 |
Renault Megane 2002 / 2003
2002-03-20 - By Philip Byrne
The revolutionary new Renault Megane, due to hit the road in September, has been spied out testing in 'secret'.
 Interestingly, the new car will share its chassis with the new Almera due in 2003, now that Renault owns most of Nissan, and is likely to be a huge jump forward from the current car in terms of build and construction.
First to arrive will be the 5-door versions, followed by the 3-door shortly afterwards. Like the current car, the 3-door will be a coupe and will also form the basis for the SportMegane, which is likely to have around 150kW to take on the likes of the mighty Honda Civic Type-R, Ford Focus RS, Toyota Corolla T-Sport and MG ZS 190.
After that, a convertible will be launched, possibly with a folding Merc SLK-style hard-top to lure Peugeot 206 CC and next-generation Ford Focus convertible owners into Renault showrooms. (The Focus is also expected to get a folding hard-top).
Finally, the Scenic derivative will be launched to complete the range.
Petrol engines are likely to range from 1.2-litre 16V to 2.0-litre 16V and diesels will all be common-rail high-tech units possibly ranging from 1.5 to 1.9-litres.
 The 2.0-litre is expected to be available with a Selespeed-style clutchless transmission and all cars will have a key-less entry system as in the Laguna.
Renault will also make certain that the new car will get 5 stars in the NCAP test, just like sister Laguna, thereby cementing Renault's reputation for safety.
|
|
|
Send to a friend
// -->