Renault Mégane Explained

Renault Mégane
Manufacturer:Renault
Production:1995–2024 (LHD)
1996–2022 (RHD)
Body Style:3 or 5-door hatchback
4-door sedan/saloon
5-door estate
2-door coupé-cabriolet
Class:Small family car (C)
Layout:Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Predecessor:Renault 19
Successor:Renault Megane E-Tech Electric

The Renault Mégane (in French pronounced as /meɡan/), also spelled without the acute accent as Megane,[1] especially in languages other than French, and also known as the Renault Megavan for an LCV in Ireland, as the Renault Scala in Iran and as the Renault Mégane Grandcoupé for the saloon in Israel, Palestinian Authority and Serbia for certain generations,[2] is a small family car produced by the French car manufacturer Renault for the 1996 model year, and was the successor to the Renault 19. The Mégane has been offered in three- and five-door hatchback, saloon, coupé, convertible and estate bodystyles at various points in its lifetime, and having been through four generations is now in its fifth incarnation.

The first generation was largely based on its predecessor, the 19, and utilized modified versions of that car's drivetrain and chassis. The second and third generations were based on the Renault–Nissan C platform. The fourth generation is based on the CMF-CD platform, as used by the Renault Talisman and Renault Scénic.

In November 1996, the Mégane Scénic compact MPV was introduced, using the same mechanical components as the hatchback Mégane. For 2002, the Mégane entered its second generation with a substantial redesign taking place, and was voted European Car of the Year for 2003, whilst also becoming the first car in its class to receive a five star Euro NCAP rating.

The Mégane entered its third generation in 2008, with another totally different design being used; the saloon version of the Mégane became known as the Renault Fluence for this generation, and it was introduced in 2009. The fourth-generation Mégane was launched in 2015, with sales commencing in 2016.

In 2021, Renault revealed a battery electric version known as the Megane E-Tech Electric, which takes on a crossover exterior design.

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First generation (X64; 1995)

Mégane I
Aka:Renault Megavan (LCV, Ireland)
Production:July 1995–2003
1996–2009 (Argentina)
2000–2009 (Colombia)
Model Years:1996–2003
Designer:Michel Jardin (1991)[3]
Patrick Le Quément (1991, 1992)[4]
Body Style:4-door saloon
2-door coupé
5-door hatchback
2-door convertible
5-door estate
Related:Renault Scénic
Renault 19
Engine:Petrol


1.4 L E7J I4
1.4 L K4J I4
1.6 L K7M I4
2.0 L F3R I4
2.0 L F5R I4
2.0 L F7R I4
Diesel:
1.9 L F8Q D I4
1.9 L F8Q dT I4
1.9 L F9Q dTi I4
1.9 L F9Q dCi I4

Transmission:4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase:Hatchback, Sedan & Wagon: 25801NaN1
Coupé & Convertible: 24681NaN1
Length:Hatchback: 4129-
Sedan: 4436-
Wagon: 44371NaN1
Coupé: 3931-
Convertible: 40811NaN1
Width:1698-
Height:1365–

Development of the X64 began at the beginning of 1990, with the first sketches of X64 programme being drawn during the first six months of 1990. Very quickly, several themes were outlined and developed into four small scale (1/5) models by September 1990.

The designs retained were developed around four themes. Theme A: a six light version, evoking the Laguna; Theme B: a model with a markedly cuneiform line; Theme C: another design with ellipse shaped glasswork and rear notch; Theme D: a model with the same elliptical glazing and rounded rear.

In March 1991, all four styling proposals were developed into full scale (1:1). Theme C by Michel Jardin was chosen by Le Quement and frozen for production in April 1992. The first prototypes were built and presented to management in December 1992. Approximately 432 prototypes were built (at Rueil assembly) and destroyed during development.

In June 1993, Renault purchased production tooling for the X64, with the first test unit being assembled at the Douai plant in October 1994, and pre production units being constructed from December 1994 to the middle of 1995.

The Mégane I was unveiled in September 1995, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, as a replacement for the Renault 19. The car was essentially a reskin of its predecessor, and carried over the 19's floorpan, engines, transmissions and chassis design, albeit with much modification.

Taking its name from a Renault concept car shown in 1988, the Mégane further developed the new corporate styling theme introduced by Patrick Le Quément on the Laguna, most notably the "bird beak" front grille – a styling cue borrowed from the Renault 16 of the 1960s. Renault decided to add an acute accent to the vehicle name (Mégane), in order to assert its European identity, in a context of growing competition of newer car manufacturers coming from Japan.

As with the 19 and the 11 before it, the Mégane was produced at Renault's Douai plant in northern France starting in July 1995, and at the Spanish plant of Palencia. Market launch began on 15 November 1995 in France, and 15 December 1995 for the coupé. Sales in the United Kingdom commenced in April 1996.

Safety was a key focus of the Mégane I, Renault's first car reflecting their new focus of selling on safety.

