During its heydays, the Renault Megane was one of the first models that come to mind when someone mentions small family cars for obvious reasons. It was not only affordable, but it also came in pretty much every body style you can imagine. There was also the legendary RS model, which has always been one of the best hot hatchbacks in the business.
The Australian version has been around for a couple of decades, and we've seen four generations of it so far. The current model has been around since 2016, and it's been updated recently, with minor styling changes and a few more features.
The First Generation of Renault Megane (2001-2003)
The development of the original Megane started in the early 1990s, as the French company was preparing a replacement for the aging Renault 19 model. After a couple of years of development, the new model took the name of the 1988 concept and debuted in 1995. However, the new small family car only got to us in 2001.
Meanwhile, the car received a facelift in 1999, and by the time it reached Australia, it already came with all the updates from the refresh, all packed in a 2-door convertible. This was the only version released here, while in Europe, buyers could choose from five body styles – 5-door hatchback, 2-door coupe, 4-door saloon, 5-door estate, and 2-door convertible.
Technical Specs
The Renault Megane was a conventional small family car of the era. It featured dimensions and mechanics that were typical for the class. Although a 2-door convertible, the Australian version was relatively simple and shared some parts with its predecessor. The suspension setup included an independent McPherson at the front and a classic combination of a torsion bar, trailing arm, and telescopic shock absorber on the rear end. The brakes included discs at the front and drums on the rear wheels.
Under the bonnet, the Australian Megane offered just one engine option – a familiar 1.6-litre inline-four petrol unit with a max output of 79 kW and 148 Nm of torque. There was a choice between a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. Models with the manual gearbox were notably faster and featured better fuel economy than its automatic counterpart.
Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 1598cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Forced Induction: -
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 148Nm
- Maximum power: 79kW
- Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 10.1s (manual); 12.5s (automatic)
- Top Speed: 200 km/h (manual); 191 km/h (automatic)
- Fuel tank capacity: 60L
- Fuel consumption: 7.0L/100km (manual); 7.1L/100km (automatic)
The Second Generation of Renault Megane (2003-2010)
The second-generation Megane debuted in 2003, with significant changes in many aspects. The styling was completely different from the original model, but the French manufacturer also introduced plenty of new technologies and design solutions.
For example, this was the first model in the class that featured keyless ignition via the famous Renault Card and the first small family car to offer a panoramic sunroof. In Brazil, they released a version that runs on ethanol.
Design
While the Brazilian version came with an ethanol-powered engine, the Australian version was finally available in body styles other than a convertible. Renault finally released 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan versions Down Under.
The new generation came with a notable increase in size and was more comfortable and easier to drive, mainly because of the significantly improved suspension.
At the front, we saw a more refined McPherson-type independent suspension, while the rear axle was equipped with a torsion bar and a hydraulic double-acting shock absorber. At the time, the Megane was widely considered one of the most comfortable models in the class.
Brakes were significantly upgraded, too, especially at the front, where ventilated discs were introduced. On the rear end, lower grades continued with drums, while models with the new 2.0-litre engine were equipped with discs.
Engines
As just mentioned, the second-generation Megane came with a new engine option – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit (98 kW, 191 Nm). Coupled with a 6-speed manual from Nissan, it could sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 9 seconds. The old 4-speed automatic was available too.
On the other hand, the basic versions continued with the familiar 1.6-litre unit. The max output remained the same, but the newer, bigger, and heavier model was slightly weaker than the original, with a fuel economy that was not as good. Unlike the 2.0-litre unit, this came with either the standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Renault Megane 1.6 Specs
- Engine Capacity: 1598cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Forced Induction: -
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 148Nm
- Maximum power: 79kW
- Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 10.9s (manual); 12.8s (automatic)
- Top Speed: 192 km/h (manual); 182 km/h (automatic)
- Fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km (manual); 7.7L/100km (automatic)
Renault Megane 2.0 Specs
- Engine Capacity: 1998cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Forced Induction: -
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 191Nm
- Maximum power: 98kW
- Transmission: 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.2s (manual); 10.8s (automatic)
- Top Speed: 200 km/h (manual); 194m/h (automatic)
- Fuel consumption: 8.0L/km (manual); 8.2L/100km (automatic)
2005 Update
The Renault Megane 2005 refresh has brought a couple of styling changes, diesel engine, and more standard features. However, the most significant novelty was the introduction of the Sport Cup grade, which was equipped with a turbo-four engine and a max power of 165 kW.
