2011 JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
RENAULT MÉGANE
Distinctive styling, great value and genuine driving pleasure
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Distinctive, assertive styling ensures powerful presence
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Ergonomically advanced interiors boast latest technology
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Versatile engine choices and advanced features
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Uncompromising safety delivers five-star Euro NCAP scores
Renault’s distinctive Mégane hatchback range is not only the brand’s mainstream model in South Africa, but also provides buyers in the highly competitive C-segment with a compelling mix of advanced technology, five-star safety, involving dynamics and value for money.
The line-up consists of four derivatives, with a choice of three engines and two specification levels. Standard equipment is impressive across the board, with a specific focus on both comfort and safety.
With its line-up of latest-generation engines, the Mégane range also reflects Renault’s focus on eco-responsible motoring, achieving low fuel consumption and CO2 exhaust emission levels.
The Mégane hatchback’s striking, sleek exterior fuses sporty and elegant elements into an aerodynamic shape that is both compact and athletic. All four derivatives share the same bold yet practical five-door configuration, with only subtle exterior embellishments to distinguish the individual models.
THE RANGE
The Mégane hatchback family kicks off with the high-value Mégane 1.6 Shake It! – a high-value offering combining an affordable price tag with attractive features, comprehensive safety equipment, and a lively 1,6-litre drivetrain.
One notch up, the Mégane 1.6 Dynamique shares its 1,6-litre petrol drivetrain with the Shake It! model, but adds the more comprehensive Dynamique specification level to the package.
The Mégane 1.9 dCi has exactly the same standard features list as the 1.6 Dynamique, but is powered by an advanced 1,9-litre turbodiesel drivetrain delivering strong low-down torque and exceptional economy.
Topping the Mégane hatchback range is the 1.4T Dynamique GT Line, a dynamic performer drawing some of its styling inspiration from the Renault Sport stable, and powered by a high-tech turbocharged engine.
EXTERIOR FEATURES
The Mégane hatchbacks boast a similar level of exterior features. All but the range-topping GT Line are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows and front fog lamps. A 17-inch wheel is offered as an added-cost option.
In addition, The 1.6 Dynamique, 1.9 dCi Dynamique and 1.4 T Dynamique GT Line also benefit from electrically operated, heated and folding exterior mirrors.
The 1.4 T Dynamique GT Line is the most distinctive member of the Mégane hatchback family. Drawing its aesthetic inspiration from the Renault Sport performance derivatives, it features the GT Line Sports Pack.
Its athletic character is accentuated by exclusive Dark Metal (anthracite grey) finishes on selected details. A bold new bumper design features a reshaped central air intake, with an RS-style gloss black centre section supporting the number plate.
The front fog lamps are housed in profiled, dark grey recesses on either side of the bumper, while black headlamp backgrounds and anthracite grey mirror housings are standard. At the rear, the colour-coded lower section of the bumper incorporates a contrasting aerodynamic diffuser.
‘GT Line’ badging reaffirms this Mégane model’s exclusive status, while striking Dark Metal-coloured Celsium 17-inch alloy wheels are specific to this flagship model.
INTERIOR APPOINTMENTS
In line with their strong emphasis on value, all four Mégane hatchback models are comprehensively equipped. Thus, even the Mégane ‘Shake It!’ includes driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags, as well as Isofix child seat mountings, and ABS brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Brake force Distribution (EBD).
Renault’s Anti-Intrusion Device (RAID) provides essential vehicle security, using the Renault key card for the remote central locking and integrated immobiliser, backed up by an auto door-locking function when in motion.
Electrically operated front windows, including a one-touch control on the driver’s side, are standard, while air-conditioning is also included. The Shake It! incorporates a single-CD MP3-compatible RDS radio, as well as practical satellite controls mounted on the steering wheel column.
Bluetooth connectivity is a further standard feature, matched to a multifunctional TunePoint system that allows the simple connection and control of a personal MP3 player via a USB adapter, auxiliary audio jack or iPod connection.
Optimum comfort is assured by means of height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with further adjustment extending to the steering wheel (height and reach) and headrests.
The 1.6 Dynamique and 1.9 dCi Dynamique share the all Shake It! model’s safety and convenience features, but offer the additional benefit of cruise control, automatically activated headlights and windscreen wipers, and climate control air-conditioning.
They’re also fitted with the Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system, which is operated via a joystick control in the centre console, and includes the recently announced TomTom LIVE functionality.
TomTom LIVE employs an integrated SIM card that connects to live satellite updates and feeds. It adds innovative connected services, including HDTraffic, considered to be the best real-time traffic information service in those countries where it is marketed.
The uprated sound system adds digitally processed Arkamys 3D sound to the single-CD RDS receiver, while retaining four loudspeakers, as well a the TunePoint and Bluetooth capability.
The Mégane 1.4 T Dynamique GT Line benefits from the same, comprehensive standard feature list as the Dynamique models, but its sportier character is again reflected in a number of exclusive interior appointments.
Most obvious are the form-hugging front seats also fitted to the Mégane RS. These not only suit the sporty image of the GT Line, but also provide additional lateral support. Leather upholstery adds to the cabin’s upmarket ambience.
The instrumentation continues the sporting theme with an analogue speedometer taking centre stage instead of the standard model’s digital display. A white-faced rev counter with a red needle reinforces the racy edge.
There’s also an aluminium pedal set in keeping with car’s spirited character, along with polished carbon door handles and GT Line badging on the dashboard trim strip, head rests and front door sills. In addition, GT Line models are fitted with rear parking sensors as standard.
ENGINES AND DRIVETRAIN
The Mégane 1.6 Shake It! and the 1.6 Dynamique share the same drivetrain. Both are powered by a 1 598 cc, 16-valve engine tuned for flexibility at low revs, lively performance at high revs and cushioned acoustics across the full rev-band. All Mégane models drive the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
The four-cylinder unit has a peak power output of 83 kW at 6 000 r/min, while the torque maximum of 151 Nm is achieved at 4 250 r/min. Mixed-cycle fuel consumption is rated at
6,9 l/100 km, with a CO2 figure of 163 g/km. As result, the Mégane 1.6 models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10,5 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 195 km/h.
The Mégane 1.9 dCi Dynamique employs Renault’s latest 1,9-litre turbodiesel engine, featuring a variable-geometry turbocharger with curved blades for swifter response, as well as seven-hole injector nozzles for a finer, more efficient fuel spray.
Producing 96 kW of power at 3 750 r/min and a substantial 300 Nm of torque from as low as
1 750 r/min, the unit achieves an average consumption of 5,1 litres/100 km and emits an equally impressive 134 g of CO2/km. Performance is sprightly, with a 9,5 sec sprint time for the 0-100 km/h dash, and a 210 km/h top speed.
In keeping with its sporting demeanour, the Mégane 1.4 T Dynamique GT Line is powered by Renault’s advanced Turbo Control Efficiency (TCe) engine. This sophisticated petrol unit illustrates Renault’s experience in creating highly advanced, highly efficient powerplants.
Despite delivering the power typically associated with a 1,8-litre engine, and the torque of a 2,0-litre unit, the 1.4 T’s CO2 emissions rating is lower than that of a normal 1,6-litre design.
The 1 397 cc unit produces an impressive 96 kW of power at 5 500 r/min, matched to a torque peak of 190 Nm from as little as
2 250 r/min.
Partnered with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, it delivers an invigorating driving experience. The 1.4 TCe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,6 sec, and is credited with a 200 km/h top speed.
