New Renault Megane

The New Renault Mégane will go on sale from November 2008. By 2010, the New Mégane family will include six different models, manufactured in Palencia (Spain) and Douai (France) and conceived
essentially for in European markets.

Design

The new Mégane is a family hatchback of 4.30m in length with a dynamic stance, thanks particularly to its short front and rear overhang, a 2.64m wheelbase, steeply-raked roofline and wide tracks.

The generous surface area and curvaceous forms of the body panels express sense of robustness and perceived quality.

Seen from the side, the feature line extends the crease of the slightly prominent front wings rearward to emphasize the car’s broad, solid shoulders.

At the rear the two-part light clusters continue the feature line and facilitate access to the boot.

The wide track dimensions (1.55m) ensure that the car sits squarely on the road, and this sense of stability is underlined by the steeply-raked rear screen and, indeed, by the entire rearend design.

New Renault Mégane’s proportions, the form of the beltline and the large door panels exude a feeling of protection.

This blend of fluid lines coupled with the generous proportions of the bodywork also maximizes
the visual effect produced by the light reflecting off the body, while the range of metallic paint
finishes includes the all-new Ecume Blue.

Particular attention has been paid to reducing the cut lines between the different body panels
(e.g. windscreen pillars, fuel filler flap) and the front and rear bumpers discreetly incorporate the
parking proximity sensors. The roofline also benefits from specific treatment thanks to the use of laser brazing which eliminates the need for roof trimming.

Interior

The interior makes extensive use of fluid forms. The impression that the dashboard is suspended is reinforced by the taut horizontal lines that highlight the curve of the decorative trim.

All the controls have been carefully positioned and fall easily to hand both close to the steering wheel and on the centre console, with a view to freeing up as much space as possible for an even roomier cabin.

The fully integrated dashboard cowl benefits from a finish which is soft to the touch and resistant to daily use and the ageing effects of sunlight.

The windscreen wipers are aesthetically concealed beneath the hood line, a choice which also 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 choose between a light trim that focused on travelling comfort or a darker ambience with a sportier feel.

Technical features

The range of engines for the new Mégane includes six dCi diesel units – 85, 90, 105, 110, 130 and 150 – and two gasoline engines – the 1.6 16V with 100/110hp and the 2.0 16V 140hp (180hp in the TCe variant).

Depending on version, these engines can be mated to five- or six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The range will also include biofuel-compatible engines (bioethanol and biodiesel).

(Source: Renault)