19th July 2012
New Mégane: driving the change
• New Mégane epitomises Renault driving progress through design and technology
• Fresher, more intuitive design for hatch and coupé
• New Coupé Expression offers stylish entry impact at affordable price point
• Enhanced quality with new trim, and enriched specification levels
• Smart technology, performance and eco credentials with 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency and the new 1.6 dCi Energy engine – the most powerful in its class in the world
• Full range now includes four hatchbacks, two coupés and three RS models
Renault South Africa is continuing the renewal of its flagship models with the launch of the comprehensively updated Mégane 2012 Collection.
The outgoing model has already established benchmarks for style, performance, efficiency and technology, and has proven very popular internationally and locally. In 2010, 43 percent of global customers purchased a Mégane because of its styling, compared with 27 percent for the competition. It has been a consistent top-seller in Europe, and the winner of numerous awards.
The updated range for 2012 continues the trend. Fresh styling is complemented by higher levels of technology, safety, quality and equipment. The model range has also been revised and expanded to offer greater value for money to make it even more appealing.
“The 2012 Mégane Collection leads Renault’s philosophy of driving change through progress,” says Fabien Payzan, marketing vice-president of Renault SA. “The range’s modern styling, new technologies, efficient engines and advanced features give us an opportunity to gain a clear competitive edge in the compact vehicle market by exceeding the expectations of our customers."
“Renault is strategically positioning itself as a brand that drives progress, and the impressive new Mégane is a champion of this approach, appealing to those who crave progress, achievement and evolution.”
Styling
The successful styling of the current Mégane has been fine-tuned for the 2012 range to convey a fresher, even more modern appearance, with its roots in RenaultSport.
The key styling changes to the front end include a new bumper with a revised air intake grille featuring a sleek new design to create an impression of greater substance. The colour palette has been enhanced for the 2012 Mégane range with the addition of the sophisticated Glazed Chestnut brown, majorelle blue and pearl white hues with malta blue exclusively on GT line.
The Mégane Hatch boasts a wider, more elegant lower grille that conveys an image of style and sophistication. Gloss black inserts and chrome fog lamp housings add a further touch of class.
The Coupé’s front-end design is visually differentiated from the five-door variants with the adoption of a sportier, more dynamic bumper and grille, with bold integrated air intakes that are finished in either gloss black, or chromed on the range-topping model.
From the Dynamique level upwards, standard LED daytime running lights provide an eye-catching new lighting signature, while body-coloured side protective mouldings and door handles refine the car’s silhouette. The LED daytime running lights are also an option on the Coupé Expression.
The new bumpers have increased the front overhang and overall vehicle length by 8 mm on the hatch and 17 mm on the coupé versions respectively.
The GT Line is distinguished by extensive use of colour coding and contrasting dark grey accents, complemented by a uniquely sporty front bumper treatment that incorporates new, boomerang-shaped LED running lights in the fog light recesses. The GT Line models also get distinctive GT Line and unique Turbo badging.
As the performance flagship, the Mégane RenaultSport 265 receives a revised aerodynamic front skirt incorporating the new-look six-LED daytime running lights first seen on the new limited-edition Mégane RS Trophy. The Sport model also receives new Tibor 18-inch wheels, while the Cup and Trophy feature 19-inch Steev rims – the latter with red edging and high-performance Bridgestone RE050A tyres.
Interior
Several changes have been made to the interior of the Mégane model range in order to improve perceived quality at all levels of the line-up, including new trim for the Expression, Dynamique and GT Line models.
The Expression gains shiny chrome highlights on the door handles, gear lever and instrument dials, along with a dark carbon dashboard and trim panels. On the Dynamique, contrasting silver accents on the dashboard, vents and steering wheel enhance the upmarket look and feel.
The GT Line receives a sportier execution with carbon grey trim accents underlined in red, and shiny black finishes for the steering wheel, along with distinctive stitching on the steering wheel and gear lever gaiter. It also features a sporty new leather/fabric trim pack.
Engine and drive train
With its advanced range of engines, the 2012 Mégane offers a peerless blend of environmental compatibility, efficiency and performance. New to the line-up is the high-tech 1,6-litre dCi 130 Energy turbodiesel engine first seen on the new Scénic, and now introduced on the new Mégane Hatch Dynamique.
