Firestyle Magazine: Issue 5 - Autumn 2016

The new model however is now
based, due to the consortium
between Renault and Nissan, on
a platform that is similar to the
Kadjar and the brilliant Nissan
Qashqai. Being a joint initiative
several parts have been shared
by the two manufacturers.
Surprisingly enough for a Renault
it is no longer built in France but is
built at a plant in Spain.
The all-new Renault Megane,
is as you would expect, bigger
than its predecessor and it
is longer and lower. It has
a distinctive front and rear
light signature and they are
permanently illuminated which at
the rear of the vehicle is a first for
me. Renault has incorporated full
LED headlights with an automatic
feature and this is another 21st
century bonus.
The new Megane is an extremely
safe car with numerous features
included. One feature which
could be an annoyance is the
lane adapt system which if you
move towards the white line a
horrendous noise occurs, a lot of
people I think will be switching
this particular feature off.
At the launch of the new
Megane there is a choice of 4
engines, 2 energy turbocharged
petrol options of 1.2-litre 130bhp,
and a 1.6-litre 205 bhp. The
turbo diesel alternative is the
wonderful combined Nissan
1.5-litre 110 unit or a 1.6-litre
130bhp. A choice between
6-speed manuals, automatics
and other variables are
available.
The interior of the vehicle has
been completely redesigned
and the centre console and
instrumentation panel contain
a multi-media tablet and a 7”
display which enables the driver
at all times to have control and
information sent back to him.
The new Megane is offered as
a 25 version line-up based on to
6 trims levels which are familiar
to those who purchase Renault
vehicles. They are Expression,
Dynamique, Dynamique NAV,
Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav,
GT Line Nav, and GT Nav. all these
vehicles, as you would expect,
have a comprehensive standard
specification which includes ABS,
Emergency Brake assist with a
traction control and a hill start, 6
air bags, and more importantly for
those with a young family isofix child
seating are included. In addition
standard features also include Blue
Tooth and USB connectivity across
the range.
Prices vary from £16,600 to £25,500,
and Renault’s 4+ warranty is
included which suggests that the
vehicle will be protected against
defects for 4 years or 100,000
miles and there is the Emergency
Roadside Repatriation system if that
is needed.
I do like the idea that Renault includes servicing plans,
for example a 3-year 30,000 miles service plan is
£299, should you put the vehicle for 4 years then the
price of the servicing plan rises for £499. Servicing is
required at 18,000 miles intervals or yearly. I think this
package is a useful feature.
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