It featured a pillar mounted three-point seatbelt for the middle rear occupant (replacing the common 'lap strap'), standard front belt pre tensioners and load limiters, driver's airbag (passenger airbag from 1996) and an impressive safety structure – a specification ahead of all rivals in 1995, e.g. VW Golf Mk 3, Opel Astra F, Ford Escort etc. Some features, such as the three-point middle belt, had debuted on the Renault 19 safety concept vehicle (and this feature entered production on the Renault Laguna before the Mégane).

The car also benefited from Renault's first "System for Restraint and Protection" (SRP), essentially a system of careful optimisation of occupant restraint by interaction of the seat, seatbelt, pretensioner, load limiter and airbag. The Mégane I achieved a best in class four star crash test rating in the 1998 round of testing by Euro NCAP.[5]

November 1996 saw the introduction of the Mégane Scénic compact MPV.

Power came from the Renault E type ("Energy") engine in 1.4 L and 1.6 L, and the F-type unit in both 1.9 L diesel and 2.0 L petrol forms, although this time around there was a wider variety of 16 valve derivatives. A 1.9 L diesel engine in both normally aspirated and turbocharged forms was also available.

Renault also produced a limited number of Renaultsport edition Phase 1's with the Renaultsport bodywork; however, these were very rare. The Renaultsport kit was available to purchase for a short time direct from Renault France, but has now been discontinued, thus their value has increased.

The estate version of the original Mégane was only available in LHD form, with no RHD variants built. This could be due to the greater popularity of the Scenic in those markets, limiting the potential sales of a compact estate. The estate was added with the facelift of 1999, although pre-facelifted Mégane estates were sold from September 1998 in Turkey, where it was manufactured by Oyak-Renault.[6] [7] [8]

In Japan, Renault was formerly licensed by Yanase Co., Ltd., but in 1999 Renault acquired a stake in Japanese automaker Nissan. As a result of Renault's purchase, Yanase canceled its licensing contract for all Renault models sold in Japan, including, but not limited to, the Mégane I, in 2000, and Nissan took over as the sole licensee for Renault cars.

Facelift

A mild facelift in spring 1999 gave the Mégane I a modified grille, more advanced safety features and upgraded equipment, and 16 valve engines were used across the range. An Estate body style was also launched in mainland Europe with the facelift. The production continued for the Latin America Market, where it was sold alongside the Mégane II line at a considerably lower price until 2011.

South America

In countries, such as Argentina and Colombia, the Mégane I was available until 2010, sold as a sedan and an estate, but in Venezuela, it was available only as a sedan. It features as the top line of the model the LA04 engine (16 valves, 1.6 litres and 110 HP), and was produced by both Renault Colombia and Renault Argentina, in where it was one of the best selling cars to date.

It is a car with more advanced safety features, upgraded equipment and more. The Mégane I had a lower price than the Mégane II.

In Venezuela, it was only available in one version: Unique, with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic one. Both of these were equipped with Abs and other extra equipment including driver and passenger front airbags, foglights, leather seats, electric mirrors and electric windows. In Argentina, not every version had features such as electric windows, electric mirrors or airbags.

Engines

Model Displacement Type code Power Top speed 0– (s)
1.4 8v Eco13901NaN1 700NaN01680NaN0 14.5
1.4 8v13901NaN1 750NaN01700NaN0 13.8
1.4 16v13901NaN1 980NaN01840NaN0 11.8
1.6 8v15981NaN1 900NaN01840NaN0 11.5
1.6 16v15981NaN1 1100NaN01950NaN0 9.8
1.8 16v17831NaN1 1200NaN01980NaN0 9.5
2.0 8v19981NaN1 1150NaN01970NaN0 9.7
2.0 16v19981NaN1 1390NaN02130NaN0 8.6
2.0 16v19981NaN1 1500NaN02150NaN0 8.6
2.0 16v IDE19981NaN1 1400NaN02130NaN0 8.6
1.9 8v D Eco18701NaN1 650NaN01600NaN0 17.8
1.9 8v TD18701NaN1 950NaN01780NaN0 12.6
1.9 8v dTi18701NaN1 800NaN01700NaN0 13.8
1.9 8v dTi18701NaN1 1000NaN01830NaN0 12.3
1.9 8v dCi18701NaN1 1050NaN01890NaN0 11.5

Maxi Mégane

Renault Maxi Mégane
Manufacturer:Renault Sport
Assembly:France
Class:F2 Kit Car
Body Style:2-door coupé
Platform:Renault Mégane I
Related:Renault Megane I
Layout:FF layout
Engine:2.0 L F7R710 I4
Transmission:7-speed sequential manual
Length:39521NaN1
Width:18231NaN1
Height:13601NaN1
Weight:9600NaN0
Predecessor:Renault Clio Williams Maxi

During the 1990s, Renault Sport developed a rally car for the Formula 2 Kit Car regulations. This was the Clio Williams Maxi, which was the first car truly developed for the F2 Kit Car category, and first appeared in 1996. However, rivals such as Citroën and Peugeot soon introduced bigger and more powerful cars, which resulted in Renault producing an F2 version of the Mégane in 1996. The Maxi Mégane officially represented the brand in French Championship rallies in 1996 and 1997 with drivers like Philippe Bugalski, Jean Ragnotti or Serge Jordan, and the British Rally Championship from 1996 to 1999, with Grégoire De Mévius, Alain Oreille, Robbie Head, Martin Rowe, and Tapio Laukkanen. Both the French and British rally teams also compete in the World Rally Championship.

