Compared to other hatchbacks 
in the industry today, theRenault Mégane can be considered a neophyte, having only been around since 1995. In fact, if Renault hadn’t thought of developing a model to succeed the popular Renault 19, the Mégane probably wouldn’t exist today. Yet here we are, 20 years and four generations later, the all-new 2016 Mégane has arrived, ushering in a new era for the steadily improving hatchback.
in the industry today, theRenault Mégane can be considered a neophyte, having only been around since 1995. In fact, if Renault hadn’t thought of developing a model to succeed the popular Renault 19, the Mégane probably wouldn’t exist today. Yet here we are, 20 years and four generations later, the all-new 2016 Mégane has arrived, ushering in a new era for the steadily improving hatchback.
The fourth-generation Mégane will make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show . It shares the same mid-sized car platform as the 2015 Nissan Pulsar , but unlike its rather mundane-looking cousin, the new Mégane looks about as sharp as any hatchback in the market today. That’s largely attributed to the car receiving Renault’s new design DNA, a characteristic it shares with the 2016 Renault Talisman , the French automaker’s equally exquisite new mid-size luxury sedan . Gone are the days when the mere sight of the Mégane lulled people to sleep. No one’s going to have that problem with the Mégane because this is the Mégane we’ve all been waiting for.
. It shares the same mid-sized car platform as the 2015 Nissan Pulsar , but unlike its rather mundane-looking cousin, the new Mégane looks about as sharp as any hatchback in the market today. That’s largely attributed to the car receiving Renault’s new design DNA, a characteristic it shares with the 2016 Renault Talisman , the French automaker’s equally exquisite new mid-size luxury sedan . Gone are the days when the mere sight of the Mégane lulled people to sleep. No one’s going to have that problem with the Mégane because this is the Mégane we’ve all been waiting for.
Now that it’s here, the Mégane’s future looks brighter than it’s ever been in the last 20 years. If the hatchback rides as good as it looks, there’s no telling what heights this model can reach, especially when the RS versions come roaring into our lives down the road.
SOURCE:TOPSPEED
Exterior
The Renault Mégane is all-grown up now and finally exhibiting the styling characteristics of a proper (hot) hatchback. The new model looks sportier and much more refined than any of the three generations before it, thanks in part to it being lower by 1.8 inches in the front and wider by 1.53 inches at the back than the third generation model. This gives the Mégane a tighter and more purposeful appearance that its predecessors simply lacked.
The creases on the hood and the chrome trims on the grille and the front bumper further strengthens the character of the front fascia.
The front profile of the Mégane also adopts the same design language as the Renault Talisman, right down to the distinctive, C-shaped LED lighting signature and the new Renault front grille. The creases on the hood, the chrome trims on the grille, and the front bumper further strengthens the character of the front fascia.
front grille. The creases on the hood, the chrome trims on the grille, and the front bumper further strengthens the character of the front fascia.
The use of chrome extends further into the side panels of the car, specifically on the belt line, side badges, and door handles. At the back, the Mégane also received new LED taillights, both of which extend closer to the middle, stopping just short of Renault’s unmistakable logo.
Renault hasn’t announced the available color options for the new Mégane, but the French automaker did announce that a sportier version of the model, called the Mégane GT, will feature Renault’s new “Iron Blue” paint finish and touches of Dark Metal throughout the body of the hatchback. 18-inch aluminum wheels and chrome dual exhausts will also be part of the Mégane GT’s catalog.
Interior
There are still no interior photos of the new Renault Mégane, but I expect the hatchback to get the same cabin treatment as the Talisman, albeit in a slightly less upscale manner than the mid-size luxury sedan.
The huge touchscreen display that occupies a large chunk of the center console on the Talisman should also be there to dominate the interior of the new Mégane. The display and the integrated buttons, switches, and knobs are responsible for a majority of the functions found inside the cabin, including in-car apps like Coyote alerts and Michelin apps that can be used to locate hotels and restaurants in the surrounding areas. It would seem unlikely for Renault to heavily tout this new technology the way it has and then leave the Mégane out of it.
Soft touch materials and more chrome trim could also be part of the Mégane’s interior, although I’m not quite sure if those fancy, business class seats on the Talisman will make their way into the cabin of the hatchback. Knowing Renault, there’s a good chance that the cabin of the Mégane will come heavy on the technology and be dressed appropriately for its status.
