The French revolution starts here! Auto Express has the pictures that prove Renault is ready to reclaim its reputation as the world’s most daring designer of family cars.
This is the new Mégane, revealed for the first time in all its glory. We’ve spied undisguised versions of both the three and five-door versions, which are being prepared at the firm’s HQ.
And our inside information also means we can reveal what drivers can expect from the line-up when it hits the UK early next year.
With a sporty looking coupé and practical five-door hatch under dev-elopment, Renault plans to come out with all guns blazing in the fight against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The range of head-turning cars also promises class-leading levels of equipment and refinement, too.
Due to make their public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the two models are inspired by the new Laguna, and use detailing first revealed by the Mégane concept, which Auto Express drove in Issue 1,006.
However, as you can see in our pictures, the similarities between the cars are limited. While they get pan-oramic glass roofs and distinctive headlamps, in profile they are very different. Both have unique rear ends and individual wheel designs.
The three-door is a coupé and has a dramatic nose, tapered roof and sharply rising window line. At the rear, wide haunches and a steeply raked glass area provide a purposeful stance, which reflects the car’s promised handling prowess.
The five-door has a more conventional front, plus a larger glass area and bigger tailgate to improve practicality. The tail-lights are different, as is the rear bumper. The addition of a pair of back doors has altered the roofline to provide greater headroom for rear seat passengers.
Inside, flagship versions of both models get an upmarket interior which includes silver rimmed instruments, keyless go and satellite navigation.
An advanced airbag system is expected to complement a range of safety features that includes traction and stability control. Details of the engine line-up are not so clear, but both petrol and diesel powerplants will be available, including a 230bhp turbocharged Renaultsport version, which is designed to replace the performance oriented R27.
Prices for the newcomer are yet to be announced by the company. However, as both models will mark a major step forward in both design and engineering, a small increase is likely. Entry-level models should start from around £13,000.
The launch of the two Méganes will not affect the recently revised Scenic and Grand Scenic compact MPVs, both of which will continue until at least 2010.
However, Renault has hinted that a convertible Mégane could be on the cards to replace the current metal- roofed C-C. And estate and saloon var- iants are also due to join the line-up.