After the works programme was discontinued, many privateers continued to use the car. It was also used in the FIA 2-Litre World Rally Cup, which Renault won in 1999.[9] The car used a special version of the Renault F7R engine, and had a seven speed Sequential manual transmission.

Its most notable result was an outright victory in the 1996 Tour de Corse in the hands of Philippe Bugalski and his co driver Jean-Paul Chiaroni (in a year where the Tour de Corse was a FIA 2-Litre World Rally Cup only event);[10] but it also helped Renault to the FIA 2 Litre World Rally Cup of Manufacturer's title in 1999.[11]

In other high level competitions, Renault took back to back manufacturer's and driver's titles in the British Rally Championship in 1998 and 1999,[12] [13] whilst they also took the European Rally Championship in 1999.[14]

Second generation (2002)

Mégane II
Production:2002–2008
2003–2008 (Taiwan)
2006–2010 (Brazil, sedan)
2006–2012 (Brazil, estate)
2009–2012 (Iran)
Model Years:2003–2008
Body Style:4-door saloon
5-door estate
3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
2-door convertible
Platform:Renault–Nissan C platform
Related:Mégane Renault Sport
Renault Scénic
Renault Koleos
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Rogue
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Lafesta
Wheelbase:Hatchback: 26251NaN1
Sedan & Wagon: 26861NaN1
Convertible: 25221NaN1
Length:Hatchback: 42091NaN1
Sedan & Wagon: 44981NaN1
Convertible: 43551NaN1
Width:17771NaN1
Height:Sedan: 14601NaN1
Wagon: 15051NaN1
Convertible: 15141NaN1
Weight:Hatchback: 11750NaN0
Successor:Renault Fluence (sedan)

The Mégane II was launched in September 2002 for the 2003 model year,[15] and marked a completely new fresh start. The two cars bear very little resemblance, the new vehicle having been inspired by the manufacturer's new design language first seen in the Avantime.

The new Mégane was voted European Car of the Year for 2003,[16] fighting off stiff competition from Japan's Mazda 3 and PSA's Citroën C4, and achieved a five star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests,[17] the first small family car to do so.

The Mégane II and the Laguna were both showcases for a great deal of innovative technologies Renault launched at the beginning of the 2000s; the Renault Card keyless ignition system, standard on the Mégane II, was a first in this class and has since been widely adopted.

Similarly, the option of a panoramic glass sunroof is another area in which Renault led where others followed. In June 2003, the first ever live crash test using a real driver rather than a crash test dummy featuring the Mégane II was conducted by Top Gear.[18]

The Mégane II sedan was assembled in Iran by Pars Khodro from 2008 to 2013.

In Brazil, Renault launched a flex fuel version, called "Hi-Flex", which is able to run either with unleaded gasoline (petrol) or ethanol. Like the Brazilian Scénic and Clio versions, the Mégane's engine can work with any mix of gasoline and ethanol, due to the use of an electronic control module.

The flex version has a 16V, with ethanol, 1.6-litre inline-four engine developed and produced in Brazil, but the 2.0-litre, French-built engine can not be run on ethanol.

As with the previous Mégane, the range of models is wide; there is a three and five door hatchback available, named "Sport Hatch" and "Hatch" respectively, there is a four-door saloon/sedan (Sport Saloon), a five-door estate (Sport Tourer / Grandtour), and to replace both the Mégane Coupe and Convertible, a new retractable hardtop coupe designed by Karmann. Unlike the previous model, the estate version was sold in RHD for the first time.

Unlike its predecessor, the Mégane II was not licensed by Yanase Co., Ltd. for the Japanese market, as Renault had acquired a stake in Nissan when the Mégane I was still in production. Instead, the Mégane II was licensed by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and sold exclusively through Nissan Red Stage Store locations.

Mégane RS

See main article: Mégane Renault Sport. The RenaultSport (RS) versions of the three door and five door Mégane hatchbacks were introduced, equipped with a turbocharged petrol 2.0 L 16v engine producing 2250NaN0 and Turbocharged diesel 2.0L dCi 16V engine producing 175 PS (129 kW;173 hp). Along with the engine, changes were made to the front and rear suspension geometry to improve handling, and the model features a deeper, wider front bumper. The Mégane Renault Sport competes in the hot hatch segment of the market.

Facelift

The Hatchback model was revised at Motor Show Brussels in January 2006, the Wagon and Convertible model was debut at Geneva Motor Show in March 2006, with changes in interior trim (e.g. a new revised instrument cluster with the speedometer moved to the right and the tachometer moved to the left), specification levels and most notably, a new front nose. A new front suspension system borrowed from the Mégane 2.0 2250NaN0 was adopted, improving the driving performance.[19] Also, the Nissan Sentra B16 is based on the platform from 2006 of the Renault Mégane.