As the headline act in Renault’s new Energy engine range, the 1.6 dCi Energy features a particularly efficient design, based on a square architecture sourced from Renault’s experience in Formula One. This powertrain is defined by its leading transfer and U-Flex technology, square architecture, and transversal coolant flow.
It combines driving enjoyment with superlative fuel efficiency, thanks to a raft of technologies, including cold-loop exhaust gas recirculation, thermal management technology, a variable displacement oil pump, variable swirl technology and a multi-injection system.
Delivering 96 kW from a capacity of just 1 598 cc, this is the most powerful diesel engine for its size. With a generous 320 Nm of torque – some 80 percent of which is available from 1 500 r/min – it provides crisp, responsive acceleration and genuine driving enjoyment.
Combined with the benefits of Renault’s Stop & Start technology with braking/deceleration energy recovery, the 1.6 dCi Energy achieves a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, compared to the previous 1.9 dCi, along with significantly lower emissions. It is credited with a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4,0 l/100 km and a corresponding emissions rating of only 104 g of CO2/km. This derivative goes on sale in South Africa in September 2012.
Mégane Hatch and Coupé buyers also have the choice of the renowned 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency four-cylinder petrol engine, which is exclusive to the sophisticated GT Line variants. It produces 96 kW at 5 500 r/min and a solid 190 Nm from just 2 250 r/min. Combined cycle consumption is rated at 6,3 l/100 km, with a CO2 figure of 145 g/km.
The familiar 1 598 cc 16-valve petrol engine is also on offer in conjunction with both the Expression and Dynamique specification levels. It develops 83 kW at 6 000 r/min and 151 Nm at 4 250 r/min, with a combined fuel consumption of 7,5 l/100 km.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the revised Mégane RenaultSport range boasts the uprated 2,0-litre turbocharged engine introduced in May for the exclusive Mégane RS Trophy. All versions, including the Sport, Cup and Trophy now produce 195 kW and 360 Nm, adding to the pure exhilaration of this scintillating range.
Smart technology and safety
The 2012 Mégane continues to set the standard for practical, intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience, and contribute towards overall safety.
The impressive integrated Carminat TomTom Live integrated navigation system continues to be a major selling feature, and is included as standard on the Dynamique, GT Line and Mégane RS Sport models. It offers the benefits of HD Traffic, Google Local Search and weather updates.
Smart technology has always been a cornerstone of this model range, and it gains further impetus in the new Mégane. A wide range of industry-defining convenience features are included to complement the modern, technology-driven lifestyle.
These include the cutting-edge, integrated TomTom navigation system with Live services, fully-featured audio systems with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, an Air Quality Sensor, and rain/light sensors.
The GT Line also offers two other unique options. The first is the Visio system, an automatic high/low beam system, which employs a front camera to automate the activation of either low or high beam, depending on driving and lighting conditions.
The objective is to maximise the use of high-beam mode, in order to ensure optimised illumination of the road ahead. At the same time, it increases safety by avoiding blinding oncoming traffic by automatically switching to low-beam mode.
Since the system is automated, it improves driver convenience, especially in difficult driving conditions, such as at night or in adverse weather.
The second option is a camera-based lane departure warning system that alerts drivers when a broken or unbroken line is accidentally crossed. This system employs a camera attached to the windscreen behind the rear-view mirror, and is equipped with an on/off button to allow it to be disabled by the driver.
An Electronic Stability Programme is standard on the Mégane 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency GT Line models along with a specially adapted three-mode ESP on the Mégane RenaultSport 265
The standard ABS is bolstered by electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA) on all models. In terms of impact protection, all Méganes are equipped with dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
Renault has an exceptional reputation for safety, proven by the Mégane’s maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Model range
The 2012 Mégane represents a compelling choice, due to its comprehensive model range, improved standard of specification and even better value for money. A total of four hatchback, two coupé and three RenaultSport derivatives are on offer.
