The Renault Mégane is a compact automobile made by Renault. It is offered in several bodystyles; a hatchback, sedan, coupé, convertible and station wagon. It also forms the basis of the Renault Mégane Scénic mini-MPV.

1996

The first Mégane was unveiled in the fall of 1995, and was intended as a replacement for the Renault 19. The car was essentially a reskin of its predecessor, and carried over the 19's floorpan, engines, transmissions and chassis design, albeit with much modification. 1997 saw the introduction of the Mégane Scénic MPV.

Power came from the Renault E-type ("Energy") engine in 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 1.8 L, and 2.0 L form, although there was a wider variety of 16-valve derivatives. A 1.9 L diesel engine in both normally aspirated and turbocharged forms was also available.

A mild facelift in 1999 gave the Mégane a modified grille, more advanced safety features and upgraded equipment, and the 16-valve engines were used across the range.

2003

The latest version of the car, the Mégane II, has highly distinctive styling that makes it stand out from other cars. Heavily inspired by the larger Avantime model, the new Mégane was elected European Car Of The Year for 2003. It was given a 5-Star safety rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Engine options include 1.4 L (98 hp), 1.6 L (115 hp) and 2.0 L (136 hp) 16v petrol units and two turbocharged diesels, a 1.5 L (100 hp) dCI and a 1.9 L (140 hp) one. In 2004, RenaultSport (RS) versions of the 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks were introduced, equipped with a turbocharged petrol 2.0 L 16v engine producing 225 hp. Along with the engine, changes were made to the front and rear suspension geometry to improve handling. The Mégane RS is set to compete in the hot hatch segment of the market.

The range consists of a 3 and 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, five-door station wagon, coupé-convertible and two (short- and long-wheelbase) Scénic mini-MPVs.

See also

• Renault Mégane Scénic