Renault Megane release coming soon
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Renault Mégane
Renault Fluence
Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet
Renault Mégane RenaultSport
Renault Kangoo
Clio RenaultSport Gordini Limited Edition
NOTE: Images show models from overseas markets.
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Renault
29th August, 2010
Renault has announced a major transformation of its
Australian line-up. "It’s time to change" has never signalled a clearer statement of intent than it will
over the coming weeks with the progressive release of new models.
Five all-new models and one limited edition model will be launched. Starting with the extraordinary
value of Renault Mégane in mid-September, and ending with the October launch of Mégane RenaultSport 250.
Renault will now be able to offer a comprehensive range to meet the needs of the Australian market,
with a strong focus on safety, style and build quality. The new range will also set higher standards in
terms of customer benefits as far as equipment is concerned.
Yet, this new level of quality will have one uniquely compelling feature – the price.
The aim is not to simply meet customer’s needs but to delight them, meeting their growing expectations
for innovative and practical features from entry level products. To this end, Renault in Australia has
made a concerted effort to get closer to its customers, and understand their expectations, by using focus
groups, public events and increasing it’s interaction with Renault car clubs and owner forums.
Launch sequence:
- The New Renault Mégane hatch is the first of the exciting new product range to be launched and offers
a new benchmark in European value. The new Mégane hatch delivers remarkable on-road ability, outstanding
comfort and a highly practical driving environment, plus a host of high-end equipment and features.
Starting at just $22,990* (Manufacturer’s List Price excluding on-road costs), Renault is confident that
the new Mégane hatch will establish itself as a segment leader for value.
- The new Renault Fluence sedan will follow. With its spacious cabin, comfort and comprehensive
standard features list, it redefines travel in the small sedan segment.
- New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will bring French flair to this very fashion conscious segment. It
features the Renault innovative glass roof providing a unique and desirable vehicle, which is sometimes a
coupé, always a cabriolet.
- The Mégane Range will be complete; with the launch of the car that has been keenly anticipated by
motor enthusiasts and current RenaultSport owners alike. The internationally acclaimed Mégane
RenaultSport 250 Cup and Cup Trophée demonstrates what happens when passion and performance meet.
- Also being launched during this period is a favourite in the Renault range – the Kangoo. Having
undergone a ground up redesign, the new Kangoo is a bigger, better and smarter van.
- The Gordini name returns with the launch of the Clio RenaultSport Gordini Limited Edition with its
outstanding combination of chassis dynamics and performance, this car epitomises all which made the
Gordini name legendary.
New Renault Megane Hatch
It's Time to Change
The new Renault Mégane Hatch, starting at just $22,990* (Manufacturers List Price excluding on-road
costs), signals Renault’s belief that there is no better time to change into a European car. It marks the
beginning of the renewal of Renault’s line-up, offering an outstanding opportunity to experience all that
Renault encapsulates at a remarkably low price. It offers outstanding on-road ability, benchmark comfort
and a highly practical driving environment, as well as an abundance of high-end equipment and features.
And with a price of just $22,990* (MLP), Renault believes it will be the segment leader for value.
New Eye Catching Design
Design of the new Mégane family stems from a bid to produce a range of eye catching cars that take
their inspiration from the world of sport and a passion for cars. The new Megane Hatch stands out as
appealing and reassuring for a car driven on a day to day basis.
Robustness and Quality
In addition to the robustness promised by it’s styling, new Megane Hatch features a high standard of
body panel fit-and-finish with only quality materials being chosen for production. New Mégane Hatch also
benefits from the progress that has been achieved across the Renault range in terms of reliability and
durability.
Two Overriding Considerations: Comfort and Practicality
New Mégane Hatch features new, easier to read combined digital/analogue instruments and displays. It
also inherits the equipment normally associated with higher segments, including;
Dynamique
- Hands-free entry and ignition, automatic door locking as the driver walks away from the car
- Bluetooth®
- Fingertip satellite audio controls
- Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
- Fog lights
- Electric Windows
- Integrated Satellite Navigation System standard on Privilege and optional on Dynamique
Privilege
- Leather interior
- Dual zone three mode climate control
- Sunroof
- Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
Responsive, Precise and Reassuring On-Road Performance
The new Renault Mégane Hatch lives up to the expectation of a Renault chassis and has been engineered
to improve on the road handling and ride when compared to the feel of its predecessor. In particular, work
has been done to improve both the precision and feedback from the steering. A further area of focus was
reducing the body roll during corning while maintaining a compliant and comfortable ride.
