MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – THE long-awaited and much-anticipated new Renault Mégane has been unveiled.
Launched locally in 1996, 20 years have passed since the birth of the popular Renault Mégane. Accorded the prestigious title of flagship model of the French automaker’s line-up, it’s now time to welcome the fourth generation New Renault Mégane range to South Africa.
In the words of Laurens van den Acker, Renault’s world-renowned design chief: “Behind the (New Mégane’s) appeal, there is a substance, technology and innovations that will make life easier and more rewarding.”
Leading the New Renault Mégane petrol-powered pack is the GT flagship model. Powered by the marque’snew generation Energy TCe 205 151 kW (1.6 litre) engine, the New Mégane GT has a seven-speed dual-clutch (EDC) auto gearbox plus Renault’s 4CONTROL chassis four wheel steering system.
In addition to a host of Renault MULTI-SENSE road handling features, full LED technology is alsoexclusive to the New Mégane GT providing the driver with light that is 20% more powerful than conventional halogen lamps.
Other GT-only features and fitments include leather seats, 18” alloy wheels (plus 17” spare) electronic parking brake and paddle shift.
The four New Mégane models are:
FLAGSHIP New Renault Mégane GT1.6 litre with EDC Exclusive to the New Mégane GT top-of-the-range model is the Renault Sport Team-developed Energy TCe 205 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Delivering maximum output of 151kW (205hp) and 280Nm of torque from 2 400rpm, it ensures brisk acceleration and pick-up. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch (EDC) gearbox which is renowned for its simplicity in everyday use.
Yet the level of driving enjoyment and performance the Energy TCe 205 offers, remains compatible with low CO2 emissions (134g/km) and fuel consumption (6 litres/100km in combined cycle).
New Mégane GT-LINE duo: With choice of EDC or manual gear boxes Renault’s proven Energy TCe130 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine powers both New Mégane GT-LINE newcomers and delivers top output of 97kW (130hp) and 205Nm of torque from 2 000 rpm.
The automaker’s F1 technology transference to this engine is particularly evident in respect of turbo technology, engine dynamics, friction reduction, cooling and thermal management.
This 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit offers the same performance and efficiency as a naturally aspirated two-litre power plant. Its direct injection technology and integrated turbo manifold translate to flexibility, responsiveness and improved combustion which benefits fuel consumption.
Customers have a choice of two transmissions: seven-speed dual-clutch (EDC) auto gear box or six-speed manual gear box.
GT-LINE EDC Auto 7-speed gear box
The New Mégane GT-LINE with EDC provides the comfort and response of a dual-clutch transmission.
Fuel consumption is 5.4 litres/100km (in the combined cycle) while CO2 emissions are 122g/km. Top speed is 199kph. GT-LINE Manual 6-speed gearbox
Fuel consumption is 5.3 litres/100km (in the combined cycle) and CO2 emissions are 119 g/km. Top speed is 197kph.
New Mégane Dynamique
In response to demand from certain sectors of the global and local markets, the New Mégane Dynamique model comes powered by Renault’s tried and trusted naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.6 litre engine has maximum power output of 84kW (115hp) and 156Nm of torque at 4 000rpm and a top speed of 191kph. Fuel consumption is 6.4 litres/100km (in combined cycle) and CO2 emissions are 144g/km.
– CAJ News
