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Renault Adds Diesel Hot Hatch To Megane Range

 

8th August, 2008

Copyright image of Renault Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 - Used by Next Car Pty Ltd with permission

Powered by a turbo-charged, 2.0-litre, common-rail 127 kW (175 hp) diesel power plant that boasts a generous maximum torque of 360 Nm available from 2,000 rpm, the new Megane RenaultSport dCi 175 is an engaging blend of luxury, effortless performance and race-bred engineering.

In addition to its outstanding performance credentials its combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6.3 litres/100 km keeps running costs to a minimum.

In keeping with other RenaultSport Technologies-engineered models, Mégane RenaultSport dCi's chassis delivers rewarding sports performance.

Renault has fitted its existing top-end 2.0 dCi diesel to the chassis originally developed for the petrol powered Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 225.

The diesel power plant develops 127 kW (175 hp) at 3,750 rpm and 360 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm and, in terms of breadth, its operational power band is comparable with that of a turbocharged petrol engine.

This engine is packed with advanced technology, including a variable geometry turbocharger which provides a wide spread of torque throughout the rev range. Piezoelectric injectors are capable of operating up to five times per cycle, which helps reduce engine noise, fuel consumption and particulate emissions.

Proven Chassis

Beneath the skin you’ll find the underpinnings of the petrol-powered Mégane RenaultSport 2.0 Turbo and the ‘cup chassis’ suspension blends dynamic handling with the kind of comfort everyday driving demands.

Independent steering-axis front suspension guarantees precise and efficient handling in all circumstances, while body movement is minimised by a 20 mm-diameter anti-roll bar. The front suspension has also been tuned to suit Mégane RenaultSport dCi’s characteristics and weight distribution. Spring stiffness and damper settings are consequently specific to this diesel version.

The rear suspension is based around a programmed-deflection flexible beam, the torsional stiffness of which is equivalent to that of the cup chassis version of Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 225.

The suspension components themselves are identical to those employed on the Sport chassis Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 225.

Powerful and fade-free, the Brembo braking system features four discs that are impressive in terms of both diameter (312 mm and ventilated at the front, 300 mm at the rear) and thickness (28 mm at the front, 11 mm at the rear). The front discs are also equipped with four-piston calipers. (NB - The 225 hatch is fitted with drilled discs, these are not available on the dCi 175).

The 18” alloy wheels run 225/40R18 tyres

The electronically variable power steering has been set up specifically to suit the car’s weight distribution.

Renault Safety

In terms of active safety, Mégane RenaultSport dCi is fitted as standard with a dynamic electronic stability programme (ESP) which has also been set up to suit the car’s particular characteristics. Passive safety features are the same as those on any other Mégane – a five-star performer in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Dual front airbags and dual curtain airbags, front and rear side airbags are also standard.

Exterior Styling

Externally, Mégane RenaultSport dCi is identical to the petrol version (without the rear spoiler) and is only available in five-door form only.

High Feature Levels

The specification level of the dCi 175 is almost identical to its petrol powered 225 'sibling'.

Standard features include: a leather trimmed interior, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, aluminium pedals, climate control air conditioning, automatic xenon headlights, six-stack in-dash CD player with satellite controls, rain sensing wipers, cruise control (with speed limiter), electric windows and door mirrors and front and rear fog lights.

Warranty

All RenaultSport models are covered by a 3 year/100,000 km warranty.

Recommended Retail Price*

The recommended retail price for the Megane RenaultSport dCi 175 is $39,990.

Metallic paint, at $800, is the only option available.

(*- Excludes dealer delivery, stamp duty and on-road costs)



Other Renault content: here.

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