A glut of 'leaked' images of the all-new Renault Mégane hit the Internet this week, but we can now finally bring you the officially sanctioned pics, along with full details on the most important car Renault makes, ahead of its world debut at the
Paris Motor Show.
The exterior style of the new Mégane is less shocking than the current car was when it made its entrance, but our first impressions are that the new hatch is a neat and distinctive interpretation of the new Renault family look, even if the overall profile of the five-door version is remarkably conventional. It's highly likely that the three-door model will adopt a sportier stance closer in feel to that of the
Mégane Coupé Concept shown at the
Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.
However, it's thought that the three-door model will have to allow space in the range for a new Mégane Coupé, as Renault has announced its intentions to produce six different versions of the Mégane. Assuming that there'll be a Sport Tourer estate, a folding hardtop equipped Coupé-Cabriolet and a Mégane Scenic MPV, that still allows for a stylish new two-door model with distinctly sporting characteristics.
Before that though Renault will launch the new Mégane hatch with a wide range of engines. Though the big sellers are likely to be the dCi turbodiesels, there are several petrol options that may make financial sense too. Each of the 85, 90, 105 and 110 PS dCi engines manages to duck under the 120g/km CO
2 barrier, while 130, 150 and 160 PS versions should satisfy diesel buyers wanting more go.
A few naturally aspirated petrol engines will still be available in the new Mégane (depending on market), but the most impressive petrol units are the new low capacity turbocharged four-cylinders. One example in development is a 128bhp 1.4-litre that also packs 140lb.ft of torque, yet should yield low emissions. Renault also plans to introduce engines compatible with bio-fuels.
The initial press pictures indicate that the Mégane features a high-spec interior influenced by the
new Laguna and that standard equipment should be generous, with an emphasis on safety and recyclability.
More details and prices will be reported once they are available.
Shane O' Donoghue - 10 Sep 2008