Engines

Model Displacement Type code Power Top Speed 0– (s)
1.4 16v 8013901NaN1 800NaN0 1700NaN0 13.5
1.4 16v 9813901NaN1980NaN0 1830NaN0 12.5
1.6 16v15981NaN1 1180NaN0 1960NaN0 10.8
2.0 16v19981NaN1 1360NaN0 2050NaN0 9.6
2.0 16v Turbo19981NaN1 1650NaN0 2200NaN0 8.3
2.0 16v Turbo RenaultSport19981NaN1 2250NaN0 2360NaN0 6.5
1.5 8v dCi 8014611NaN1 800NaN0 1700NaN0 14.3
1.5 8v dCi 8614611NaN1 860NaN0 1740NaN0 12.7
1.5 8v dCi 10014611NaN1 1000NaN0 1810NaN0 12.8
1.5 8v dCi 10614611NaN1 1060NaN0 1850NaN0 11.1
1.9 8v dCi 12018701NaN1 1200NaN0 1960NaN0 10.5
1.9 8v dCi 13018701NaN1 1300NaN0 2000NaN0 9.0
2.0 16v dCi 15019951NaN1 1500NaN0 2100NaN0 8.7
2.0 16v dCi RenaultSport19951NaN1 1750NaN0 2210NaN0 8.5

Reception

During its first full year of sales, the Mégane II topped the French sales charts, with 198,874 registered in 2003.[20] It has also sold very well in Britain, being the nation's fourth most popular car in 2005 and the nation's fifth most popular car in 2004 and 2006. In 2007, however, it dipped to eighth place, with just over 55,000 examples being sold.[21]

The Mégane sedan was the best-selling car in Turkey from 2004 to 2006.[22]

Chinese copy controversy

The BYD S8, a Chinese convertible, shares a rear design with the Renault Mégane CC.

Third generation (2008)

Mégane III
Aka:Renault Scala (Iran)
Production:2008–2016
Model Years:2009–2017
Designer:François Leboine[23]
Platform:Renault–Nissan C platform
Body Style:5-door hatchback
3-door hatchback
2-door coupé cabriolet
5-door estate
Related:Mégane Renault Sport
Renault Fluence
Renault Samsung SM3
Renault Scénic
Renault Koleos
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Rogue
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan X-Trail
Engine:Petrol


1.2 L H5Ft I4 turbo
1.4 L H4Jt I4 turbo
1.6 L K4M I4
2.0 L M4R I4
2.0 L F4RT I4 turbo
Diesel:
1.5 L K9K I4 turbo
1.6 L R9M I4 turbo (2011-2017)
1.9 L F9Q I4 turbo (2008-2011)
2.0 L M9R I4 turbo (2009-2015)

Transmission:5-speed manual
6-speed manual
CVT
6-speed EDC (only dCi 110 FAP)[24]
6-speed automatic JATCO JF613E (only dCi 150 FAP)
Wheelbase:Hatchback: 26411NaN1
Coupe: 26401NaN1
Estate: 27031NaN1
Length:Hatchback: 42951NaN1
Coupe: 42991NaN1
Estate: 45591NaN1
Height:Hatchback: 14711NaN1
Coupe: 14231NaN1
Estate: 15071NaN1

The third generation was launched in the end of 2008, to keep the range competitive. In October 2008, both the five door hatchback and Mégane Coupé were officially put on sale.[25] The two models have different designs; the Coupé has a sporty design, while the five door model is more conservative.

No automatic transmission is offered, with it being replaced by a continuously variable transmission.

A five-door estate version was introduced in June 2009, and was named the Sport Tourer.[26] Another addition to the range came in the form of the Coupé Cabriolet in June 2010.[27] That year also saw the addition of a 1.4 L turbocharged engine being added to the range.[28]

Production of the Mégane's saloon derivative, the Fluence, began in Argentina in 2011, at the firm's Córdoba plant.[29] The Mégane III was also made available for sale in Argentina that year, but was produced in Turkey, and imported into the country.[29] In Brazil, the Fluence replaced the Mégane in Renault's lineup from 2011 onwards.[30]

First facelift

The Mégane III underwent its first facelift in January 2012, which also introduced three new engines; a 1.2 L turbocharged petrol engine, a new 1100NaN0 version of the 1.5 L dCi engine, and a new 1.6 L dCi engine.[31]

Second facelift

Another facelift followed for 2014,[32] with a more powerful 1280NaN0 version of the 1.2 L turbocharged engine going on sale, whilst the styling of the hatchback, coupé and estate versions was updated to match Renault's new model range.[33] [9]

Later that year, a version of the 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine was added to the range.[34]

Higher specification Mégane feature the same 2.0 dCi engine as the Mégane II. However, after 2015 the 2.0 dCi was no longer offered.

