The New Renault Megane

New Renault Mégane Hatch is designed to win over a particularly exacting clientele and combines styling cues from both the world of sport and the passion associated with cars.

From a very early stage, Renault's Design Department worked hand in hand with the project engineers to incorporate sporty styling and robustness into Mégane's genetic make-up, and both are exuded by the new model's generously dimensioned body panels and sweeping curves. The result is a family hatchback of 4,295mm in length with an unmistakably dynamic stance thanks particularly to its short front and rear overhangs, its wheelbase of 2,640mm, its steeply-raked roofline and wide front and rear tracks (respectively 28mm and 33mm wider than Megane II).

Its assertive personality is immediately apparent through its racy front-end looks which feature crease lines that sweep down from the windscreen pillars and across the bonnet. Meanwhile, the streamlined forms of the headlamps extend the fluid contours of the air-intakes to reinforce Renault Mégane's determined expression and piercing gaze.

The strong character of Renault Mégane is also apparent at the rear where the two-piece light clusters not only continue the feature line but also facilitate easy access to the boot. The Latin influence of Renault Mégane's elegantly sensual curves is especially visible when seen from the side. The proportions of its flanks are both harmonious and dynamic, and irresistibly suggest forward movement, as well as genuine personality and the promise of real driving enjoyment.

The interior, meanwhile, features a driving environment based on fluid, uncluttered forms. The impression that the dashboard is suspended is reinforced by the taut horizontal lines that emphasize the curve of the decorative trim. All the controls have been carefully positioned and fall easily to hand - either close to the steering wheel or on the centre console - with a view to freeing up as much space as possible for an even roomier cabin.

Great care has also gone into the quality and fit-and-finish of the materials employed, at all equipment levels. The dashboard benefits from a finish which is not only soft to the touch, but also resistant to the ageing effects of sunlight. The windscreen wipers are aesthetically concealed beneath the bonnet line, a choice which favours acoustic and aerodynamic performance.

The interior trim has been carefully thought through to produce a range of distinct ambiences depending on equipment level. Customers can accordingly choose between a relaxing, light, elegant trim that exudes travelling comfort or a darker ambience with a sportier feel.

The cabins of the Hatch and Coupé versions share the same innovative dashboard which features an analogue rev-counter alongside a digital speedometer which is not only clear and easy to take in, but also gives drivers greater visual control over the speed of their vehicle. The centrally-positioned speedometer also incorporates the cruise control/speed limiter display, fuel gauge, temperature display, and 'door open' and tyre pressure warning lights.

One particular Renault innovation is the cruise control/speed limiter which comes with a new interface. When this function is activated, the speed selected by the driver is displayed at the top of the speedometer which itself is ringed by a sequence of lights that take the form of an arc around the central display. In speed limiter mode, the red segment lights up as the speed increases, while the selected speed flashes if exceeded. The use of colours is not only intuitive and functional; it also represents a gain in terms of response time.

The form of the seats, the materials chosen for them enable long distances to be covered in total comfort. The front seat cushion length of 485mm (centre line) and the thick foam used for their production ensure a particularly comfortable ride for the driver and front passenger, while Mégane Coupé's particularly enveloping seats have been designed to hold occupants firmly in place. The intuitive seat-adjustment controls fall easily to hand and it takes no time at all for drivers to modify the seatback and headrest angles, adjust the lumbar support, or even raise or lower the seat height through 70mm of travel, a best-inclass performance for both the Hatch and Coupé versions. Renault Mégane comes with a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel (reach adjustable by up to 45mm). Special care has been taken, too, with the position of the pedals. The brake pedal has been offset by an additional 10mm from the accelerator pedal. It is also 30mm wider to facilitate movement of the right foot from one to the other when braking.

The sensation of travelling comfort is further heightened by the particularly roomy cabin which boasts best-in-class front elbow room (1,476mm) in the case of Renault Mégane Hatch. The Coupé comes with the same rear seat as new Mégane Hatch and, thanks to headroom of 830mm, comfortably sits three adults at the back, making it ideal for daily use, solitary jaunts or journeys with friends.

