Standard kit includes air conditioning, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors and front and rear electric windows. Also taken to the next level on New Mégane is safety, with ESP with ASR (Anti-Skid Regulation) and CSV understeer control standard on every model, along with six airbags, of which the driver and front passenger are now two-stage auto-adaptive, allowing them to work in harmony with the size and weight of both occupants. New larger lateral airbags are also incorporated into the new five-door’s design to protect the thorax region, along with Renault’s latest generation headrests. For the latter, the fixation rods slide within the headrest and no longer within the upper part of the seatback and ensure enhanced protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of impact from the rear. In addition, since the rods no longer form a rigid element in the seatback, the occupant's back can sink into the seatback until their head comes into contact with the headrest, resulting in less movement of the head and thorax. Looking at the three trim levels in detail, the entry-level Expression offers: 4x15W RDS radio CD, air conditioning, Brake Assist, electric heated body coloured door mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Keyless car with Renault card and trip computer. Moving up the range to the likely best-seller, Dynamique, the comprehensive equipment tally takes account of a sportier angle, adding: 16” ‘Sport’ alloy wheels (17” for 2.0 TCe 180), 4x15W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth and multi-function TunePoint, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, Hands free Renault card, height adjustable passenger seat, leather steering wheel and front fog lights. Compared to its most likely nemesis, the Ford Focus, the New Mégane leaves it trailing in its wake, arguably not just in how it looks, but also in terms of its price and equipment. For example, on a like-for-like comparison for core models, at £15,845, the blue oval’s Focus Zetec 1.6 Duratec, is already at a £600 disadvantage to the Mégane Dynamique 1.6 at £15,245, even before taking into account its sparser equipment level compared to its keenly priced French rival. Such apparent luxuries conspicuous by their absence on the Focus equipment list include automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and rear electric windows, all equating to well over £500 worth of equipment and a sizeable £1,100 premium once the purchase price is also taken into account. Adding insult to injury for the Ford best-seller, the svelte French newcomer also happens to be significantly more powerful, with a 10hp advantage and a six-speed gearbox as standard. In a sector keenly contested for fleet customers especially, higher mileage drivers will no doubt appreciate and benefit from the wealth of additional features on the Renault when it comes to everyday driving. In terms of engines, as the sport-oriented model in the range, Dynamique trim gains the potent new 2.0 TCe 180 engine and the highest power diesel at launch, 1.9 dCi 130. In keeping with the current trend of more fuel efficient petrol-engines based on the use of small turbos, the latest Renault TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) powerplant builds on the success of the current 1.2 TCe 100, offering remarkable performance and refinement, with low emissions and high fuel economy. The 2.0 TCe 180 delivers torque of 300Nm at 2,250rpm and CO2 emissions of 178 grams per kilometre. Later in the model’s life, New Mégane will receive the 1.4 TCe 130 engine to complete the new petrol engine family to emulate the success of the company’s award-winning dCi diesel range. Elsewhere in the range, the 1.6 VVT 100 5-speed is reserved for Expression only, while all three of the diesel engines (86, 106 and 130hp) are eco-friendly, forming part of Renault’s eco² range. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the Expression 1.6 VVT 100 and 1.5 dCi 86 which are five-speed. Automatic versions follow in Spring 2009. Completing the five-door range with a luxurious touch is Privilège, offering: 16” ‘Spirale‘ alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, electrically operated folding door mirrors, electrochome rear view mirror, rear armrest with storage and rear parking sensors. |