Renault Megane Review


Renault’s revival continues with a new generation Megane which could reboot the brand's fleet penetration.

The arrival in showrooms of the fourth-generation Renault Megane is one of the brand’s most significant launches following its product and dealer cull back in 2012.

After that low point Renault dealers are enjoying strong sales on the back of the latest Clio and all-new Captur and Kadjar crossovers. However, success in the C-segment is crucial to Renault’s continuing

The new Megane is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance CLF platform, which also underpins the brand’s other two C-segment contenders: the Kadjar and forthcoming Scenic MPV. Visually the Megane continues the design language of Renault’s most recent launches, in profile being both longer and lower than the outgoing third-generation car, with wider tracks and distinctive edge lighting signatures both front and rear.



Inside, the recipe was, to create a cockpit-like feel, with all controls arranged around the driver, while the most notable element is the 8.7 inch portrait style touchscreen. This is offered as standard from the Dynamic S trim level and allows the easy selection of satellite navigation, audio or car settings without resorting to numerous sub menus.

The Megane also features new technology elements plus the quality finish, cascaded down from Renault’s larger models such as the D-segment Talisman.

This includes the availability of Multi-Sense, which allows owners to personalise a range of elements in the car from the driving modes to the engine sound, interior lighting and even the speed of the climate control fan.

“We will promote the Megane mostly on the technology available across the range," said Megane product manager Yann Le Graet.

Indeed, the advanced technology played a crucial part in Renault’s pre-launch dealer training.

“A highlight of the training was four-control; our rear-wheel-steer system (available on GT models). Dealers were able to experience what it does while they also spent a huge chunk of time learning about the various driver aids. You don’t have to sell such technology because the customer will already know about it, but it is important the dealer knows what it does."

This technology and the availability of the best-selling dCi 110 diesel amongst the initial four-strong engine line-up are also regarded as crucial to rebuilding Renault’s fleet presence, effectively abandoned in the 2012 restructure. Mike Dickens, appointed head of fleet in 2014, has been rolling out a new fleet strategy to the dealer network in readiness for the brand’s new C-segment models.


“Dealers with the opportunity to sell more than 150 local fleet units a year must now have a dedicated salesperson fully in tune with all fleet requirements such as selling business finance, and fully knowledgeable of the product," he said.

“Those selling up to 150 units must have a nominated person, who may be a retail salesperson but will receive the same training.

“We are giving the whole network the professionalism to sell the products and effectively doubling our fleet network. We’d taken our foot off the gas in this area in the past because we didn’t have the products coming through."

Renault expects the new Megane will return a 60/40 fleet/retail sales split despite the previous model never making a significant impact in the company car sector.

The brand, however, is less willing to predict future overall volumes for the Megane, arguing that it is difficult to compare likely sales to the launch years of the previous version as the segment has changed so much since.

“It’s a far better car than the Megane 3, a better package that will appeal to a wider audience, and especially the fleet sector – it has improved our credibility," said Le Graet.

Behind the wheel

At first glance the new Megane is far more striking visually than its predecessor, with a low, purposeful stance and bold front-end design emphasised by the edgy signature of the LED lights.



Inside there has certainly been a step up in fit and finish. The seats are comfortable, the controls well-placed. The highlight, however, is the Volvo XC90-style portrait-oriented centre console touch screen, standard on Dynamique S Nav models, an option on lower trims. It’s easy to use and even easier to read.

We drove the dCi110 model expected to both be the range best seller and revive the brand’s fleet presence. It’s a familiar engine, already in the Kadjar, and does not disappoint in this environment, offering excellent levels of refinement whether on urban roads or at speed on motorways.

The steering is light and easy in use, though with not quite enough feel to be as fun to drive as class leaders such as the Ford Focus. But once one includes an impressive standard equipment list, the Megane will certainly find its way onto consideration lists both retail and fleet. Find out more about the Renault Megane in South Africa from a Renault dealership near you.

Article source: http://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/car-news/renault-megane-2016-review-16-08-2016