Photo: SB-Medien
Renault has pressed the “Reset” button at the Frankfurt Motor Show, redefining two of its best sellers. Aside from the Talisman, which now replaces both the Laguna and the Latitude, we get a new generation of the Megane.
The fourth incarnation of Renault compact family seems to introduce all the right changes when it comes to the platform. The vehicle is lower and wider for superior handling, while the wheelbase has been increased in order to improve the rear passenger space.
As for what meets the eye, we’re already used to the French carmaker introducing a new design language with each generation. Nevertheless, the resemblance to the Talisman is incredibly strong, as if Renault was trying to unify this part of its line-up.
Not since the second-generation Shake It Megane have we seen such a bold approach.
And if the exterior similarities appear to be massive, we have to mention it takes a trained eye to spot the difference between the dashboards of the two models. Once again, Renault has introduced a new styling direction.
While the design is clearly an upmarket move, the materials still leave certain things to be desired. Nevertheless, the Megane threatens the Golf with a class-first full-color head-up display. In terms of infotainment, we have a 7-inch instrument screen, as well as an 8.7-inch central touchscreen featuring the carmaker’s R-Link 2 interface. These are class-firsts and you can simply think about how much fuss has been made about similar portrait-orientated displays on the Tesla Model S or on the Volvo XC90.
For now, the Megane is offered with an engine line-up consisting of six units. On the dCi diesel front, the outputs sit at 90 hp, 110 hp and 130 hp. Switching to the TCe petrol powerplants, we get 110 hp, 130 hp and 205 hp (we’ll get to that in a minute).
The TCe 205 unit is the star of Megane GT warm hatch versions, which does have a Renaultsport aroma to it. That and 4Control four-wheel steering, another amazing feature for this class. Factor in the sports chassis and the 18-inch wheels, and you can scrap that “warm hatch” label - this is a hot hatch. The twin exhaust pipes are there to let the others know you’re not messing around.
With the Megane RS already being an 8-minute car on the ‘Ring, we can only imagine what the new models will bring in terms of performance.
Until we get to find out, we’ll tell you the fourth generation Megane is scheduled to hit the market early next year.
PS: if you’re willing to dig deeper into Renault-savvy details such as the Common Module Family (CMF) vehicle architecture that allows the Megane and the Talisman to share so many features, you can check out the press release below.
As for what meets the eye, we’re already used to the French carmaker introducing a new design language with each generation. Nevertheless, the resemblance to the Talisman is incredibly strong, as if Renault was trying to unify this part of its line-up.
Not since the second-generation Shake It Megane have we seen such a bold approach.
And if the exterior similarities appear to be massive, we have to mention it takes a trained eye to spot the difference between the dashboards of the two models. Once again, Renault has introduced a new styling direction.
While the design is clearly an upmarket move, the materials still leave certain things to be desired. Nevertheless, the Megane threatens the Golf with a class-first full-color head-up display. In terms of infotainment, we have a 7-inch instrument screen, as well as an 8.7-inch central touchscreen featuring the carmaker’s R-Link 2 interface. These are class-firsts and you can simply think about how much fuss has been made about similar portrait-orientated displays on the Tesla Model S or on the Volvo XC90.
For now, the Megane is offered with an engine line-up consisting of six units. On the dCi diesel front, the outputs sit at 90 hp, 110 hp and 130 hp. Switching to the TCe petrol powerplants, we get 110 hp, 130 hp and 205 hp (we’ll get to that in a minute).
The TCe 205 unit is the star of Megane GT warm hatch versions, which does have a Renaultsport aroma to it. That and 4Control four-wheel steering, another amazing feature for this class. Factor in the sports chassis and the 18-inch wheels, and you can scrap that “warm hatch” label - this is a hot hatch. The twin exhaust pipes are there to let the others know you’re not messing around.
With the Megane RS already being an 8-minute car on the ‘Ring, we can only imagine what the new models will bring in terms of performance.
Until we get to find out, we’ll tell you the fourth generation Megane is scheduled to hit the market early next year.
PS: if you’re willing to dig deeper into Renault-savvy details such as the Common Module Family (CMF) vehicle architecture that allows the Megane and the Talisman to share so many features, you can check out the press release below.
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