Mégane Hatch
The Mégane Hatch range starts off with the 1.6 Expression, which replaces the previous Shake It! derivative. The Expression now offers significantly higher levels of equipment, which extends to six airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA, cruise control, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, manual air-conditioning and a CD receiver with Bluetooth and USB plus iPod connectivity.
Externally it reflects the upmarket positioning of the new Mégane range with new 16-inch ‘Kaleido’ alloy wheels, fog lamps and body-coloured side mirrors.
The Mégane 1.6 Dynamique undercuts the pricing of the outgoing model, but yet again raises the bar in terms of specification. Beyond the standard feature set of the Expression, it gains the impressive new integrated TomTom Live navigation system, rain and light sensors, 17-inch Plenum alloy wheels and the distinctive LED daytime running lights.
The 1.6 dCi Energy Dynamique matches the specification of its petrol sibling, and introduces numerous improvements over the previous 1.9 dCi in terms of features and efficiency, including the much-lauded, F1-derived high-efficiency turbodiesel engine.
Pricing remains identical for the new Mégane 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency GT Line, despite benefitting from an array of additional equipment. Compared to the Dynamique, it benefits from the GT Line badging, styling package and sports chassis, along with ESP, Rear Park Assist, dual-zone climate control, leather/fabric seats and the 3D Arkamys audio system.
Mégane Coupé
The Mégane Coupé range has been realigned in the interests of offering appreciably higher value. The previous entry-level Dynamique has been dropped in favour of the new, markedly more affordable 1.6 Expression, with its seductive three-door styling.
The modern, expressive design of this lifestyle-oriented mover and shaker has been lifted to new heights with the adoption of a racy new front bumper, incorporating bold air intakes finished in upmarket gloss black, along with an elegant chrome trim strip that highlights the slim new upper grille aperture.
The Mégane 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency GT Line assumes range-topping status and is more affordable than its predecessor, despite the improvement in luxury, convenience and safety features which match that of the GT Line Hatch.
Mégane RenaultSport 265
The multiple award-winning Mégane RenaultSport is the benchmark by which all performance hatchbacks and coupés are measured. In its latest guise, the RS presents an even more enticing and exhilarating sporting proposition.
As before, the new Mégane RS 265 is available in Sport specification, which is aimed at everyday use, or the Cup model, with its 19-inch wheels and firmer Cup chassis. The latter is targeted towards more track-focussed purists, and is standard on both the Cup and Trophy models.
The scintillating. limited-edition Trophy version takes this performance angle to even greater heights with Formula 1-derived Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres. All models employ high-end Brembo brake callipers to deliver exceptional stopping power.
The Mégane RS Sport 265 boasts an impressive level of equipment, including the integrated TomTom Live navigation system, RenaultSport leather seats, hands-free keycard, and the Arkamys 3D Sound system with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity.
Furthermore, it benefits from dual-zone climate control, the Rear Park Assist , ABS with EBD and EBA, the three-stage Electronic Stability Programme, cruise control and a full complement of airbags (driver, passenger, side and curtain).
The Mégane RS Cup 265 ups the ante with the use of the track-oriented Cup chassis and suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers, a limited-slip differential, leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats and the innovative RS Monitor that provides the driver with real-time performance and vehicle data.
As the final word in high performance, the limited-edition Mégane RS Trophy 265 boasts the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, Trophy Design Pack with the specific decals and red piping on the 19-inch Steev wheels, as well as a numbered plaque.
Pricing and value
Mégane Hatch
- 1.6 Expression R209 900
- 1.6 Dynamique R219 900
- 1.6 dCi Dynamique R269 900
- 1.4 Turbo GT Line R249 900
Mégane Coupé
- 1.6 Expression R209 900
- 1.4 Turbo GT Line R249 900
Mégane RenaultSport
- RS Sport 265 R359 900
- RS Cup 265 R399 900
- RS Trophy 265 R409 900
All Méganes are sold with Renault Confidance as standard, which guarantees the highest level of customer satisfaction and after-sales service. Outstanding peace-of-mind is assured with the inclusion of a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
This is backed up by a six-year anti-corrosion warranty, full round-the-clock roadside assistance for five years/150 000 km, along with fixed-price servicing and guaranteed spare parts availability.
Source: Renault SA
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