Renault Mégane Hatch and Renault Mégane Coupé also boast a long list of interior features. Both carry over the practical under-floor stowage solutions first seen on Mégane II, while the front door bins can hold a one-litre bottle. The centre console stowage incorporates space underneath the armrest and rear passengers can profit from an open, practical, easily accessible cubby.

Both versions also stand out by the amount of luggage they can hold. The hatchback's boot volume of 405dm3 VDA (including 33dm3 under the floor) figures amongst the best in the segment, while Renault Mégane Coupé tops its particular segment with a score of 377dm3 VDA. Special attention has been also paid to acoustic comfort. The design and sealing quality of the doors and tailgate, the fitment of inserts inside the hollow sections of body components, one-piece cowl sound proofing and foam dashboard structure all contribute to minimizing the transmission of noise into the cabin. The twin-mass flywheel damper that is a feature of all the powerplants available for Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé (except the 1.6 16V 100, dCi 85 and dCi 90 DPF) and the balancer shafts of the high torque engines (dCi 150, dCi 160 and 2.0 16V) also play an important role in this area.

In response to customer demand, Renault has taken particular care to ensure that Mégane's driving environment is practical with controls that are both ergonomically positioned and intuitive. The two versions also come with a long list of technological equipment and features traditionally associated with the next segment up and aimed at taking the strain out of driving as well as enhancing travelling comfort. Renault Mégane and Renault Mégane Coupé are equipped with hands-free entry and ignition, while the same card remotely locks the car when the driver walks away from the vehicle. The doors can also be locked automatically by pressing on the button situated on the driver's side door handle. They unlock when the hand of the person carrying the card approaches one of the door handles or activates the boot latch. Meanwhile, the remote lighting function enables drivers to locate their vehicle thanks to a specific button on the card which switches on the lights.

Another comfort feature shared by both versions of Renault Mégane is the parking brake which is automatically applied when the engine is switched off and released by a simple press on the accelerator pedal with the engine running. This system facilitates easy hill starts and can be activated manually thanks to a switch situated on the centre console.

For optimal thermal comfort, Renault Mégane and Renault Mégane Coupé are equipped with climate control as standard, while an automatic dual-zone system - first seen on new Renault Laguna - is available for certain versions. This system enables the driver and front passenger to choose the temperature they prefer independently. It also permits them to select the fan speed thanks to the 'Soft-Auto-Fast' function. In 'Auto' mode, the system automatically optimizes the temperature, sound level and start-up speed. The 'Soft' mode favours a quieter ambience, notably for the driver and front passenger, while the 'Fast' mode responds swiftly and efficiently to adjust the temperature of the entire cabin.

Depending on the market, Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé can be ordered with one of two GPS navigation systems: Carminat Bluetooth® CD (2D navigation with seven-inch colour display) or Carminat Bluetooth® DVD (top-end 3D navigation), a system previously only available on models from the next segment up. Both the Carminat Bluetooth® CD and DVD systems incorporate GPS navigation, a radio-CD with MP3 playback and Bluetooth® hands-free telephone controls. The joystick control is located in the middle of the centre console and requires no time at all to become fully proficient in its use.

New for the Mégane, and first seen on Renault Laguna, the menu can be customized as a function of the driver's preferences to activate, deactivate or adjust the parameters that govern certain functions, including the volume of the parking proximity sensor, the language employed, and even the activation of the automatic headlamp sensor.

In response to customer demand, Renault identified two priorities for its new range of audio systems: high sound quality and connectivity. Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé are both available with the 'Classic' 60W radio with single CD player, mp3 playback and RCA socket. For customers looking for a higher quality listening experience, Renault has joined forces with the digital sound processing specialist Arkamys. This partnership has led to the development of the 3D Sound by Arkamys® system which is unique on the automotive market and poised to become the Renault core range's new audio benchmark. Arkamys' tailor-developed digital sound processing software incorporated in the radio enables optimized quality sound.

The 3D Sound by Arkamys® system features:

• A radio and eight loudspeakers,
• Arkamys® digital sound processing which delivers three-dimensional sound (spatialization) and superior reproduction tailored to match the specific properties and materials of the cabin,
• A total power output of 140W with reduced risk of the sort of saturation and distortion generally associated with listening at high volumes,
• Optimized radio reception thanks to a dual aerial set-up.