Safety: A Priority For Renault and Self-Evident in the Case of the new Megane
The new Megane continues the Renault philosophy that safety is not an area of compromise, so both
models include the full complement of safety features including:
- ESP
- ABS with EBD and EBA
- 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side and Curtain)
- Front seat belt pretensioner’s with load limiter
A Strong Environmental Stance
The socially responsible new Renault Mégane is 95% end-of-life recoverable by weight, while almost 12%
of the plastic it employs (an average 22 kg) is sourced from recycling.
A Single Objective for the new Megane hatch: Appeal
In addition to heralding a profound shift in Renault’s approach to styling, the Mégane Coupé Concept
show car, unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, previewed the launch of a new family of vehicles with
genuine character. The elegant new Megane hatch has a distinctive 'personality' and aims to appeal to
the motoring public.
Dynamic, Elegant Styling for the new Megane hatch
The new Megane hatch is designed to win over a particularly exacting clientele and combines styling
cues from both the world of sport and the passion associated with cars. From a very early stage,
Renault's Design Department worked hand in hand with the project engineers to incorporate sporty styling
and robustness into the new Megane’s 'genetic' make-up and is exuded by the new model’s generously
dimensioned body panels and sweeping curves. The result is a family hatchback of 4,295 mm in length with
an unmistakably dynamic stance thanks particularly to its short front and rear overhangs its wheelbase
of 2,640 mm, its steeply-raked roofline and wide front and rear tracks; 28 mm and 33 mm wider than its
predecessor.
Its assertive 'personality' is immediately apparent through its racy front-end looks which feature
crease lines that sweep down from the windscreen pillars and across the bonnet. Meanwhile, the
streamlined forms of the headlights extend the fluid contours of the air intakes to reinforce new Mégane
Hatch’s determined expression and piercing gaze. The strong character of the new Renault Megane hatch is
also apparent at the rear where the two-piece light clusters not only continue the feature line but also
facilitate easy access to the boot. The Latin influence of new Megane hatch’s elegant curves is
especially visible when viewed in profile. The proportions of its flanks are both harmonious and dynamic
and irresistibly suggest forward movement, as well as genuine personality and the promise of real driving
enjoyment.
Robustness and Quality
In addition to the robustness promised by its styling, the new Renault Mégane hatch features a high
standard of body panel fit-and-finish, whilst only quality materials have been chosen for its production.
It also benefits from the progress which has been achieved right across the Renault range in terms of
reliability and durability.
The new Megane hatch immediately exudes an impression of robustness and quality. Seen from the side,
the feature line extends rearward from the slightly prominent front guards to emphasise the car’s solid
'shoulders'. The wide front and rear tracks ensure that the new Megane hatch sits squarely on the road.
The proportion, form of the 'waistline' and large doors express a feeling of protection. Coupled with
the generous proportions of the bodywork, a blend of flowing lines also optimises the visual effect
produced by the light reflecting off the body.
Particular attention has been paid to reducing the shut lines between the different body panels (e.g.
windscreen pillars, fuel filler flap) and the front and rear bumpers which discreetly incorporate the
parking proximity sensors.
The new Renault Megane’s roofline also benefits from specific treatment thanks to the use of laser
brazing which eliminates the need for roof trimming.
The interior, meanwhile, features a driving environment based on fluid, uncluttered forms. The
impression that the dashboard is suspended is reinforced by the taut horizontal lines that emphasise the
curve of the decorative trim. All the controls have been carefully positioned and fall easily to hand,
either close to the steering wheel or on the centre console; with a view to freeing up as much space as
possible for an even roomier cabin.
Great care has also gone into the quality and fit-and-finish of the materials employed, at all
equipment levels. The dashboard benefits from a finish which is not only soft to the touch, but also
resistant to the ageing effects of sunlight. The windscreen wipers are aesthetically concealed beneath
the bonnet line, a choice which favours acoustic and aerodynamic performance. The interior trim has
been carefully thought through to produce a relaxing, light, elegant trim that exudes travelling
comfort.
Two Overriding Considerations: Comfort and Practicality
The cabin of the hatch features an innovative dashboard which features an analogue rev-counter
alongside a digital speedometer which is not only clear and easy to read, but also gives drivers greater
visual control over the speed of their vehicle. The centrally-positioned speedometer also incorporates
the cruise control/speed limiter display, fuel gauge, temperature display and ‘door open’ warning
lights.
