2016 Renault Megane: Official Specs and Pictures

The new Megane comes with a lot of new tech compared to the model it replaces

The 2016 Renault Megane has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, where it sits next to the new Talisman.

The fourth generation Renault Megane is 64 mm longer and 25 mm lower than the model it replaces, measuring 4,359 mm in length and 1,477 mm in height. Also, it has wider tracks than the previous-gen hatchback (+47 mm at the front and +39 mm at the rear) and the wheelbase is longer than of the rivals, according to Renault.

The new Megane comes with the French firm’s new front fascia design, which has a large logo in the middle of the grille, chrome accents and headlamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lights that extend down to the front spoiler.

At the back, the tail lamps resemble those found on the new Talisman, with thin long lines running from each corner towards the centre of the centrally-mounted Renault logo. According to the official info, the standard LED taillights are permanently illuminated to offer a 3D brush stroke effect that accentuates the car’s width.

Inside, there’s a completely redesigned cockpit, with a full-color head-up display available and an optional 8.7-inch portrait format touch screen display that dominates the centre console. The big screen is used by the R-Link 2 infotainment system that provides TomTom GPS navigation, voice recognition, live traffic updates and connected apps. Also, the instrument binnacle has a seven-inch TFT screen that can be customized to the driver’s liking while the lower spec models come with a seven-inch landscape format touch screen for the infotainment system.

Special attention has been given to the front seats that are made out of dual density foam and can be spec’d with heating, electric lumbar adjustment, velvet upholstery developed with Alcantara, and even a massage function for the driver side. Also, there are five different interior ambiences (red, green, blue, purple and brown) that use slim lighting elements to change the mood of the cockpit.

The 2016 Renault Megane has a boot capacity of 434 liters, making it the second biggest in the compact hatchback segment, and a total interior stowage space of 25 liters. Renault says that new Megane also gained more space for the rear passengers, with an extra 20 mm of knee room compared to the previous generation model.

Based on the CMF C/D platform, the new generation French hatchback is available with Renault’s 4Control four-wheel steering (a first in the compact hatchback segment) and the Multi-Sense technology that modifies throttle response, gear shift speeds and the cabin lighting.

The new Megane comes with a choice of five engines. The diesel variants have outputs of 90 PS (89 hp), 110 PS (108 hp) or 130 PS (128 hp), and can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission, depending on the model.

On the petrol side, there are the Energy TCe units with 100 PS (98 hp) or 130 PS (128 hp) that come with a manual transmission or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Additionally, Renault now offers a GT variant for the new Megane which slots below the hardcore RS model that will be released in the future. The Renault Megane GT comes with sportier bumpers, 18-inch diamond-effect wheels, two chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes, wraparound front seats with integrated headrests, aluminum pedals and paddle shifters behind the sports steering wheel, among others.

Motivation comes from a 205 PS (202 hp) petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a 165 PS (162 hp) diesel unit pushing its horses to the front wheels via a six-speed EDC gearbox.

Besides having more power than the more down to Earth variants, the Megane GT comes with its own setup for the suspension and brakes. Also, it can be equipped with Launch Control and a system called Multi Change Down, which enables fast downshifting.

Early in 2017, Renault will add a Hybrid Assist Diesel variant to the line-up, which should emit just 76 grams of CO2 per kilometer and have an average fuel consumption of less than 3 l/100 km (more than 94 mpg).

The fourth generation Renault Megane will reach European showrooms at the beginning of 2016.