Connectivity also takes pride of place on Renault Mégane thanks to the standard RCA/auxiliary socket located on the centre console which enables occupants to enjoy personal music collections stored on portable players. The Plug & Music option enables the driver to scroll through the functions of portable players (USB key, iPod®, etc.) using the car's own steering wheel-mounted finger-tip remote controls, with menus and play lists shown remotely on the dashboard display.

The performance of new Mégane's chassis has been engineered to surpass that of its predecessor and to deliver exemplary roadholding. The specific roll angle, which refers to the angle by which a vehicle 'leans' when cornering and therefore reflects its capacity to corner 'flat', is 0.42° in the case of Renault Mégane Hatch for lateral acceleration of 1m/s², while the segment average is 0.45° (0.46° for Mégane II). The same figure for Mégane Coupé is even better at 0.38°.

Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé share the same MacPherson-type front suspension coupled with a new horned subframe which features a twin cylindrical link between the subframe and the chassis for exceptional lateral rigidity and, as a consequence, impeccable directional precision. The diameter of the anti-roll bar has been increased from 20mm to 22.5mm.

The rear suspension is based on a programmed deflection flexible beam using a closed section beam which is lighter than a multi-arm solution while at the same time offering stiffer torsional performance. The choice of springs calibrated at 21mm/100DaN at the front and 24.5mm/100DaN at the rear, plus work on Mégane Hatch's dampers have led to enhanced vertical suspension performance and reduced body roll.

For enhanced performance and efficiency, four tyre sizes are available (depending on engine): 195/65 (15" wheels), 205/55 (16"), and 205/50 or 225/45 (17").

In addition to the dynamic ability of their respective chassis, Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé deliver class-leading stopping power thanks to their generously dimensioned brakes. The combination of ventilated 280mm-diameter discs at the front and 260mm-diameter rear discs bring Renault Mégane to a standstill after repeated braking from 100kph in just 37 metres, one of the best braking distances to be found in the segment. Versions powered by the TCe 180, dCi 150 and dCi 160 engines benefit from larger front discs (296mm) for even greater efficiency.

Mégane's electric power steering has undergone comprehensive changes compared with that of Mégane II. The technology employed and the calibration of the power steering control unit ensure a precise, enjoyable drive.

Steering response and precision have been improved thanks to the use of a new horned subframe and bi-material bushes which considerably increase the transverse rigidity of the front and rear suspensions. The lower steering ratio also enables the driver to choose cornering lines with more precision.

Combined with a more dynamic servo-motor, the more advanced power steering control unit and faster torque sensor have led to swifter response to driver's instructions and have also suppressed the inertia and viscosity felt at the wheel. Finally, more accurate control of servo torque has resulted in a more informative increase in turning effort into corners and a more comfortable feel through the corner.

THE dCi RANGE

Depending on the market, the new Renault Mégane range's extensive line-up of diesel engines features the dCi 85, dCi 90 DPF, dCi 105, dCi 110 DPF, dCi 130 with and without particulate filter, dCi 150 DPF with automatic transmission and the dCi 160 DPF mated to a manual gearbox. All these engines incorporate the best available technology to achieve the market's best trade-off between performance and fuel consumption.

CO2 EMISSIONS OF 118 AND 120G/KM FOR THE NEW dCi 90 AND dCi 110

It goes without saying that the Mégane engine range includes the 1.5-litre diesel powerplant which has been so widely praised for its fuel consumption and driving enjoyment. This 1,461cc block is now available in a choice of four power outputs, since the existing 85 and 105hp units have been joined by two new versions: the particulate filter-equipped dCi 90 and dCi 110. All four stand out through their low CO2 emissions performance (118g/km for the dCi 85 and dCi 90, 120g/km in the case of the dCi 105 and dCi 110).

The dCi 90 and dCi 110 engines are B30 biodiesel compatible in certain markets and are equipped with a particulate filter in readiness for Euro5 legislation. Regeneration takes place without the driver even noticing thanks to an additional injector located in the exhaust line. This so-called fifth injector technology, which is protected by 30 patents, contributes to minimizing maintenance costs.