Turkish production

Mégane III's produced in Turkey (only 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan) have visual and equipment differences due to cost cutting and factory equipment differences. For instance, there are weather stripes on the roof, covering the welds, whereas Spanish-built models have laser welds on the roof. Turkish models can only have sunroof as an option, while Spanish models can only have glassroof as an option. On Turkish cars, the spare wheels located under the vehicle rather than inside the trunk. The ride height is somewhat higher on Turkish models due to worse road conditions in Turkey. Only 1.5 diesel and 1.6 gasoline engines were offered on Turkish-built models.

There was no digital dash on Turkish, pre-facelift models. The dashboard on Turkish models also has a different silver trim piece and different air vents, different gauge clusters, and the base models have no analog fuel and temperature gauges.

Mégane GT Line

The Mégane GT Line is a sporty trim level that is equipped, among other things, with a sports suspension and unique blue paint.[35]

Special editions

Mégane OlympicThe Mégane Olympic is a special edition launched in August 2012 on the occasion of the London 2012 Olympic Games.[36]
Mégane Coupé Cabriolet FlorideThe Mégane Coupe Cabriolet Floride was a special edition convertible in ivory with red and ivory two-tone interior, intended as a tribute to 1960s chic – the name is a reference to the Renault Floride of that era

Engines

Petrol engine
Model Displacement Type code Power Torque Top speed 0- (s)
1.2 TCe 115 Stop & Start11981NaN1 1150NaN0 @ 4500 rpm 1900NaN0 @ 2000 rpm 1900NaN0 10.9
1.2 TCe 130 Stop & Start11981NaN1 1300NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 2050NaN0 @ 2000 rpm 2000NaN0 9.6
1.4 TCe 13013971NaN1 1300NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 1900NaN0 @ 2250 rpm 2000NaN0 9.6
1.6 VVT 10015981NaN1 1000NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 1480NaN0 @ 4250 rpm 1900NaN0 10.9
1.6 VVT 11015981NaN1 1120NaN0 @ 6000 rpm 1510NaN0 @ 4250 rpm 1950NaN0 10.5
1.6 112 CVT15981NaN1 1140NaN0 @ 6000 rpm 1520NaN0 @ 4250 rpm 2100NaN0 11.0
2.0 16v CVT19971NaN1 1430NaN0 @ 6000 rpm 1950NaN0 @ 3750 rpm 1950NaN0 10.3
2.0 TCe 18019981NaN1 1800NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 3000NaN0 @ 2250 rpm 2300NaN0 7.8
2.0 TCe 22019981NaN1 2200NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 3400NaN0 @ 2400 rpm 2400NaN0 7.6
2.0 Turbo RS 25019981NaN1 2500NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 3400NaN0 @ 3000 rpm 2500NaN0 6.1
2.0 Turbo RS 26519981NaN1 2650NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 3600NaN0 @ 3000 rpm 2550NaN0 6.0
2.0 Turbo RS 27519981NaN1 2730NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 3600NaN0 @ 3000 rpm 2550NaN0 6.0
2.0 Turbo RS 275 Trophy-R19981NaN1 2730NaN0 @ 5500 rpm 3600NaN0 @ 3000 rpm 2550NaN0 5.8
Diesel engine
1.5 dCi 8514611NaN1 850NaN0 @ 3750 rpm 2000NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 1750NaN0 12.9
1.5 dCi 90 FAP14611NaN1 900NaN0 @ 4000 rpm 2000NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 1800NaN0 12.5
1.5 dCi 10514611NaN1 1050NaN0 @ 4000 rpm 2400NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 1900NaN0 10.9
1.5 dCi 110 FAP14611NaN1 1100NaN0 @ 4000 rpm 2400NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 1900NaN0 12.3
1.5 Energy dCi 11014611NaN1 1100NaN0 @ 4000 rpm 2600NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 1900NaN0 12.1
1.6 dCi 130 FAP Stop & Start15981NaN1 1300NaN0 @ 4000 rpm 3200NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 2000NaN0 9.8
1.9 dCi 130 FAP18701NaN1 1300NaN0 @ 3750 rpm 3000NaN0 @ 1750 rpm 2100NaN0 9.5
2.0 dCi 150 FAP19951NaN1 1500NaN0 @ 3750 rpm 3600NaN0 @ 2000 rpm 2100NaN0 9.2
2.0 dCi 160 FAP19951NaN1 1600NaN0 @ 3750 rpm 3800NaN0 @ 2000 rpm 2200NaN0 8.5

Fourth generation (BFB; 2016)

Mégane IV
Aka:Renault Mégane Grandcoupé (saloon)
Production:November 2015 – April 2024 (hatchback & estate)[37]
2016–present (saloon)[38]
2015–2022 (United Kingdom)[39]
Body Style:5-door hatchback
5-door estate
4-door saloon
Platform:Renault–Nissan CMF-CD platform
Motor: electric motor, integrated into transmission (E-Tech)
Drivetrain:PHEV (E-Tech)
Predecessor:Renault Fluence (saloon)

The fourth generation Mégane was launched at the September 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,[40] production started late 2015,[41] with sales starting in July 2016. The vehicle is larger and based on an all-new CMF-CD platform shared with the Renault Scénic and Renault Talisman. The Mégane IV follows the latest design language, which has been seen on the Clio IV, Captur, Espace V and Talisman.[42] [43]

An estate version (Mégane Sport Tourer/Grand tour, codenamed KFB)[44] was revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.[45] The four door fastback saloon version called the Mégane Sedan later in July of the same year.[46]

Technical details

The fourth generation Mégane is larger and lower than its predecessor. The suspension is made of MacPherson struts on the front and a torsion beam on the rear. Brakes are discs on both axles. The driver can select between five driving modes that change the car set up.

