Following the release of the radical Mégane hatchback
and Sport hatch late last year, Renault has released a new addition to the
range, the Mégane sedan.
The sedan, the second variant in the new Mégane family to be launched in
Australia, will be followed up later this year with three additional variants,
the five-seat Scenic, stylish Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet and the hot Mégane Renault
Sport Hatch.
The Mégane sedan shares all the benefits of the new Mégane family in terms of
benchmark safety, driver and passenger comfort, plus ride and handling.
Representing a departure from the conventional and often utilitarian
character of established models in the sedan car markets, the Megane sedan
presents a modern and distinctive interpretation of the classic sedan shape.
Unlike the majority of sedans, whose wheelbase and rear door dimensions
remain identical to those of the hatchbacks from which they are derived, the
Mégane sedan has a wheelbase 61mm longer than that of the hatch. In addition,
the side doors are longer as is the rear overhang, resulting in easier
accessibility.
Two specification levels are available, an entry-level Expression - available
with both manual and automatic transmissions - and Privilege – only available
with an automatic transmission.
A 2.0-litre 16-valve engine with Variable Valve timing (VVT) will be
available on all models. This lively engine generates a powerful 98kW @ 5,500rpm
and torque figures of 191Nm @ 3,750rpm.
Two transmissions are available, a four-speed Pro-active transmission,
equipped with flick-shift sequential selector, or a six-speed manual gearbox on
the Expression model.
To ensure great precision and control, the suspension has been adapted for
the sedan, particularly on the damper settings and the amount of suspension
travel. The Mégane sedan is also equipped with ABS, Emergency Brake Assist and
electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
Renault upholds its excellent reputation for expertise in the area of
passenger safety with the Mégane sedan. Making the most of the five-star score
achieved in the Euro NCAP crash tests by the Hatch, the Mégane sedan features a
strengthened structure adapted to its architecture. The sedan also comes
equipped with twin volume adaptive airbags and adaptive safety belts with double
load limiters and double pretensioners in the two front seats. As well as this,
the Mégane sedan is equipped with side chest airbags in the front seats and two
curtain airbags front and rear.
Despite the high equipment levels, the Megane sedan is priced from just
$29,990* for the Expression manual, $32,190* for the Expression automatic and
$35,990* for the Privilege automatic.
According to Leon Daphne, Renault Australia’s managing director and chief
executive officer, the Mégane sedan complements the existing Mégane hatch
variants with its more conservative styling and larger cabin.
“The Mégane sedan will provide buyers with all the style, luxury and safety
found in the hatch but packaged in a more elegant design.
“We expect the sedan will broaden the appeal of the range with its
charismatic flare and desirable features building on the success of the hatch
variants,” said Mr Daphne.
* Recommended retail pricing excluding on-road costs.
