Renault’s 2012 Mégane ushers in fresh styling, a new turbodiesel engine being touted as the most powerful in its class and a more affordable entry-point into the Coupé line-up.
Stylistically, the changes for the hatchback encompass a new bumper with a widened lower grill section. The Coupé’s front end is further differentiated from that of the hatch by a more aggressive front apron and a lower air dam array finished with gloss black trim or chrome on higher-spec models. The colour line-up also gets a shot in the arm with the addition of glazed chestnut brown, majorelle blue and pearl white palettes, along with malta blue exclusively on GT line.
LED daytime running lights are standard fitment from Dynamique line upwards, while the GT Line features colour-coded elements contrasted with grey trim accents, more aggressive LED daytime running lights in the foglamp recesses and model-specific badging. The RS models receive a revised front apron, LED arrays lifted from the Trophy and new 18-inch alloys.
The interior has also undergone a number of changes such as new trim highlights on the Expression and GT lines to improve perceived quality and add a greater sense of occasion to the cabin.
The biggest news on the powerplant front is the new 1,6-litre dCi 130 Energy turbodiesel carried over from the Scenic MPV to the Dynamique spec-hatch. This unit develops 96 kW and 320 N.m of torque – 80 per cent of which is on tap from 1 500 r/min. Featuring start/stop technology, this unit returns a claimed 4,0L/100 km and 104g/km of CO2. This particular model will go on sale in September. The rest of the engine line-up comprises the 1,4 TCe turbopetrol for the hatch and coupe (96 kW190 N.m) and the 1,6-litre petrol unit for the Expression and Dynamique models (83 kW/151 kW). All of the RS models (Sport/Cup/Trophy) are now powered by an uprated version of the 2,0-litre turbopetrol unit that now develops 195 kW and 360 N.m of torque.
Among the technology and safety highlights are the integrated Carminat TomTom navigation/infotainment system (standard on Dynamique, GT Line and RS models), Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, an Air Quality Sensor, and rain/light sensors. The GT Line also receives standard ESP and can also be specced with high-beam assist and lane departure warning and
On the safety front there’s ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as front/side/curtain airbags and Isofix child seat anchorage points.
Model range and pricing:
Hatch:
Mégane 1,6 Expression replaces the Shake It! Equipment includes 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 – R209 900
Mégane 1,6 Dynamique adds the following to Expression spec: TomTom Live navigation system, rain and light sensors, 17-inch Plenum alloy wheels and the distinctive LED daytime running lights – R219 900
Mégane 1,6 dCi Energy Dynamique matches the petrol-engined model’s specification – R269 900
Mégane 1,4 TCe GT Line features GT Line badging, styling package and sports chassis, along with ESP, Rear Park Assist, dual-zone climate control, leather/fabric seats and Arkamys audio system – R249 900
Coupe:
Mégane Coupe 1,6 Expression replaces the previous Dynamique model – R209 900
Mégane 1,4 TCe GT Line Coupe matches the specification of the GT Line hatch and becomes the standard coupe range-topper – R249 900
RS:
Mégane RS Sport 265 features include TomTom Live navigation system, RenaultSport leather seats, hands-free keycard, Arkamys 3D Sound system with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, 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) – R359 900
Mégane RS Cup 265 adds the Cup chassis and suspension set-up, 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 – R399 900
Mégane RS Trophy 265 runs on boasts Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, features a Trophy Design Pack (decals and red piping on the 19-inch Steev wheels, as well as a numbered plaque) – R409 900
All Méganes are covered by a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
