It was back in 1995 that a French auto maker Renault produced his first line of small family-oriented vehicle. This car features a 3 and 5 door hatchback, saloon, coupé, estate and convertible body styles. The first compact MPV model was launched in 1996; it was primarily based on Megane concept.
Renault Megane cars have a distinct and rich history. Just like any other car companies, it also struggled for years until it established a name for itself. Renault Megane cars have dominated European market and it is loved by many drivers.
Megane I
The Megane I was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the old generation Renault. This model was remodelled version of Renault 19. It has the same 19’s floor plan, transmission and engine. Taking a huge leap, there were changes in the chassis design as well as other interior modifications.
One of the best things about Megane I is its safety features. It presents a pillar mounted 3 point seat beat with a middle rear occupant replacing the old lap strap. It also has a standard front belt pre-tensions and load limiters. Unlike its rival in 1995, the car offers an impressive driver’s airbag which effectively safeguards the driver in accidents on the road.
The car also utilize Renault’s System for restraint and protection. This system offers a careful optimization of the seatbelts, pre-tensioners, the airbad and load limited. Megane I garnered a 4-star class crash test rating back in 1998. This was a round of testing done by Euroncap.
In 1996, Megane Scenic was introduced. It is a compact MPV. The power of this car comes from Renault’s E-type engine in 1.4L, 6 L, 1.8 L, and F-type unit in both 1.9 L diesel and 2.0 L petrol form. Renault did, however, manage to produce a limited number of sport editions. The Renaultsport is very rare these days.
Modification in Megane I
It was spring 1999 that the company decided to do some changes on the car. The mild facelift gave the Mégane I a modified grille and much more advanced safety features. Other parts were also upgraded in the process. 16-valve engines were used across the car’s range. The production continued in Latin America Market, where it was sold alongside the Megane II at a considerably low price until 2008.
Megane II
It was initially launched in September 2000 the Megane II caught the attention of many car enthusiasts worldwide. It is considered a fresh start for the company and so as their clients. The new models have a very minimal resemblance from its predecessor. The Megane II was voted for Europeran Car of the Year in 2003. The competition was fierce as other cars battle for victory which are Japan Mazda 6 and PSA’s Citreon C3. The car achieved a 5-star safety rating from Euroncap in crash testes and also the first ever small family car to garner such rating.
Megane II and the Laguna both feature an innovative car technology from Renault during 2000. The Renault Card keyless ignition system which is already a standard on the Mégane II was a first in this class and was widely adapted by many companies. Renault began setting the trend with panoramic glass sunroof that other companies started copying.
Renault Megane CC
It was in Brazil where Renault launched their flex-fuel version called Hi-Flex. It is able to run with unleaded gasoline and ethanol. Megane’s engine greatly works with any mix of gasoline and ethanol due to the impact of an electronic control module. The flex version presents a 16V 109 hp (110 PS) (113 hp (115 PS) with ethanol) 1.6-litre inline-four engine. This technology was developed and produced in Brazil. However, the 2.0-litre version does not allow the use of ethanol because the engine was made in France.
Just like the previous Meganes, the model features a 3 and 5 door hatchback named Sport Hatch and Hatch. There is also a 4-door saloon or sedan named Sport Saloon, a five-door estate called Grandtour. Replacing the old Megane Coupe and Convertible is the new retractable hardtop coupé designed by Karmann.
Megane RS
The Renault Sport is also a 3 and 5 door hatchbacks equipped with a powerful a turbocharged petrol 2.0 L 16v engine producing 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). Together with the engine there were changes made to the front and rear suspension in order to improve handling. This model features a wider and deeper front bumper. It is likely considered that Renault Megane Sport competes in the hatch segment in the market.
Modification in Megane II
In 2006, Megane II was revamped and the changes are primarily in the interior trim and other specification levels. The new Megane II has a front suspension system borrowed from the Mégane 2.0 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). This improves the driving performance and relatively other areas of the car. The Nissan Sentra B16 was based on the Renault Meganes2006 platform.
Company Sales
During its first year, the Mégane II topped the French sales charts with almost 198,874 registered models in 2003. It was widely popular in United Kingdom and makes decent number in sales. In 2010, it was reported that Megane II has the highest number of MOT issues in Britain. However, the German ADAC breakdown statistics claims that the Megane II scored very well, surpassing other popular cars such as Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Opel/Vauxhall Astra.
Megane III
The 3rd generation Megane was introduced in 2008 this is to keep the range competition of the new car models in the market. It does, however, lack some distinct features like the hatchback.
It was in September 2008 that Renault Megane Berline 5 door hatchback and Megane Coupe were officially launched. The model produced exceptional reviews from critics and clients. The two cars is on a different league, the Coupé has a distinct sporty and edgy look while the Renault Megane Berline is more on the conservative side.
The Megane III no longer has the automatic transmission rather it was replaced by a continuously variable transmission for effective purposes.
Future of the Megane Models
There are now electric versions of the Mégane Saloon that Renault is developing and it comes with a lifetime warranty, and payment will follow the model established by the mobile phone industries. By purchasing one, owners will have to subscribe for a battery replacement and charging plans based on the mileage of the car. Recharging of the vehicle can be done to any of the 500,000 spots that Project Better Place is now developing.
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