Widely praised for its efficiency and acoustic performance, this block boasts punchy, responsive performance from low revs thanks to its optimized combustion (five squirts per cycle) and specific turbocharger management. The dCi 90 and dCi 110 engines deliver peak torque of 200Nm and 240Nm at 1,750rpm respectively. They also feature a new fuel return rail and a new control unit for improved fuel efficiency, while the injection pressure has been uprated to 1,650 bar. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the dCi 90 and dCi 110 versions of Renault Mégane Hatch has been homologated at 4.5 and 4.6 litres/100km respectively, giving it one of the best performance/fuel consumption ratios of the market. Mated either to a manual five-speed gearbox (JR5) in the case of the dCi 90 or a six-speed box (TL4) in the case of the dCi 110, both engines permit remarkable driving enjoyment. The running and servicing costs of the dCi 90 and dCi 110 engines are amongst the lowest of their class. Oil change intervals are every 30,000km (or every two years) and the life expectancy of the diesel filter is 60,000km. The timing belt needs changing every 160,000km, while the particulate filter comes with a lifetime warranty (more than 300,000km).

THE dCi 160 WITH MANUAL GEARBOX AND THE dCi 150 WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO JOIN THE LINE-UP IN SPRING 2009

Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé are available with the celebrated Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed 1,995cc block (M9R). Coupled with either six-speed auto-adaptive logic automatic transmission (AJ0) or a manual six-speed gearbox, it delivers 150hp and 160hp respectively. It is equipped with a catalytic particulate filter (regeneration by combustion) which has the advantage of functioning without the need for additives. Powered by the dCi 150 engine with automatic transmission (availability depending on market), Mégane offers outstanding driving pleasure, ease of use and smooth, fluid gear changes. In addition to their performance, noise and environmental credentials, the dCi 150 and dCi 160 engines figure among the most efficient of their class and produce exceptional power outputs of 150hp (110kW) at 4,000rpm and 160hp (118kW) at 3,750rpm respectively. Their maximum torque is 360Nm and 380Nm respectively at 2,000rpm and this torque is readily available all the way up the revs to 5,000rpm.

Their 1,600bar common rail fuel injection, piezo-electric injectors, the advanced design of their pistons and their variable geometry turbo ensure class-topping efficiency for a four-cylinder diesel. Equipped with two balancer shafts to combat vibrations and noise, they delivers exceptional driving pleasure and comfort. Thanks to their ultra-fast pre-heat sparkplugs, they fires up straight away, even in very cold weather (minus 23°C).

THE PETROL RANGE

Depending on the market, the Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé ranges feature two categories of petrol engine: the classic 1.6 16V and 2.0 16V powerplants, which are acclaimed for their flexibility, and the new TCe 130 and TCe 180 engines (TCe = Turbo Control efficiency). These turbocharged petrol units are economical, with running and maintenance costs amongst the lowest of the market. Responsive from very low engine speeds, they climb smoothly and effortlessly up the revs.

THE 1.6 16V 100hp AND 110HP AND 2.0 16V 140hp ENGINES

In addition to remarkable driving enjoyment, these three powerplants deliver punch and flexibility at low revs, sprightly response at higher engine speeds and cushioned acoustics across the full rev-band. The 1.6 16V 100hp (74kW) is the entry level petrol engine for new Mégane Hatch. The Mégane range also benefits from a biofuel option with the ethanol-fuelled 1.6 16V 110hp (depending on market), while an LPG engine will be available from 2009.

The new 2.0 16V(1) (M4R) petrol engine claims peak power of 140hp (103kW) at 6,000rpm, maximum torque of 195Nm at 3,750rpm and drives through the Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). New Renault Mégane is the first to use this new transmission which does away with conventional gear changes to provide smooth, stepless performance instead. Thanks to the work of the Alliance's engineers, Renault's CVT figures amongst the best of its category in terms of its seamless acceleration performance.

