This is the Renault Megane 2012

A little late, but certainly worth the wait. Finally, Renault has released some very interesting details about the new range it is preparing for 2012, of the successful Renault Megane, with three new engines being introduced to begin sales in Europe in March.

Outwardly, the new Megane is not as different from the previous model as it might seem, but it incorporates new details that give it a more refreshed look in line with the latest trends. This includes LED daytime running lights, black and chrome exterior details and new wheel designs, together with two additional colours and new interior trim finishes. A new Alcántara interior finish is also added, available on three of the new Megane variants.

But the area where Renault has put most emphasis is engines, with three new powerplants, one petrol and two diesel, all of which feature brake energy recovery and Start/Stop.

The first of these is the TCe 115, a 1.2-litre engine producing 115 CV, which replaces the 1.6 16v found in the current Megane range. Despite being smaller than the unit it replaces, it produces 15 CV more than the previous engine.

The next new engine is the Energy dCi 110, which takes the place of the previous 1.5-litre unit. The Energy dCi 110 delivers 191 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,750 rpm, with 3.18 L/100 km of fuel consumption, as announced by the regie.

The Energy dCi 130 is a 1.6-litre engine producing 130 CV and 236 lb-ft of torque, with an average consumption of 3.31 L/100 km. This engine has already replaced the 1.9 dCi 130 unit in the Scénic and Grand Scénic at the start of last year, reducing consumption by 20% and cutting CO2 emissions by 30 grams per kilometre compared with the old 1.9.

But don’t think the calmer versions of the Megane have been left out. The RS range will receive some changes for 2012. The exterior updates include new wheel designs, black front trim and a new set of LED lights. But the most interesting news comes with the engines, as the two-litre will gain 15 extra CV, reaching 265 CV in the Trophy version in Sport mode. It also receives a new exhaust system design, aimed both at optimising gas flow and improving the sound.

Finally, all versions come as standard with the Visio System, a small sensor mounted behind the rear-view mirror that provides lane-change assistance and automatically adjusts the beam of the headlights.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Megane3 versions · from 39,650 €