Drivetrain
The new Mégane will get a variety of engine options, but the specifics behind these engines, including performance numbers, will only be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Don’t expect these engines to be powerful, though, because Renault would want to leave room for its performance division (Renault Sport) to work its magic on the more hardcore versions of the Mégane.
My best guess would be a base 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces around 100 horsepower before going all the way up to a turbocharged 2.0-liter that packs up to 180 horsepower. That would leave anything north of 200 horsepower to the more performance-oriented versions of the Mégane that will undoubtedly follow in the future.
Prices
Pricing for the new Renault Mégane should be revealed a little after its Frankfurt debut, but a look at how much the current Mégane costs should paint a picture as to how the new model will be priced.
The current Mégane starts at £16,750 for the entry-level Expression+ trim. That’s about $25,770 based on current exchange rates. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range Mégane GT Nav 220 starts at £23,250, or about $35,760 when converted into USD. Expect the base model of the new Mégane to be slightly higher than its predecessor, possibly starting at around £18,500, or close to $28,500.
Conclusion
Renault hit a home run with the new Mégane. Granted, my reaction is based purely on the hatchback’s design, but boy, oh boy, the new Mégane is a real head-turner! It looks incredible the first time you see it, and unlike some models, the appeal doesn’t wear off the more you look at it.
I’m excited to see how all of the details about the Megane comes together when the hatchback makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. If the interior looks as good as the exterior and if Renault offers enough engine variety, you could be looking at one of the best-looking and well-rounded hatchbacks to come out in quite some time.
Press Release
20 years after the launch of Renault Mégane, which has been sold over 6.5 million units worldwide, Renault is updating its core range and has revealed New Mégane, the fourth car with that name.
In a highly competitive segment, New Mégane stands out with its dynamic styling and distinctive lighting signature both at the front and at the rear.
The latest Mégane range is topped by a GT version, which will be available from launch, and whose design is inspired by the genes of Renault Sport.
In a highly competitive segment, New Mégane stands out with its dynamic styling and distinctive lighting signature both at the front and at the rear.
The latest Mégane range is topped by a GT version, which will be available from launch, and whose design is inspired by the genes of Renault Sport.
A distinctive, dynamic, meticulous design
With its distinctive lighting signature and balanced proportions, New Mégane is first and foremost a Renault. It adopts the brand’s design DNA with broad, sculpted shoulders and a front face incorporating the brand’s new design identity, including a large, vertical logo. As a relative of Renault Talisman, New Mégane boasts a specific lighting signature at the front with, C-shaped headlamps whose surround continues into the bumper. At the rear, the new lighting signature, visible by both day and night, goes right across the car to increase the perceived width of the vehicle. "On the highly competitive market of compact saloons, it was vital that New Mégane should stand out right from the first glance", says exterior designer Franck Le Gall.
At 25mm lower in front with track 47mm wider in front and 39mm wider at the rear compared to Mégane 3, New Mégane sits squarely on the road. Its proportions are those of a sporty silhouette with a wheelbase 28mm longer and a shorter overhang. Franck goes on: "The precise, taut lines, which draw the whole design towards the front, are part of the side surfaces. In combination with the sculpted shoulders, these lines give New Mégane dynamism and character."
Chromed elements emphasise the top of the belt line and enhance the grille, the side badges and door handles. The slim creases on the bonnet, combined with the chrome beading and side air scoops, strengthen the character of the front face.
An exclusive GT version, available from launch
New Mégane GT has a front bumper redesigned to express a more sporty personality. It incorporates a broader air intake and the new grill has a honeycomb design.
At the rear, the design of New Mégane GT is underscored by two chromed tailpipes that echo the air scoops further to the front and frame a spoiler inspired by the world of F1. New Mégane GT has a "Renault Sport" badge at the rear, on the wings and in front.
This sports version will be available with new "Iron Blue" paintwork, combined with "Dark Metal" touches at the front and on the body-coloured door mirrors to emphasise its affinity with the world of GT motoring.
New Mégane GT also has 18-inch aluminium wheels developed especially for the model by Renault Sport.
In Frankfurt, New Mégane will be fully revealed…
Don’t miss the Frankfurt Motor Show to find out all about New Mégane, its interior design, the technologies that have been taken from the segment above, as well as the range of engines available.
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