Most Mégane's models have a head up display and a seven-inch screen (replaced with an 8.7-inch touchscreen in some trim levels).

Options include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed limit warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic headlights, reversing camera, parking sensors and a hands free parking system.

Speaking about the car, Renault's chief designer Laurens van den Acker said, "Renault can produce cars with a Latin skin and a German heart". It has nine engines available (four petrol and five diesel) with power outputs between 89hp-metric and 202hp-metric.[47]

Mégane Sedan

The Mégane Sedan, launched in July 2016, resembles the Talisman, but with the front section of the Mégane IV hatchback and a fastback like sloping roofline. It has more space for the back seat passengers than the hatchback and a larger boot, with a claimed volume of 508 litre.

It is sold on the African continent, the Middle East, various Eastern Asian and Australian markets. Within Europe, it is offered in several countries including Turkey, Italy, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Serbia, Greece, Georgia and Ireland, but neither France[48] or the United Kingdom.

Depending on the market, there are two petrol engines and three diesel engines offered, with power outputs ranging from 90 to 130 bhp. Only the mid range engine is suitable to be matched with the dual clutch six speed transmission.[48]

Mégane GT

The Mégane GT is a high performance version based on the hatchback model with 1.6-litre I4 diesel and petrol powertrains. As standard, it incorporates a four-wheel steering system (4Control) and dual-clutch automatic gearbox with optional paddle shifting. It also has a slightly different design for the interior and the exterior.[49]

Mégane R.S.

The Mégane R.S. was introduced in September 2017 and went on sale in 2018. Based on the hatchback model, it is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine developed jointly with Nissan, with tweaks made by engineers working from the Renault Formula 1 engine factory in Viry-Châtillon, France. The engine produces and torque, with an option of two transmissions, which are six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.[50]

Mégane RS Trophy-R

Making its public debut on May 24, 2019, at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix,[51] the Mégane RS Trophy-R is a limited edition based on the regular Trophy.

It was designed to be the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle to lap the Nürburgring, and as such it is lighter due to the thinner glass used on the rear doors, a carbon fiber hood, the absence of rear seats combined with lighter front seats, a titanium exhaust and no rear wiper, among other things.[52] To save even more weight, it can be fitted with an optional carbon-ceramic brake kit at the front as well as carbon rims.[53]

Mégane RS Ultime

Announced in January 2023, the Mégane RS Ultime is a limited edition available in just 1,976 units, as a reference to the founding year of Renault Sport.[54] All are signed by Laurent Hurgon, a test driver who has broken several lap records in the Mégane RS and was actively involved in the development of the model.[55]

It is the last RS-badged model and made its public debut at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show,[56] marking the 20th anniversary of the Mégane RS series, which was first introduced in 2003.[57]

Orders opened in March 2023 with a starting price of €53,450 (not including the green tax) in France.[58]

Facelift

In 2020, the Mégane was refreshed with facelift, with minor changes to the exterior design, a 9.3-inch touchscreen, and a plug-in hybrid version in both estate and hatchback variants marketed as the Mégane E-Tech.[59] It combines the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors for a total system output of and comes with a 9.8 kWh battery that allows it to run on electricity for and up to a top speed of in the mixed WLTP test cycle and for in the city.[60]

The Mégane Sedan is facelifted in February 2021, some months after the hatchback and the estate. It receives a new 115 hp petrol engine.[61]

In June 2022, Renault launched the "E-Tech engineered" special edition for the hybrid versions of the Clio, Captur, Arkana and Mégane (hatchback and estate), with design elements inspired by the Megane E-Tech.[62]

The production of both the hatchback and the estate models is stopped in April 2024,[63] but the production in Turkey (saloon model) continues.

Megane E-Tech

See main article: Renault Megane E-Tech. The Megane E-Tech is a battery electric car using the Megane nameplate that was launched in February 2022. It is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform called the CMF-EV.

Nameplate usage

Mégane Scénic

See main article: Renault Mégane Scénic. In 1996, a compact MPV called the Mégane Scénic was introduced. It was renamed to Scénic during a facelift in 1999.

Mégane Conquest

See main article: Renault Arkana. In September 2020, the rebadged version of the South Korean-made Renault Samsung XM3/Arkana was launched in former Yugoslavian countries as the Mégane Conquest due to negative connotations with the Serbian historical war criminal Arkan.

