After we saw the ew generation Opel Astra, IAA Frankfurt brought us another important car for the European market: the new Renault Megane. The fourth generation of the Megane will go on sale in mainland Europe early next year with UK deliveries anticipated in the summer.
The new Megane is based on Renault’s Common Module Family (CMF) vehicle architecture, and includes a number of segment 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 and 4Control four-wheel steering for the GT.
The new generation is 64 mm longer (4,359mm) and 25 mm lower (1,447mm) than the third-generation Mégane, and has a 28mm longer wheelbase (2,669mm), which is greater than that of rival models. The front and rear track widths have been widened by 47mm and 39mm respectively to 1,591mm and 1,586mm, while the rear overhang has been shortened compared. Wheel sizes of up to 18 inches will be available.
The upright diamond logo and broad grille. This is accentuated by daytime running lights incorporating LED technology to provide a distinctive C-shaped signature that extends down to the bumper. Higher-end versions feature full-LED lighting modules. The rear light units, also all-LED, feature tail lights that are permanently illuminated.
Inside there is a full colour head-up display, traditionally reserved for vehicles in higher segments; a 7-inch colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display; and a portrait-format 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen as an alternative to the landscape 7-inch screen. High-end versions feature a full-grain Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel with elegant chrome detailing.
The new Megane’s boot capacity of 434 litres is the second largest in the compact car sector and is complemented by interior stowage space totalling 25 litres. Rear knee room of 175mm is a 20mm improvement over that of the third generation Megane, while shoulder width (1,441mm at the front, 1,390mm in the rear) is amongst the segment’s best.
The new Megane will be available with six highly-efficient engines from launch – three 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.