Besides more power, this version was equipped with upgraded suspension, brakes, and many styling details that emphasize its performance character.
Renault Megane Sport Cup Specs
- Engine Capacity: 1998cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 300 Nm
- Maximum power: 165 kW
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.5s
- Top Speed: 236 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 8.8L/100km
The Third Generation of Renault Megane (2011-2017)
The third generation of Renault Megane was launched in 2008, while the Australian-market version debuted in 2010 for the 2011 model year.
The new generation brought more conventional styling, highlighted by mechanical upgrades. This included a new suspension setup that markedly improved the ride quality.
The most significant change, however, was a completely new powertrain line-up. Also, this was the first generation that brought the famous Renault Megane RS to the Australian market.
Another big change was in body style. With Renault Fluence replacing the sedan version, the Megane was once again only available as a hatchback and convertible.
Engines
For the Australian market, the third-generation Megane came standard with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with increased output (max power: 103 kW and 195 Nm). Another significant change was the introduction of CVT, replacing not just the old 4-speed automatic but the 6-speed manual as well.
The 1.9-litre turbodiesel was replaced with a smaller and more efficient 1.5 dCi unit. This engine features a max output of 81 W and 240 Nm of torque, and its biggest advantage was excellent fuel economy – 4.5L/100km.
Renault Megane RS
As we've mentioned, the third generation was the first to come with the RS badge on the offer. In Australia, this model was available only in the Renault Megane RS Cup version, which packed a full load of upgrades, starting from a stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, limited-slip differential, to name a few.
Still, the most exciting thing about this version is the engine, which is a 2.0-litre turbo-four, with a max output of 184 kW and 340 Nm of torque, which is enough power to provide 0-100km/h sprint in just 6 seconds.
Also, the Megane RS Cup Trophee version was released in Australia, bringing more upgrades, like Recaro Sportster CS seats, proximity key, tyre pressure monitoring, upgraded stereo, grey body highlights, and electrically-folding mirrors.
The Fourth Generation of Renault Megane (2017-present)
The fourth and the current generation debuted in 2016 for the 2017 model year. Compared to the third generation, it features bigger dimensions, lower ground clearance, and way more attractive styling.
Also, it is worth mentioning that the new model is once again available in sedan body style, along with the hatchback version. You’ve guessed it, Renault Fluence was discontinued, because of its lacklustre sales.
Mechanically, things haven't changed that much. The suspension combines an independent McPherson setup at the front with the torsion bar at the rear end. This car remains one of the most comfortable models in the segment.
The big changes came under the hood. Diesel versions are not available in Australia anymore. On the other hand, the large normally-aspirated petrol unit is replaced with a small 1.2-litre turbo-four, which puts out around 97 kW and 205 Nm of max torque. Another big novelty is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The current generation was updated last year, and besides new styling details, the French carmaker also introduced a new 1.3-litre turbo-four engine with more power and torque.
When it comes to Renault Megane Renaultsport models, a couple of them were offered Down Under as well. Both are equipped with the new 1.8-litre turbo-four engine. The standard RS Cup model puts out 206 kW and 390 Nm of torque, while the RS Trophy puts out 221 kW and 420 Nm of torque.
For the 2020 model year, the company introduced the Renault Megane Trophy-R version, closely resembling the racing version that set a new record at Nurburgring for the fastest FWD car.
Compared to the standard RS version, this one comes with extra features like an Ohlins race suspension setup, a carbon composite bonnet with NACA duct, modified aerodynamics, and a significant 130-kg weight reduction. Only 500 units were offered around the world.
Is Renault Megane a good used car?
If good means reliable, there are definitely better choices around. Pretty much all generations have certain issues, which mainly refer to electrics. Furthermore, the second generation may have problems with the heating fan, door locks, and power steering.
The third-generation Megane is more reliable, though there are some things to check. This particularly refers to models built before 2011, as there were some recalls regarding airbags and power steering. Newer models may have problems with a vacuum pump and brakes in general.
On the other hand, there are so many reasons why buying a used Renault Megane may be a great choice.
First of all, most versions look fresher than rivals of the same age. Don’t forget that Megane has also been known for implementing technologies that weren’t typical for this segment before. Finally, this small family car has always been among the most comfortable models in the class.
By Nebojsa Grmusa