Will the new Mégane save the hatch?
The new car has a powerful look to it and I'm looking forward to the launch of the RS version
TANGAWIZI Motors has just received the new Renault Mégane.
Will this be the car that saves the C-segment hatch?
If you follow buyer trends closely you would have noticed that C-segment hatchbacks are getting scarce on the road.
While the B-segment (Clio, Polo, i20 etc) is quite strong, the C-segment (Golf, i30 and Auris) is loosing ground fast.
The reason for this trend is that when shopping in the C-segment price bracket, buyers are also looking at entry level crossovers and small SUVs.
More often than not they then opt to buy the latter because of the extra space and lifestyle possibilities offered by the crossovers and SUVs.
It’s the way the car market has developed.
Ironically the hatch, especially the Golf when it came into being in the late 70s, did the the same to the traditional family sedan.
Stunning shape
If the new Mégane cannot entice buyers back to the C-segment hatch, then nothing will, because this car is really stunning.
It’s the most sporty hatch since the hatch and no matter from what angle you look at the car, the lines draw you in.
Gone are the somewhat feminine look the previous generation Renault Mégane had.
The new car has a powerful look to it and I’m looking forward to the launch of the RS version.
Overall, the hatch looks well balanced with all its sexy bits in proportion to one another.
Three engine choices
Mégane 4 comes in three trim levels and a choice of three petrol engines.
The entry-level Mégane Dynamique version features a normally-aspirated 1.6 with outputs of 84kW and 156Nm, available in five-speed manual only with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.4-litres per 100km.
More power is available in the GT Line which comes with a 97kW/205Nm 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and a choice of six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto called EDC.
For this engine Renault claims 5.3-litres per 100km.
The range-topper is the Mégane GT, moved along by a 151kW/280Nm 1.6-litre turbo engine and available only in EDC auto.
If the GT doesn’t have enough power for you, then wait a bit because Renault says an RS version should dock early in 2017.
Well specced
Standard equipment across the range is pretty comprehensive and includes dual climate control, audio system, cruise control, rear-park distance control and automatic lights and wipers.
ABS brakes, hill start assist and stability control are part of the package too, as are front, side and curtain airbags (new Mégane comes with a maximum five-star EuroNcap crash rating).
The GT Line and GT come with a Multisense system that allows a driver to personalise drive settings between neutral, comfort or sport.
At the touch of a button it changes the responses of the engine, steering, transmission, all-wheel steering, engine sound, and even the ambient lighting.
Leather seats in the GT Line (stylish Alcantara dark and blue in the flagship GT), heated driver’s seat and larger mag wheels distinguish the upper models, which also come with a large tablet-sized touchscreen that bundles together the infotainment functions, including navigation.
Pricing
• 1.6 Dynamique – R279 9001.2T
• GT-Line – R339 900 (Mégane 1.2T)
• GT-Line auto – R354 900
• GT auto – R449 900
All versions come standard with five-year/150 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.
