MotorAuthority

Renault releases official details for 2009 Megane

Posted Tue Sep 9 2008 9:42 AM by Ralph Hanson

After several leaks of official images and even some insider patent mock-ups, Renault has released full details and images for its 2009 Megane five-door hatch just weeks out from its world debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show. Following the launch of the hatch, Renault is set to follow it up with a number of different variants including a new performance model and a long-wheelbase version.

As for the new Megane hatch, power will come from a range of petrol engines displacing between 1.6L and 2.0L and developing up to 225hp (168kW) in the turbocharged performance models.

A new 1.4L TCE engine, currently powering the Clio, will also make its way into an entry-level Megane. Delivering a diesel-like 190Nm of torque from its tiny displacement, it’s expected to preserve the sporty feel of the Megane while improving efficiency.

Diesel fans will be able to choose from the current 1.5L and 1.9L dCi turbodiesel units, ranging in power from 89hp (66kW) to 178hp (132kW). Direct injection appears to be off the table for this round of updates due to cost considerations.

The new range will go on sale in Europe shortly after the car’s debut in Paris next month.

2009 Renault Megane hatch

2009 Renault Megane Sport

2009 Renault Megane Scenic and Kombi

story Tags:

• 2008 Paris Motor Show
• Hatchbacks
• Renault
• Spy shots

Reader Comments

• Thu Jul 24 2008 3:26 PM

  NaBUru38 says

  2.0 liters? Too much displacement for a non-hot hatch. Keep it just for the RS, or even give it a twin-turbo 1.8L.

• Sat Jul 26 2008 4:50 AM

  Bender says

  I don't know what is happening to Renault lately... They present us with extremely beautiful concepts but then a bit later we get something so uninteresting, uncool like this... :(

• Sat Aug 23 2008 11:56 AM

  noes says

  The Coupe Concept is really great and the "sport" version is close enough to it, except the rear part. In fact I like the hatch better and I intend to make it my next car. :))

• Tue Aug 26 2008 8:23 AM

  Zam says

  I think the rear part of megane sport is ok and sporty but the front part is disappointing doesnt have that aggrsive look like its rivals .

• Tue Sep 2 2008 11:59 AM

  94 Taurus owner says

  Wasn't the Nissan Versa based on the previous generation Megane.

• Tue Sep 2 2008 3:27 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  This would make a good Nissan in the States, with the diesel of course.

• Tue Sep 2 2008 10:17 PM

  NaBUru38 says

  94 Taurus owner: nay, the Tiida/Verisa is built around the Logan / Note / Modus platform, which is an enlarged version of the Micra's and Clio's.
  
  The five-door Mégane has a beautiful front end and overgrown taillights.

• Tue Sep 9 2008 3:55 PM

  Ivan says

  I remain hopeful that that some of these cool Renaults will come to the US, even if they're rebadged as Nissans, but alas it still doesn't seem to be happening.