THE NEW TCe 130 ENGINE

Renault's latest petrol engine is the TCe 130 (H4Jt) which will be available for Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé from the spring of 2009. Developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, it stands out as a perfect illustration of the expertise that has been acquired in the field of downsizing. It is particularly fuel efficient and respectful of the environment with fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km, equivalent to 156g of CO2/km (Mégane Hatch). This new 1,397cc powerplant packs the power of a 1.8-litre engine (130hp/96kW) and the torque of a 2.0-litre engine (190Nm), and drives through a six-speed manual gearbox (TL4). The ratios have been shortened in the case of the Coupé version for an even sportier driving style. Its timing chain favours acoustic comfort.

The TCe 130 also ranks amongst the best engines of its class with regard to running and servicing costs. Oil and oil filter change intervals are every 30,000km (or every two years), the air filter and spark plugs need changing every 60,000km (or every four years) and the same figure for the accessory drive belt is every 150,000km (or every six years).

TCe 180

The TCe 180 (132kW) available for Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé (depending on country) is a new evolution of the 1,998cc turbocharged petrol block which provides unrivalled driving pleasure and already complies with Euro5 emissions legislation. With torque of 300Nm at 2,250rpm, it is extremely responsive and provides exceptional pick-up from low revs thanks to the combination of its twin-scroll turbo and continuously variable camshaft angle at the intake port which optimizes the intake of air into the combustion chamber and which enables the turbine to spin up to speed more quickly. The turbo consequently responds to the slightest touch of the accelerator from revs as low as 1,200rpm. This engine drives through a six-speed manual gearbox (PK4).

SAFETY: A PRIORITY FOR RENAULT, AND A SELF-EVIDENCE FOR NEW RENAULT MÉGANE

Mégane Hatch and Mégane Coupé feature a long list of features aimed at helping drivers anticipate risk situations. This equipment includes a tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper activation and a cruise control/speed limiter. Both models are available, too, with bi-Xenon headlamps incorporating dipped beam cornering lights which facilitate night-time driving by enhancing lateral visibility.

Standard active safety features featured on Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé include ABS, EBD and Emergency Brake Assist. Depending on version, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and CSV understeer control are also available to assist the driver in difficult or emergency situations. On the passive safety front, the programmed deformation of the structure of Mégane Hatch and Mégane Coupé has been engineered to absorb impact energy with a view to protecting the cabin and therefore occupants. The materials employed - including high, very high and very, very high elastic limit steels - have been selected to absorb and dissipate as much kinetic energy as possible. Controlled deformation ensures that occupants are subjected to lower deceleration forces and this, coupled with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3), guarantees an extremely high level of protection.

The Renault System for Restraint and Protection is unique on the market and takes into account both impact force and the build of occupants. It comprises double pretensioners (which tighten the seatbelt against thorax and pelvis to restrict forward movement of the body), load limiters (which reduce the pressure applied by the belt to the thorax) and dual-volume adaptive airbags (which deploy by just the right amount to absorb impact energy). The package also optimizes protection against the phenomenon known as submarining whereby the pelvis has a tendency to slide beneath the seatbelt's lap strap and which can produce serious abdominal lesions in a collision. In the case of Mégane Coupé, this takes the form of an anti-submarining airbag positioned in the front seat cushion which functions along with the seatbelt, single pretensioner and load limiter. The fastening of seatbelts has been facilitated by the higher position of the stalks which ensures easier access.

Impact from the side is a leading cause of fatal injuries. However, specific work into this area has produced very positive breakthroughs. Indeed, Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé inherit the same double side-impact sensors and dual-chamber thorax/pelvis airbags first seen on Laguna III. The latter are designed to adjust the load exerted on the body by applying three times more pressure to the groin area which is more exposed than the thorax.

Meanwhile, the fixation rods of the new generation headrests slide within the headrest and no longer within the upper part of the seatback to ensure enhanced protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of impact from the rear. The rods no longer form a rigid element in the seat and this allows the occupant's back to sink up to 60mm into the curved, frameless seatback following an impact, resulting in less movement of the head and thorax.

The front ends of both Renault Mégane Hatch and Coupé have also benefited from work aimed at improving pedestrian impact protection. The rigidity and thickness of the bumper have been modified to protect the lower limbs by absorbing energy at tibia and knee height. Careful attention was also paid to the energy absorption capacity of the bonnet and surrounding structure (wings, opening mechanism, bonnet lining).