One particular Renault innovation is the cruise control/speed limiter which comes with a new
interface. When this function is activated, the speed selected by the driver is displayed at the top of
the speedometer which itself is ringed by a sequence of lights that take the form of an arc around the
central display. In speed limiter mode, the red segment lights up as the speed increases, while the
selected speed flashes if exceeded. The use of colours is not only intuitive and functional; it also
represents a gain in terms of response time.
The form of the seats and the materials chosen enable long distances to be covered in total comfort.
The front seat cushion and the thick foam used for the production ensure a particularly comfortable ride
for the driver and front passenger. The intuitive seat-adjustment controls fall easily to hand and it
takes no time at all for drivers to modify the seatback and headrest angles, adjust the lumbar support,
or even raise or lower the seat height through 70 mm of travel, a best in class performance.
The new Megane hatch also comes with a height-and reach-adjustable steering wheel (reach adjustable
by up to 45 mm). Special care has been taken with the position of the pedals, the brake pedal has been
offset by an additional 10 mm from the accelerator pedal. It is also 30 mm wider to facilitate movement
of the right foot from one to the other when braking. Travelling comfort is also further heightened by
the particularly roomy cabin, which boasts best in class front elbow room of 1,476 mm. The new Renault
Mégane hatch also boasts a long list of interior features. It carries over the practical under-floor
storage solutions first seen on Mégane II, whilst the front door bins can hold a one-litre bottle. The
centre console stowage incorporates space underneath the armrest and rear passengers can profit from
an open, practical, easily accessible cubby.
The new Renault Megane hatch also stands out by the amount of luggage it can hold. The hatchback’s
boot volume of 368 litres figures amongst the best in the segment.
Special attention has been also paid to acoustic comfort. The design and sealing quality of the
doors and tailgate, the fitment of inserts inside the hollow sections of body components, one piece
cowl sound proofing and foam dashboard structure all contribute to minimising the transmission of noise
into the cabin.
A Host of Equipment from the Next Segment Up
In response to customer demand, Renault has taken particular care to ensure that the new Megane
hatch’s driving environment is practical with controls that are both ergonomically positioned and
intuitive. Both the Dynamique and Privilege come with a long list of technological equipment and
features traditionally associated with the next segment up and aimed at taking the strain out of driving
as well as enhancing travelling comfort.
The new Megane hatch is equipped with hands-free Renault Smart Card entry and ignition, while the
same card remotely locks the car when the driver walks away from the vehicle. The doors can also be
locked automatically by pressing on the button situated on the driver’s side door handle. They unlock
when the hand of the person carrying the card approaches one of the door handles or activates the boot
latch. Meanwhile, the remote lighting function enables drivers to locate their vehicle thanks to a
specific button on the card which switches on the lights.
For optimal thermal comfort, the new Megane hatch Dynamique is equipped with air-conditioning that
includes a pollen filter. In the Megane Privilege this is upgraded to automatic dual-zone climate
control system. This system enables the driver and front passenger to choose the temperature they prefer
independently. It also permits them to select the fan speed thanks to the ‘Soft-Auto- Fast’ function.
In ‘Auto’ mode, the system automatically optimises the temperature, sound level and start-up speed. The
‘Soft’ mode favours a quieter ambience, notably for the driver and front passenger, while the ‘Fast’
mode responds swiftly and efficiently to adjust the temperature of the entire cabin.
Standard on Mégane Privilege and optional on Dynamique Hatch is a GPS navigation systems: Carminat
Bluetooth® CD (2D navigation with 5.8-inch colour display). The Carminat Bluetooth® CD incorporates
GPS navigation, a radio-CD with MP3 playback and Bluetooth® hands-free telephone controls. The joystick
control is located in the middle of the centre console and requires next to no time at all to become
fully proficient in its use.
New for the Mégane Hatch, the menu can be customised as a function of the driver's preferences to
activate, deactivate or adjust the parameters that govern certain functions, including the language
employed and even the activation of the automatic headlamp sensor.
From customer feedback, Renault has identified two priorities for its new range of audio systems:
high sound quality and connectivity. The new Megane Dynamique Hatch is available with the ‘Classic’
60W radio with single CD player, MP3 playback and RCA socket.
Connectivity also takes pride of place on the new Megane hatch thanks to the standard RCA socket
located on the centre console which enables occupants to enjoy personal music collections stored on
portable players. The Privilege has a multi media connection box which enables the driver to scroll
through the functions of portable players (USB key, iPod®, etc.) using the car's own steering
wheel-mounted finger-tip remote controls, with menus plus play lists shown remotely on the dashboard
display.
