New Renault Megane

New Megane Hatch range launches with 11 versions across three trim levels: Expression, Dynamique and Privilege, priced from £13,995 to £18,795

Further Mégane family variants to join the line-up in 2009, including striking Mégane Coupé in late January 2009. Orders for the hatch being taken from 2nd October

The new Megane range features an impressive equipment list as standard, with a significant amount of comfort and technology features which are otherwise considered costly optional extras amongst much of the competition.

Standard kit includes air conditioning, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors and front and rear electric windows.

It's big on safety too, 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.

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.

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.

Completing the five-door range with a luxurious touch is Privilege, 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.

Full technical details for the new Megane Hatch will be released shortly. It makes its world debut at the Paris Motor Show next Thursday, alongside the striking new three-door New Megane Coupe, which appears in late January 2009. Their equally seductive sibling, New Laguna Coupe, also makes its first show appearance prior to launch in early January 2009.