Renault has introduced a new flagship to its Megane range, with diesel power. The Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 is the first high-performance diesel variation of its polarising, love-it or loathe it, hatchback design.

Intended to broaden its appeal to performance enthusiasts, the Megane dCi 175 comes fitted with a 2-litre turbocharged diesel engine revised and enhanced by modified throttle mapping and a new variable geometry turbocharger, which allows the engine's torque output to be spread over a broader rev range.

According to the company, the Megane dCi's 265lb.ft peak torque is achieved at 2000rpm with a maximum 175bhp squeezed out at 3750rpm. New piezo-electric injectors with fuel pressure set at 1600 bar are claimed to optimise combustion and improve the air-fuel mixture, enabling performance gains while reducing engine noise, fuel consumption and particulate emissions.

A six-speed manual gearbox transfers the engine's power to the front wheels and launches the car to 62mph in a claimed 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph. Renault also claims a Combined Cycle fuel economy of 43.5mpg and CO₂ emissions of 172g/km.

Alterations have been made to the Megane's independent steering-axis front suspension to suit the dCi's weight distribution, adding a 20mm diameter anti-roll bar. Spring stiffness and damper settings are exclusive to the diesel model too, while the rear suspension's programmed-deflection flexible beam now features torsional stiffness equivalent to the Megane Renaultsport Cup version. A new Cup chassis with specially-tuned front and rear dampers and 37 per cent stiffer springs will become available in May.

Brembo has supplied the braking system, including 312mm vented front and 300mm solid rear discs and four-piston callipers at the front.

The Megane dCi 175 is offered in two trim levels - standard or Lux - and in either three- or five-door variation. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys and ESP (with ASR traction control and CSV understeer control); while the Lux version adds 18-inch wheels, leather seating, climate control and an MP3 connection for the 60W audio system.

Megane dCi 175 models are available to order now, priced from £18,950 for the standard model and climbing to £20,850 for the Lux version.

Eric Gallina - 15 Apr 2007