Exemplary Handling for Presice, Responsive, Reassuring On-Road Performance
The new Megane hatch’s on-road performance and driving enjoyment lives up to its looks, thanks to
its precise, responsive and predictable handling, which permits a dynamic yet totally reassuring
driving style.
A Balanced Combination of Ride Comfort and Outstanding Roadholding
Renault Megane’s front suspension features MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms and a
22 mm-diameter anti-roll bar, while the rear incorporates a programmed-deflection flexible beam. The
combination of springs calibrated at 19.5 mm/100DaN at the front and 20.2 mm/100DaN at the rear and
work on damping has enhanced the vertical suspension performance and reduced body roll.
The Megane’s specific roll angle – which defines the tilt of the body as it corners, and therefore
its ability to corner ‘flat’ – is 0.42° for lateral acceleration of 1m/s². The European segment average
is 0.45°.
Renault Mégane also benefits from a particularly effective braking system, with large discs that
provide both outstanding stopping power and durability. Thanks to 280 mm-diameter vented front discs
and 260 mm rear discs, it comes to a halt from 100 km/h after repeated braking in just 39 metres.
New-Generation Electric Power Steering
Renault Megane has electric power steering that combines precise driver feedback with swift,
accurate response to instructions from the wheel.
It is easy to use and feels completely natural. The technology employed and the calibration of the
control unit ensures both steering precision and genuine driving enjoyment. The improvements cover:
- the fitment of an inductive torque sensor (0.6ms), which is four times quicker than an optical sensor,
- increased steering control unit sampling frequency (1000Hz, compared with 420Hz in the case of Mégane II),
- A broader dynamic servo motor bandwidth (300Hz, compared with 70Hz in the case of Mégane II).
Engine
The new Renault Megane hatch is available in a 2.0 litre 16V petrol engine which delivers a peak power
of 103 KW at 6,000 rpm (CVT) and maximum torque of 195 Nm at 3,750 rpm. It drives through either a 6 speed
manual or CVT gearbox. The CVT gives the ease of operation of a traditional manual gearbox, but as it can
optimise the drive ratio it delivers better than manual economy.
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Safety
Renault has naturally profited from its engineering expertise and from the latest research carried out
by LAB (Renault and PSA Group joint Laboratory of Accident Analysis, Biomechanical and Human Behaviour) to
develop a comprehensive range of safety equipment designed to perform in real-life driving situations. The
new Mégane Hatch has benefit from Renault’s extensive expertise in the realm of active and passive safety
and has been designed for exemplary performance on both fronts.
The new Mégane Hatch features a long list of features aimed at helping drivers anticipate risk
situations. This equipment includes automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation and a cruise
control/speed limiter. Standard active safety features featured on the new Mégane hatch include ESP, ABS,
EBD and Emergency Brake Assist.
On the passive safety front, the programmed deformation of the structure of the new Mégane hatch has
been engineered to absorb impact energy with a view to protecting the cabin and therefore occupants. The
materials employed – including high, very high and very, very high elastic limit steels – have been
selected to absorb and dissipate as much kinetic energy as possible. Controlled deformation ensures that
occupants are subjected to lower deceleration forces and this, coupled with the Renault System for
Restraint and Protection, guarantees an extremely high level of protection.
The Renault System for Restraint and Protection takes into account both impact force and the build of
occupants. It comprises simple pretensioner (which tighten the seatbelt against thorax to restrict forward
movement of the body), load limiters (which reduce the pressure applied by the belt to the thorax) and
front airbags (which deploy by just the right amount to absorb impact energy). The package also optimises
protection against the phenomenon known as 'submarining' whereby the pelvis has a tendency to slide beneath
the seat belt’s lap strap and which can produce serious abdominal lesions in a collision.
The front-end of the new Megane hatch have also benefited from work aimed at improving pedestrian
impact protection. The rigidity and thickness of the bumper have been modified to protect the lower limbs
by absorbing energy at tibia and knee height. Careful attention was also paid to the energy absorption
capacity of the bonnet and surrounding structure (guards, opening mechanism and bonnet lining).
Prices* (MLP*)
The new Renault Megane hatch brings Renault to the forefront of the competitive small car market in
Australia. With its combination of keen pricing, comprehensive standard features and European style and
dynamics it will shake up this competitive market segment.
Manufacturers List Price*
Megane Dynamique 6 Speed Manual $22,990*
Megane Dynamique CVT $24,990*
Megane Privilege CVT $29,990*
NOTE: Manufacturer's List Price excludes dealer delivery fees and the various statutory charges
(commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, prices are subject to change without notice.
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