Megane 1 Phase 2

[Chiquita Palafox]

ThePhase II meganes are available with a 98 kilowatt 2.0-litre engine however the entry-level hatch comes with an 82 kilowatt 1.6-litre engine and the Renault Sport models are host to Renault's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pumping out a massive 165 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 300Nm.

I would love to give the new Megane Sport a go before I buy my Impreza WRX. I am not sure how well it compares, but given that its actually cheaper than a WRX and the 0-100 times isn't that far behind, it would be worth a look. The standard equipement level is also higher than the Japense Car.

The more refined, dynamic design of Mgane is aimed at establishing it as the benchmark in its segment. Its racy front end and muscular, robust lines exude an impression of strength and dynamism which is underpinned by the new design of the headlamps, grille and front bumper.

All models are equipped with improved rain and light sensors. The new rain sensor means the driver no longer needs to re-prime the automatic front wipers when the car is started. New smart and more effective flat blade wipers have also been fitted.

To ensure cleaner cabin air, all Mganes come with an active carbon cabin air filter as standard. This filter prevents particles and smells from entering the cabin. The air-conditioning system has also been re-calibrated with a view to improving both its stability and start-up efficiency (colder more quickly), while at the same time ensuring low fan noise.

As in the previous generation two normally aspirated petrol engines are available in the Mgane range: a 1.6-litre available in the Authentique Mgane hatch and a 2.0-litre in all other models. The Mgane Renault Sport models come with a high performance turbo-charged 2.0-litre engine, which is noted for its prodigious torque output across the rev range.

Its suspension* has been developed to combine directional control and a high capacity to filter out both vibrations and noise. The MacPherson-type front suspension and rectangular lower arm ensure a high level of transverse stiffness with a view to optimizing road holding and comfort. The rear suspension features a programmed-deflection torsion beam with coil springs, plus an anti-roll bar for optimal control of body roll.

According to body type, a range of wheel sizes is available: 15-, 16- and 17-inches, plus 18-inch wheels for five-door Mgane Renault Sport models. The capacity of the braking system has been designed with a view to combining maximum efficiency and a sensation of bite and power.

All models come standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with understeer control. This system uses the engine management system to reduce torque and modifies the braking with a view to improving stability and bringing the car back onto the ideal trajectory, while the understeer control acts on one or more wheels.

This feature is combined with ASR traction control, which intervenes when starting or when accelerating in conditions of low grip, and engine torque overrun regulation (MSR), which prevents the driven wheels from locking when the driver lifts his or her foot from the throttle pedal or when slowing on slippery road surfaces.

According to the model type and equipment level, the Mgane is equipped with up to eight airbags: two front adaptive airbags, two front/rear curtain airbags, two front thorax airbags, two rear thorax airbags (Mgane Renault Sport five-door) and two anti-submarining airbags built into the front seat cushions (Mgane three-door Hatch and Coup-Cabriolet versions only).

The front seats of Mgane feature double pretensioners (except Mgane three-door Hatch and Coup-Cabriolet*) and load limiters. Built into the seat belt buckle, the pretensioners hold the occupants in their seat. If necessary, the second pretensioner, which is located at the other end of the strap kicks into action to hold the body more firmly in place, protect the pelvic region and combat the phenomenon of submarining. Meanwhile, the load limiter reduces the pressure applied by the seat belt to the thorax and shoulder.

* On three-door versions, the need to access the rear seats means it is impossible to fit the second pretensioner on the outer side of the seat. In this case, the pretensioners are replaced by antisubmarining airbags.

The Authentique is available with one engine and transmission combination - the 82kilowatt 1.6-litre engine matched with a five-speed manual transmission. Like all models in the Mgane range, the Authentique comes standard with airconditioning,

Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist and electronic stability program with understeer control.

The Mgane sedan range includes two variants, Expression and Privilege all models come with a 98 kilowatt 2.0-litre engine. The Expression sedan is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or four-speed proactive automatic transmission, while the top-spec Privilege is only available with the four-speed proactive automatic transmission.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist electronic stability program with understeer control.

The Mgane Coup-Cabriolet is available in one specification level Dynamique and the 98 kilowatt 2.0-litre engine. This engine is matched to either a six-speed manual transmission or four-speed proactive automatic transmission.

Standard safety equipment include dual front and side airbags, front anti-submarining in-seat airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist plus electronic stability program with understeer control.

Standard safety equipment includes front Brembo brakes, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist plus a sports-tuned electronic stability program with understeer control.

For customers looking for a more sporting drive, the five-door Mgane Renault Sport can be ordered with an optional Cup chassis pack. The pack includes cross drilled front and rear discs with front Brembo brakes, disconnectable ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), uprated dampers and springs and shock absorbers to reinforce the sensation of rigidity and augment cornering ability, plus exclusive Dunlop SportMaxx tyres.

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