Renault’s third attempt at its most successful model has now arrived on our shores, headlined by the announcement of a 5 year / unlimited kilometre warranty for GT and RS models.. The Mégane III now features uniformed brand identity styling already seen on the smaller Clio and some technological and mechanical upgrades. The renewed Mégane was at EFTM’s disposal during a Renault driving day on the NSW / QLD border.
Variants
The Mégane III is available in both hatch and wagon, the hatch is offered across three specification levels. Authentique, GT-Line and GT-Line Premium. The wagon base variant is the Dynamique followed again by GT-Line and GT-Line Premium.
However the real fun machines in the pack are the Mégane GT220 Hatch and Sport Wagon,with the hatch now a permanent addition to the range. The Sport Wagon can be further dolled up via the optional Premium specification.
Engines / Transmissions
An entry level Energy TCe 130 turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder 97kW / 205Nm engine is now available on the Mégane range with a 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission also now joining the party. There’s also the option of a 6-speed manual. Curiously a fuel saving Stop & Start system is only available on the manual. Renault claims 5.6l / 100km at the pump.
Renault predicts 28 per cent of customers will opt for the diesel dCi 110 turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder producing 80kW / 240Nm. It’s paired exclusively with the 6-speed EDC automatic and a frugal 4.5l / 100km is claimed.
On the GT220 Hatch and Wagon a far more entertaining 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine comes as standard. Golf GTi matching figures of 162kW / 340Nm see the hatch or wagon hustle along at a smile inducing pace. Only available as a 6-speed manual a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.3l / 100km is alleged. It’s good for a 0-100km time of 7.6 seconds.
First Drive
I drove most variants across a lengthy circuit through the mountainous back country inland from the NSW / QLD coastal tourist meccas of Tweed Heads, Coolangatta and the Gold Coast. There’d be not too many better roads to put any car through its paces.
The base Authentique manual hatch feels a little stripped back with dubious plastics making it a far cry from the more lavishly appointed and sophisticated Volkswagen Golf and even the Mazda 3. It just feels a tad dated.
However performance is perfectly adequate and not what you’d expect from a tiny 1.2-litre turbocharged unit. Only the steepest inclines embarrassed what is otherwise a wiling unit. The softer tuned suspension provides a cushioned ride, while still maintaining a positive level of crispness through the twisty bits.
But it’s the GT-Line upgrades which give the hatch and wagon some sporting and more luxurious credentials. With improved interior appointments and stiffer suspension it’s really the only option for those who long for any sense of driving satisfaction. The EDC transmission is certainly quick enough, although throttle timing is imperative exiting corners to avoid a trough of torque nothingness which hinders forward momentum for longer than a second.
Jumping into the diesel wagon revealed a completely different set of characteristics. With lighter steering and a noticeably softer rear end, you tend to wrestle the wagon through corners rather than point it in to them.
The diesel unit is relatively well refined, inevitably clatter does filter into the cabin, but with a torque punch kicking in at 1750 rpm it propels you along capably.
But for some giggle inducing action look no further than the GT220 models. With GT specific chassis and a light but pleasingly notchy 6-speed manual matched to a raucous free-revving 2.0-litre turbo it’s fun, fun and more fun. Seemingly endless grip, taut yet compliant suspension and stronger pull, particularity in third it earns the hot hatch status often loosely thrown around.
Options / Pricing
Mégane Hatch Authentique
- Manual air conditioning
- Cloth seats
- Electrically adjustable black door mirrors
- Halogen Daytime Running Lights (DRL) within fog lights
- Manual parking brake
- Classic Sound AM/FM stereo with single CD/MP3 player, Auxiliary input, USB support and fingertip controls
- 16” “Surround” flex wheel
- Cruise control
- Speed limiter
- Manual key card
- 6 airbags (Dual front, side and front/rear curtain airbag)
- ABS and Electronic Stability Control
- Emergency Brake Assist and under steer control
- Height adjustable driver seat
- Fog Lights
- Hill Start Assist
Mégane Hatch GT-Line
- GT-Line chassis
- GT-Line cloth-leather seats
- GT-Line badging
- GT-Line front and rear bumpers
- GT-Line dashboard
- GT-Line grey, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors
- GT-Line 17” Celsium Alloy Wheels
- Renault Sport instrument cluster
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Automatic lights and windscreen wipers
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Automatic parking brake
- Radio Auditorium Sound by Arkamys CD/MP3/USB/AUX with voice and fingertip controls
- R-Link Integrated satellite navigation with 7” Touch Screen
- Front and Rear parking sensors
