down to the bumper. Chrome trim at the front and around the side windows, badges and door handles 'emphasises the quality' of the new Megane, while 'taut and precise' lines along the lower part of the body and bonnet align towards the front to enhance the dynamic poise of the car. There are air scoops either side at the front, deflectors at the rear and motorised flaps which automatically close to reduce drag, making the new Megane a more aerodynamically efficient car and contributing towards its low fuel consumption and emissions.
The rear light units, also all-LED, feature tail lights that are permanently illuminated. Thanks to new Edge Light technology, it provides a 3D brush stroke effect that emits a purple-hued red light.
On the inside the new Megane has a 'cockpit-style' interior with a high-tech features that cluster around the driver to create an enveloping L-shape. Renault says the interior includes a number of class firsts - including a full colour head-up display, a 7-inch colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display, a portrait-format 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen as an alternative to the landscape 7-inch screen and 4Control four-wheel steering for the GT.
There are five upholstery grades, all in shades of black. High-end versions are available with plush velour developed with Alcantara, giving a 'powerful lustre' and an intense black 3D effect. High-end versions come with heated seats and electric lumbar adjustment. The driver seat incorporates a massage function.
Renault's Multi-Sense technology allows users to personalise their driving experience by modifying accelerator pedal and engine response, adjusting the speed of the gearshifts performed by the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission and controlling the massage function of the seats and the cabin lighting environment. The Multi-Sense button on the centre console provides instant access to these functions. The system offers a choice of five different driving modes - Sport, Normal, Comfort, Perso and Eco. On the GT version, Eco is replaced by an R.S. Drive model. At the rear, there is a boot capacity of 434 litres and interior stowage space totals 25 litres.
The flagship Megane at launch will be the Renaultsport-inspired GT, featuring unique exterior and interior embellishments, a 205hp TCe engine mated to a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission, and 4Control four-wheel steering and bespoke chassis settings. The design of the GT's front bumper signals the step-up in sportiness that goes hand-in-hand with the Renaultsport DNA. It is complemented by a special design for the upper and lower grilles. The optional 18-inch diamond-effect, GT-badged wheels were specially developed by Renaultsport. At the rear, two chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes echo the style of the twin air scoops, and flank a diffuser that takes its inspiration from Formula One.
The new Megane GT also features a Renaultsport 4Control chassis, that ensures precise alignment of the rear wheels, 'providing exceptional driving enjoyment and sporting responsiveness with safety'. Rounding up the GT's chassis package are recalibrated dampers, springs, ESC and brakes with no loss of comfort and versatility. Meanwhile, the GT employs new technologies specially developed by Renaultsport, including Multi Change Down, which enables rapid downshifting, and Launch Control for super-swift getaways from a standing start.
The new Renault Megane goes on sale early next year with UK deliveries expected in the summer.