Production

Fourth generation

!Calendar year!Hatch!Estate!Saloon
20158,01614
2016124,25439,510
201798,78068,552
201885,16157,243
201977,64750,810
202047,87335,643
202130,47721,563
202226,25320,728
20238,9249,269
2024

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Renault Megane E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid . www.renault.fr . FR.
  2. Web site: Megane Grandcoupe. www.renault.mk.
  3. Web site: Renault Megane - Project Megane global design - Auto&Design. 20 December 1995. autodesignmagazine.com. 28 March 2018.
  4. Web site: Megane, Bravo Compte A Rebours Pour Un Double Lancement . 18 September 1995.
  5. Web site: Renault Megane (1998) . Renault Megane (1998) . Euroncap.com . 16 January 2019.
  6. Web site: 1998-06-20. Un break Mégane turc. 2021-11-27. L'Orient-Le Jour.
  7. Renault Megane SW 1.6e RNA (1999) İncelemesi / İlk sahibinden 349.000 KM'de! . en . 2024-05-03 . www.youtube.com.
  8. Web site: 2024-05-03 . 1998-09-25 . Par Marie-Christine TABET Le 26 septembre 1998 . fr-FR . à 00h00 . Renault lance une Mégane « made in Turquie » . leparisien.fr.
  9. Web site: 1999 FIA 2-Litre World Cup for Manufacturers – Final classification . https://archive.today/20070621020632/http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=standing&standingid=2lwc1999 . dead . 21 June 2007 . RallyBase . 15 June 2013 .
  10. Web site: 40. Tour de Corse – Rallye de France 1996 – results . eWRC-results.com . 7 December 2014.
  11. Web site: 1999 FIA 2-Litre World Cup for Manufacturers – Final classification . https://web.archive.org/web/20190708121740/http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=standing . RallyBase . 7 December 2014 . 8 July 2019 . dead .
  12. Web site: Provisional Mobil 1/RAC British Rally Championship Tables after this round . Mobil 1/RAC British Rally Championship . 9 November 1998 . 7 December 2014 . David . James . 27 March 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070327062442/http://archive.djames.org.uk/1998/manx/mobil.html . dead .
  13. Web site: British Rally Championship – Twingo Trophy – Championships . Renaultsport.co.uk . 7 December 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141209005644/http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/championships/rallying/britishrallychampionship . 9 December 2014 .
  14. Web site: European Rally Championship 1999 :: Schedule and Standings . motorsport-archive.com . 7 December 2014.
  15. Web site: First details of new Renault Mégane. 3 July 2007. archive.cardesignnews.com. dead. https://archive.today/20130102045705/http://archive.cardesignnews.com/news/2002/020704z4-megane-mybch/index2.html. 2 January 2013.
  16. Web site: Rewind to 2003: Renault Megane.. Quicks. 10 January 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140117193055/http://www.quicks.co.uk/news/2013/rewind-2003-renault-megane/. 17 January 2014.
  17. Web site: Renault Megane. 3 July 2007. euroncap.com.
  18. Web site: Human Driver Crash Tests Megane For BBC's Top Gear. carpages.co.uk. 20 June 2003. 24 August 2017.
  19. Web site: Renault Megane gets face-lift for 2006. 3 July 2007. whatcar.com.
  20. Neuheiten . Thomas . Fischer . Auto Motor und Sport . 4 . 10. 2004-02-04 . Stuttgart .
  21. Web site: Canadian Economic Press - Welcome . 9 January 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080119234456/http://www.economicnews.ca/login.php?page=reportsDetails&newsid=38779&prevview=&view=details&country=Europe&plimit=0&category=European%20Economic%20Reports . 19 January 2008 .
  22. Web site: Gasnier. Matt. 2007-01-14. Turkey 2004-2006: Renault places Megane and Clio Symbol on top. https://web.archive.org/web/20150922000434/https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2007/01/turkey-2004-2006-renault-places-megane-and-clio-symbol-on-top/ . 2015-09-22 . Best Selling Cars Blog. en-US.
  23. Web site: Renault Megane - Interview : François Leboine, responsable design concept-cars chez Renault - LIGNES/Auto. 11 February 2021. lignesauto.fr. 25 May 2021.
  24. Web site: Renault to offer six-speed efficient dual clutch transmission on all Megane models. 13 May 2010.
  25. Web site: Renault reveals price of new Mégane . Which? Car . 30 September 2008 . 6 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160107030615/http://www.which.co.uk/news/2008/09/renault-reveals-price-of-new-mgane-157578/ . 7 January 2016 . dead .
  26. Web site: Renault Megane Sport Tourer (09 on) – Review Summary . Parkers . 2 September 2014 . 6 December 2014 . David . Ross.