- Leather gear knob
- Leather steering wheel
- Tinted rear sides and rear windscreen
- Height adjustable driver seat with driver lumbar support
- Hands free entry and start
Mégane Hatch GT-Line Premium
- Cool grey leather seats with grey seat belts
- Heated driver and passenger seats
- Rear central armrest with cup holders
- Visio System with Lane Departure Warning and Automatic high-low beam headlights
- Rear view camera
- Panoramic sunroof
MÉGANE WAGON
Mégane Wagon Dynamique
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cloth seats
- Automatic lights and windscreen wipers
- Electric parking brake with Hill Start Assist
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Leather gear knob and steering wheel
- Radio Auditorium Sound by Arkamys CD/MP3/USB/AUX with voice and fingertip controls
- Front and rear Parking sensors
- Front fog lights
- Height adjustable driver seat with driver lumbar support
- 16” “Kaleido” alloy wheels
- Luggage net
- Roof rails
- 6 airbags (Dual front, side and front/rear curtain airbag)
- ABS and Electronic Stability Control
- Emergency Brake Assist and under steer control
- Cruise control
- Speed limiter
- Heated, foldable and electrically adjustable body coloured door mirrors
Mégane Wagon GT-Line
- GT-Line Chassis
- GT-Line cloth seats
- GT-Line badging
- GT-Line front and rear bumpers
- GT-Line dashboard
- GT-Line grey door mirrors
- GT-Line 17” Celsium Alloy Wheels
- Renault Sport instrument cluster
- Front and Rear parking sensors
- Tinted rear sides and rear windscreen
- R-Link Integrated satellite navigation with 7” Touch Screen
- Hands free entry and start
Mégane Wagon GT-Line Premium
- Cool grey leather seats with grey seat belts
- Heated driver and passenger seats
- Rear central armrest with cup holders
- Visio System with Lane Departure Warning and Automatic high-low beam headlights
- Rear view camera
- Panoramic sunroof
MÉGANE GT220 HATCH AND SPORT WAGON
- GT specific chassis
- GT220 badging
- GT front and rear bumpers
- GT220 dashboard
- GT cloth seats
- GT electrically adjustable and foldable grey door mirrors
- GT Specific 18-inch silver alloy wheels
- Renault Sport instrument cluster
- Automatic headlights
- Automatic windscreen wipers
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Assisted electronic parking brake
- AM/FM 3D sound by Arkamys® (4speakers/4 tweeters) with single CD/MP3 player auxiliary input, USB support and fingertip controls
- Rear parking sensors
- Red themed Renault Sport interior with leather gear knob and steering wheel
- Height adjustable driver seat with driver lumbar support
- Hands free entry and start
- R.S. Monitor 1.0
- Roof bars (Mégane GT220 Sport Wagon only)
- High-performance Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres
- Hill Start Assist
Mégane GT220 Premium Hatch and Sport Wagon
- Cool grey leather seats with grey seat belts
- Heated driver and passenger seats
- Rear central armrest with cup holders
- Visio System with Lane Departure Warning and automatic high-low beam headlights
- Front parking sensors
- Rear view camera
- Panoramic sunroof
- R-Link Integrated satellite navigation with 7” Touch Screen
- R.S. Monitor 2.0
Manufactures List Price
Mégane Hatch Models
- Mégane Hatch Authentique TCe 130 MT – $20,990
- Mégane Hatch Authentique TCe 130 EDC – $23,490
- Mégane Hatch Authentique dCi 110 EDC – $25,990
- Mégane Hatch GT-Line TCe 130 EDC – $26,990
- Mégane Hatch GT-Line dCi 110 EDC – $29,490
- Mégane Hatch GT-Line Premium Pack TCe 130 EDC – $30,990
- Mégane Hatch GT-Line Premium Pack dCi 110 EDC – $33,490
Mégane Wagon Models
- Mégane Wagon Dynamique TCe 130 EDC – $26,990
- Mégane Wagon GT-Line TCe 130 EDC – $28,490
- Mégane Wagon Dynamique dCi 110 EDC – $29,490
- Mégane Wagon GT-Line dCi 110 EDC – $31,490
- Mégane Wagon GT-Line Premium Pack TCe 130 EDC – $32,490
- Mégane Wagon GT-Line Premium Pack dCi 110 EDC – $35,490
- Mégane GT220 Hatch and Sport Wagon
- Mégane GT220 Hatch – $35,490
- Mégane GT220 Sport Wagon – $36,990
- Mégane GT220 Hatch Premium Pack – $39,490
- Mégane GT220 Sport Wagon Premium Pack – $40,990
Final Say
The Mégane at its very base is on par with the likes of Hyundai’s i30 and Toyota Corolla. As you start to spend more dollars the hatch or wagon starts to become slightly more competitive alongside the Honda Civic and Ford Focus. With interesting tech like R-Link and the data logging program R.S monitor, plus a 5 year / unlimited factory warranty with capped price servicing of $299 for the first three 10,000km (GT models) or 15,000 service intervals (regular models) the Mégane III may prove to be a viable alternative for many. However new bumpers and grills and a bit of tech here and there make this an average alternative, rather than some of the more superlative offerings.
[schema type=”review” rev_name=”Renault Mégane III (2014)” rev_body=”The Mégane at its very base is on par with the likes of Hyundai’s i30 and Toyota Corolla. As you start to spend more dollars the hatch or wagon starts to become slightly more competitive alongside the Honda Civic and Ford Focus.” author=”Chris Bowen” pubdate=”2014-07-24″ user_review=”3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]
