It’s taken Renault less than
18 months to complete the bulk of the Megane family product push. Barring
the odd face lift and the slight tweak in powertrain output, Renault’s
work, essentially, is done.
The Megane RS builds on the success of the Clio RS 2.0 16v and V6 models |
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For the record, that’s seven body types in less than two
years. Pretty impressive stuff. To highlight this feat even more, one
can flick back only 18 copies of AE to the Nov 02 issue and find a double
page spread on the then controversially styled new C-segment model from
the French carmaker.
So it’s fitting that Renault’s work on the Megane family should
be signed off with the quickest ever Megane and the biggest ever Scénic.
Hot hatch Megane
Engineered at the acclaimed RenaultSport Dieppe factory, the fast-end
Megane is a model that keeps Renault up to pace with the Joneses: Honda
and the Civic Type R, Alfa and its 147 GTA and Ford’s and VW’s
now discontinued RS Focus and R32 models.
Much engineering development has been undertaken to ensure the fast-end
Megane builds on the success of the Clio RS 2.0 16v and V6 models.
For example, the Megane RS features an independent steering-axis front
suspension that tightens the precision of the steering while also eliminating
the feedback drag often found in high-power front-driven cars.
Spring and damper settings have been optimised so as to marry dynamic
driving with ride comfort while the braking system comes from Brembo.
A Nissan sourced 6-speed gear-changer proves to be the ideal partner for
a tweaked 2.0 litre 16V turbocharged engine that propels 228 ps (168 kW)
at 5,500 rpm and a torque line (not curve) that peaks at an impressive
300 Nm (221 lb ft) from 3,000 rpm.
First used in the Vel Satis, the engine driving the Megane RS has had
several changes made to it to improve power and torque output, – the latter of which, incidentally, could put some modern diesel units
to shame.
Work carried out on the pistons, crankshaft and twin scroll type turbocharger
have resulted in a more optimised power unit. Consequently the Megane
RS accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and then goes on to peak to
a top speed of 237 km/h (147 mph).
Subtle styling completes the hot-hatch, with Renault opting for a less
brash design that’s found on the Civic Type R and RS Focus. Wide
air intake grilles in the bumpers, a central twin exhaust pipe and a rear
wing are the main styling characteristics that differentiate the RS derivative
to the other Megane models.
The big MPV
The Grand Scenic is yet another derivative off the Megane platform |
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Along with the fastest Megane comes the biggest Scénic –
fittingly called the Grand Scénic. To be launched in autumn, the
Grand Scénic derivative offers 23 cms of extra space that’s
spread from an extra 5 cm at the wheelbase and a further 18 cm at the
rear overhang.
The added length has allowed Renault engineers to work in a third row
of seats that allows for easy access without all the second row occupants
needing to leave the vehicle, a problem that many Vauxhall/Opel Zafira
customers encounter.
The seven-seater MPV, which Renault chiefs insist will not eat into Espace
sales, measures 4.49 metres long and offers the largest luggage space
in its class with a volume of 200 litres in seven seat configuration.
Load volume hikes up to 1,920 litres when all the second and third row
seats are removed.
Power comes from either 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre petrol units or a 1.9
dCI diesel powertrain.
Renault says that by offering two different Scénic models, customers
are given the opportunity to pay for only what they want as opposed to
competitor models like the VW Touran that only comes in the larger size
even if the customer wants only five-seats. |
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