  27. Web site: Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet (10 on) – Review Summary . Parkers . 12 December 2013 . John . Mahoney.
  28. Web site: First drive: Renault Megane Coupe 1.4 TCe . AOL Cars UK . 6 January 2010 . 6 December 2014 . Nic . Cackett.
  29. Web site: Renault Fluence hits the streets . Buenos Aires Herald. 25 November 2010 . 6 December 2014.
  30. Web site: Renault Fluence Debuts in Brazil . autoevolution . 10 December 2010 . 6 December 2014 . Bogdan . Popa.
  31. Web site: 2012 Renault Megane Facelift Unveiled . autoevolution . 6 January 2012 . 6 December 2014 . Bogdan . Popa.
  32. Web site: 2014 Renault Megane face-lift revealed . What? Car . Ed . Callow . 6 September 2013 . 6 December 2014.
  33. Web site: Renault Megane facelift unveiled | Autocar . Darren Moss . 5 September 2013 . Autocar. 4 August 2016.
  34. Web site: Ein heißer Kompakter: Renault Mégane TCe 220 GT-Line im Test . Auto Motor und Sport . 23 July 2014 . 6 December 2014 . Sebastian . Renz.
  35. Web site: Renault Megane GT Line 2014 review. January 16, 2014. Auto Express.
  36. Web site: Renault Romania premiaza Olimpicii Londa 2012-Renault Megane Olympic. 13 August 2012.
  37. https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/verkehr/auslaufmodelle-diese-autos-haben-uns-verlassen/
  38. Web site: 2024-06-18 . Andrey Govorov . 2024-06-18 . ru . Седан Renault Megane вернулся в Европу: никакой «зелени» . kolesa.ru.
  39. Web site: Autoevolution. And the latest victim of crossovers and EVs is the Renault Mégane!. Cristian. Gnaticov. 2022-07-20.
  40. Web site: Renault Megane IV debuts at Frankfurt 2015 show. paultan.org. September 17, 2015.
  41. Web site: Renault Mégane 4 : la fabrication à l'usine de Palencia en vidéo . 2024-03-29 . www.largus.fr.
  42. Web site: Next-gen Renault Megane spied hiding all-new design under camouflage. worldcarfans.com. 1 March 2015. 4 May 2015.
  43. Web site: New 2016 Renault Megane caught testing for the first time. Auto Express. 27 February 2015. 4 May 2015. Lawrence. Allen.
  44. Web site: L'usine Renault de Palencia s'est adaptée à l'hybride. Julie. Vénier. December 23, 2022.
  45. Web site: New Renault Megane Sport Tourer estate arrives. McIlroy. Jhon. Auto Express. 1 March 2016. 12 April 2016.
  46. Web site: Renault Megane Sedan launched – no more Fluence!. paultan.org. July 12, 2016.
  47. Web site: 2016 Renault Megane revealed – exclusive studio pictures. Holder. Jim. Autocar. 3 November 2015. 12 April 2016.
  48. Web site: Renault Mégane Sedan, une petite Talisman. Sylvain Reisser. 19 July 2016. Le Figaro. 8 August 2016.
  49. Web site: Kingston. Lewis. 10 December 2015. 2016 Renault Mégane GT review. 12 April 2016. Autocar.
  50. Web site: Hot New Megane RS Is Turning Up The Heat. September 12, 2017. Motor1.com.
  51. Web site: NEW MÉGANE R.S. TROPHY-R: FASTEST EVER FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE PRODUCTION CAR AT THE NÜRBURGRING. May 21, 2019.
  52. Web site: Renault Details Megane RS Trophy-R, The Purest Hot Hatch Of Them All. Michael. Karkafiris. July 5, 2019. Carscoops.
  53. Web site: Voici pourquoi la Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R coûte 80 000 €. Niels de. Geyer. July 16, 2019.
  54. Web site: Renault Mégane R.S. Ultime (2023). Infos, tarifs et date de lancement de la série limitée. January 11, 2023. www.largus.fr.
  55. Web site: Renault Megane RS Ultime Is Renault Sport's Swan Song. Thanos. Pappas. January 11, 2023. Carscoops.
  56. Web site: 2023 Renault Megane RS Ultime Breaks Cover As The Final RS. January 11, 2023. Motor1.com.
  57. Web site: Mégane R.S. Ultime, une série limitée pour célébrer la carrière d'un modèle phare dans l'histoire de Renault Sport. January 11, 2023. Newsroom Renault.
  58. Web site: Renault Mégane R.S. Ultime (2023). Prix et options de la dernière compacte sportive française. March 17, 2023. www.largus.fr.
  59. Web site: 2020 Renault Megane Facelift Debuts Plug-In Hybrid And R.S. Line. February 3, 2020. Motor1.com.
  60. Web site: 2020 Renault Megane Brings Subtle Visual Tweaks, 'E-Tech' Plug-In Hybrid Variant. Cristian. Gnaticov. February 3, 2020. Carscoops.
  61. Web site: Yıldırım . Ali . 2021-02-11 . Yeni Megane Sedan ile hedef zirve . 2022-08-27 . Otomobil Haberleri . tr.
  62. Web site: Renault's Hybrid Models Gain E-Tech Engineered Special Edition Inspired By The New Megane. Thanos. Pappas. June 3, 2022. Carscoops.
  63. Web site: Renault Mégane. La fin de la saga des berlines compactes au losange . 2024-03-29 . www.largus.fr.