NEW RENAULT MÉGANE COUPÉ
• Dynamic styling highlights sporting heritage, elegance and exclusivity
• Advanced design and construction for maximum robustness and quality
• Impressive interior space with seating for three adults at the rear
• High-tech features: Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Carminat TomTom navigation and custom-developed 3D Sound by Arkamys
• Exemplary driving involvement from sports chassis and latest petrol engines
• Strong safety and environmental credentials
The launch of Renault’s aspirational New Mégane Coupé embodies the dynamic verve of the Renault brand and its segment-defining New Mégane model range.
“New Mégane Coupé represents the state of the art, from the use of cutting edge all-digital technology as part of its design and development process, through to the sporting pedigree of its styling and driving characteristics,” explains Renault SA Managing Director, Xavier Gobille.
“It serves as an important image builder for Renault in South Africa, and will undoubtedly appeal to discerning motorists who demand uncompromising quality, contemporary style and a focus on pure driving enjoyment,” he says.
Sporting elegance
New Mégane Coupé focuses on providing motoring pleasure and performance, matched to exceptional looks and everyday practicality.
Derived from the Mégane Coupé Concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the sleek new two-door coupé bears all the hallmarks of a future classic. A dazzling array of powerful visual elements combine to endow the New Mégane Coupé with an air of exclusivity and sporting agility.
Most notable among these are the prominent front air scoops, the sculpted headlamps and the flowing crease lines, together with the car’s muscular haunches, smoothly raked windscreen, sloping roofline and the air diffuser incorporated in the rear bumper.
Echoing the sophisticated interior of the New Mégane Hatch, it benefits from sportier, more supportive front seats. Yet the car remains thoroughly practical as a five-seater by using the same rear seat as the mainstream five-door Mégane. It also tops its segment with an outstanding luggage capacity of 377 dm3.
Adding to the tangible sense of quality, the cabin is characterised by the use of durable soft-touch dashboard materials, as well as a selection of interior trim that enhances comfort while creating a dark ambience with a distinctly sporty feel.
High-tech highlights
In line with its exclusive status, New Mégane Coupé offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Certainly one of its most impressive features is the advanced 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, custom-developed for the Mégane by digital sound processing specialist Arkamys. The impressive system boasts a peak output of 140 watts, powering a total of eight loudspeakers.
Connectivity also features prominently with the inclusion of RCA and USB slots for MP3 playback, while Bluetooth integration ensures safe cellphone communication on the move. Further practical items include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, as well as rain and light sensors.
The range-topping Mégane Coupé 1.4 TCe (due in January 2010) is also equipped with the integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system, linked to an ergonomically placed joystick controller.
An involving drive
Initially New Mégane Coupé is available with an updated version of the accomplished 1,6-litre 16-valve engine. The normally aspirated unit has benefit from numerous refinements, and delivers improved performance at low and high revs, along with cushioned engine acoustics.
Maximum power is rated at 83 kW at 6 000 r/min, matched to a torque peak of 151 Nm at
4 250 r/min. It achieves an average fuel consumption of 6,9 l/100 km, and a CO2 emissions figure of 163 g/km.
Joining the line-up in January 2010, the sophisticated new-generation 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol unit employs Renault’s Turbo Control efficiency (TCe) to achieve the optimal mix between performance and frugality.
The advanced powerplant is rated at respective maximum power and torque outputs of 96 kW and 190 Nm, while consuming an average of just 6,5 litres/100 km and producing 156 g of CO2/km.
Both models feature six-speed manual transmissions, but the ratios have been shortened in the Coupé 1.4 TCe, compared to the equivalent Hatch, for more spirited driving and performance.
New Mégane Coupé is equipped with a sports chassis configuration derived from the standard set-up used in the five-door hatchback. Incorporating stiffer springs and dampers, a 30 mm lower front roll centre height and a 12 mm lower centre of gravity, it conspires to deliver even greater handling poise and control.
Safety and environmental credibility
Built on the same platform as the New Mégane Hatch, the Coupé shares the class-leading safety attributes that enabled it to achieve a benchmark five-star Euro NCAP rating.
The newcomer benefits from the same complement of six airbags, but gains an additional Pelvis Restraint Cushion (PRC) anti-submarining airbag on both front seats.
This is reinforced by twin side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters and new-generation head restraints.
ABS and Emergency Brake Assist are standard, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with understeer control is available as an option.
Aside from the fuel low consumption and emissions, the entire New Mégane family is 95 percent end-of-life recoverable by weight, while almost 12 percent of the plastics used are sourced from recycling.
New Mégane Coupé – Pricing:
The recommended retail pricing for the New Mégane Coupé range is as follows:
1.6 16v Dynamique – R220 000
1.4 TCe – R245 000 (available January 2010)
The pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/100 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
