Renault chose Portugal for the international presentation of one of its most important models: the new Renault Mégane (fourth generation) . A brand new model, launched with the purpose of always: to be the #1 in the segment. A mission that does not augur easy, considering the opponents that Mégane faces: the new Opel Astra and the unavoidable Volkswagen Golf, among other competitors.
For such a difficult mission, the French brand spared no effort, and used all the technology at its disposal in the new Renault Mégane: the platform is the same as the Talisman (CMF C/D); the more powerful versions use 4Control technology (directional rear axle); and inside, the improvement in the quality of materials and space on board is notorious.
In terms of engines, we find five options: the 1.6 dCi (in the 90, 110 and 130 hp versions), the 100 hp 1.2 TCe and the 205 hp 1.6 TCe (GT version). Prices start at 21 000 euros for the 1.2 TCe Zen version, and 23 200 euros for the 1.6 dCi 90hp version – see the full table here.
At the wheel
I drove the two versions that you can see in the pictures: the economical 1.6 dCi 130hp (grey) and the sporty GT 1.6 TCe 205hp (blue). In the first one, there is a clear emphasis on the rolling comfort and the sound insulation of the cabin. The way the chassis/suspension assembly handles the asphalt allows for a comfortable ride and at the same time says "present!" on time print live tempos.
"Highlights are also on the new seats, which offer excellent support when cornering and a good level of comfort on longer journeys"
Our old well-known 1.6 dCi engine (130 hp and 320 Nm of torque available from 1750 rpm) doesn't have any difficulty in dealing with the more than 1,300 kg of the package.
Due to the mix of rhythms and environments in which we drive the 1.6 dCi, it was not possible to accurately determine consumption – at the end of the morning the instrument panel's on-board computer (which uses a high-resolution color screen) reported “only” 6.1 liters/100km. A nice value considering that Serra de Sintra is not exactly consumer friendly.
After a pleasant stop for lunch at The Oitavos hotel, in Cascais, I switched from the 1.6 dCi version to the GT version, equipped with the fiery 1.6 TCe (205 hp and 280 Nm of torque available from 2000 rpm) which in association with the 7-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox catapults the Mégane to 100km/h in just 7.1 seconds (launch control mode).
The engine is full, available and gives us an exciting sound – detailed technical specifications of the new Megane here.
But the highlight goes to the 4Control system, which consists of a four-wheel steering system. With this system, below 80 km/h in Sport mode and at 60 km/h in other modes, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels. Above these speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. Result? Very agile handling in slow corners and error-proof stability at high speeds. If the 4Control system is like that in the Mégane GT version, then the next Renault Mégane RS promises.
Technology rules inside
As I mentioned, the new Renault Mégane benefits from the modular CMF C/D architecture, and because of that it inherits many technologies from Espace and Talisman: head-up color display, instrument panel with 7-inch color TFT screen and customizable, two multimedia tablet formats with R-Link 2, Multi-Sense and 4Control.
For those unfamiliar, R-Link 2 is a system that centralizes practically all of the Mégane's functionalities on one screen: multimedia, navigation, communications, radio, Multi-Sense, driving aids (ADAS) and 4 Control. Depending on the versions, the R-Link 2 uses a 7-inch horizontal or 8.7-inch (22 cm) vertical screen.
Already available on the Novo Espace and Talisman, Multi-Sense technology allows you to customize the driving experience, modifying the response of the accelerator pedal and the engine, the time between gear changes (with the EDC automatic transmission), the rigidity of the steering , the luminous ambience of the passenger compartment and the driver's seat massage function (when the car has this option).
Highlight also for the new seats, which offer excellent support in curves and a good level of comfort on longer journeys. In the GT version, the seats assume a more radical posture, perhaps too much, as the side supports interfere with the movement of the arms when driving is more “acrobatic”.
the verdict
In such a brief contact (two models in one day) it is impossible to draw detailed conclusions, but it is possible to get a general idea. And the general idea is: competition beware. The new Renault Mégane is more prepared than ever to face the Golf, Astra, 308, Focus and company.
The driving experience is convincing, the comfort on board is in a good plan, the technologies are immense (some of them unprecedented) and the engines are in line with the best in the industry. It is a product marked by quality on board, attention to detail and emphasis on available technology.
Another model that supports our perception: segment C is the “segment of the moment”. For everything it offers and the price it offers, it is difficult to find a better compromise.
