2016 Renault Megane Photos, engines & full specs

Renault launched the fourth generation of its successful model Megane in 2015 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, and the five-door version was the most important from its lineup.

With an increased demand for compact hatchbacks on the European market, Renault had to stay ahead of the curve and show up with something innovative. And that’s what it did and surprised everyone not just with the shapes of its new model but also with the technical solutions unseen by similar competitors. The five-door version was the most important in the lineup since it enjoyed the biggest sales among its siblings, and customers considered it a serious alternative to the Golf.

The car’s exterior continued the idea of organic shapes introduced in the third generation of this moniker but evolved with more styling cues and upscale details. At the front, the taller headlights featured a C-shaped signature daytime running light that cut into the bumper. Lower, in the air dam, the automaker added a grille that cooled the engine and two side scoops for the fog lamps when fitted. From its profile, the ascending beltline and the enlarged rear quarter panels gave a muscular look to the vehicle. Finally, a roof spoiler adorned the tailgate at the back, and the unusually wide taillights were almost stretched from one side to the other of the car.

But it was the interior that grabbed anyone's attention. Before this generation, the Megane didn’t offer too many features for its customers. Still, along with the fourth generation of this nameplate, it evolved. The base versions were fitted with regular analog dials and a stereo on the center stack. There was nothing to write home about it. For the upper trim levels, on the other hand, the automaker gave anything it had in its baskets. As a result, a fully digital instrument cluster stood in front of the driver. In addition, a portrait-mode 8.7” touchscreen adorned the center stack, and Renault installed its R-link infotainment system on it. In addition, the automaker worked together with Tom-Tom for the navigation system and offered customers the option for live traffic service. The standard seats were quite mundane for this car, but the upper grades got high-bolstered ones for the front occupants, while the rear split-folding bench seat was good enough for three children or two full-size adults.

From the technical point of view, Renault surprised the market with the introduction of the 4Control system, which allowed four-wheel steering. While this feature was already available on large cars, no other automaker installed it on a compact-sized hatchback. For the powertrain, the French automaker offered a wide choice of engines ranging between 89 HP (90 PS) and 163 HP (165 PS) paired with either five- or six-speed manuals or six-speed automatics (dual-clutch). Moreover, those who desired punchier engines could get the GT version, which offered over 200 ponies.