Renault Megane Sedan (2017)

The consistency of the materials used for the dashboard and the top of the door panels accentuates the interior's perceived width. The centre console is wide, tall and surrounded by a smart trim. In higher-end models, the design of the console as well as the front and rear door panels are enhanced by two fine strips of light picked out in the same colour as that of the ambient lighting.

Depending upon the equipment level and market, the new Renault Megane Sedan's cabin is trimmed in either beige (with a choice of three different types of upholstery: fabric, velours or leather) or black (with five different upholstery options: two fabric, one velours, one TPE/fabric and one leather).

All of the above contribute to the sensation of superior comfort on-board the new Megane Sedan.

Class-leading seat comfort and roominess

The precision-designed seats promise and provide class-leading comfort and support thanks notably to the use of dual-density foam. The frames are the same as those employed for Espace and Talisman. Depending on version, the front seats are heated and the driver benefits from a massage function plus electricallyadjustable lumbar support.

The cabin offers a generous level of space for the driver and passengers alike:

• Shoulder and elbow room are amongst the best in the class (1,441mm shoulder room in the front and 1,377mm in the rear, with 1,492mm elbow room in the front and 1,413mm in the rear).
• 216mm knee room in the rear - 37mm more than in the five-door version.
• The angle of the rear-seat back (27 degrees) optimises head room for taller passengers and improves postural comfort.

One of the new Megane Sedan's most impressive features is its boot, whose 550dm3 volume (20dm3 more than the Renault Fluence) is the largest in its category. In addition to its capacious load- space, it is exceptionally practical with easy access courtesy of a wide opening. The maximum load length is 1,084mm, with a maximum width of 1,393mm.

Particularly close attention has been paid to cabin stowage space and user-friendliness:

• The central armrest can be adjusted in length to offer as much as three litres of storage.
• A generous 7-litre glove box.
• The front-door stowage space accommodates a 1.5-litre bottle.

Unrivalled equipment and technology levels in its segment

The new Renault Megane Sedan is based upon the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-C/D modular architecture which it shares with other high-end Renault models, including the Espace, the Talisman and the new Koleos as well as the new Megane and new SCENIC ranges. The new Megane Sedan comes with a wide range of features more commonly associated with the next segment up and unique in the segment: a colour head-up display, a configurable 7-inch TFT colour screen instrument display and the R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet available in two formats (7-inch landscape format, or 8.7-inch portrait format), as well as MULTI-SENSE.

R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet and a 7-inch instrument display

Higher-end versions of the new Megane come with R-LINK 2 with a 7-inch landscape format or 8.7-inch portrait format (22cm), identical to that available for the new Espace and the Talisman. Unique in the segment, it benefits from a capacitive 'pinch & zoom' screen for simplified use, much like that of a smartphone or tablet computer.

R-LINK 2 is a control centre that manages the vehicle's various functions: multimedia, navigation, telephone, radio, MULTI-SENSE, driving aids (ADAS).

R-LINK 2 offers:

• an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, similar to that of a tablet or smartphone: click-and-drag to move icons, page scrolling, two-finger zoom, etc.
• easy customisation, courtesy of three configurable 'home' pages with widgets (icons) and up to six different profiles that allow swift access to pre-selected driving settings and in-car ambience preferences,
• a control centre which enables the activation and deactivation of the majority of the car's functions, including the audio system, the hands-free telephone, the navigation and driving aids,
• connectivity, with a package that includes a free 12-month subscription to TomTom Traffic (depending on market), access to the R-LINK Store, up-to-date European maps and smartphone replication (available early 2017 depending on market). For iPhone users, the Siri voice command system can be activated from the steering wheel.

The new Megane Sedan equipped with R-LINK 2 also benefit from 3D Sound by Arkamys® and eight speakers. Thanks to its special digital signal processing software, this system adds depth and texture to listening pleasure.

Connectivity and charging options include:

• Bluetooth® for hands-free use of a telephone and audio streaming (standard on all versions),
• one or two USB ports (depending on version),
• a 3.5mm jack socket (standard on all versions),
• one or two 12V power supply (depending on version),
• a SD card slot (standard with R-LINK 2),

Driving data (speed, RPM, fuel consumption, etc.) is displayed on a personalisable 7-inch colour screen situated behind the steering wheel, in the driver's line of sight.

A personalised driving experience thanks to the MULTI-SENSE technology

Already available for Espace and Talisman, the MULTI-SENSE technology allows users to personalise their driving experience by:

• modifying accelerator pedal and engine response,
• adjusting the speed of the gearshifts (only available with the Efficient Dual Clutch automatic transmission),
• controlling the firmness of the steering,
• modifying the cabin lighting environment,
• activating the massage function of the driver's seat (depending on version).

A MULTI-SENSE button on the centre console provides direct access to these functions via the R-LINK 2 display, as well as to five different predefined driving settings: Neutral, Sport, Comfort, Perso and Eco. These modes combine with a choice of five interior lighting ambiences: sepia, red, blue, purple and green. The illumination covers the centre console - as well as the front and rear door panels in the case of higher-end versions - and matches the colour on the dashboard's TFT screen and on the portrait-format multimedia display. Moreover, with the assistance of MULTI-SENSE technology, the driver is able to adjust the engine sound with a choice between three different settings: Neutral, Comfort and Sport.

A comprehensive range of driving aids (ADAS)

More traditionally found in higher-segment vehicles, the retractable colour head-up display contributes to driving comfort and safety by making the driving aids (ADAS) clearer and easier to use. Without the driver needing to take their eyes off the road, the screen displays information like current speed, navigation and driving aid data to ensure a reassuring driving experience.

Depending on market, new Renault Megane Sedan benefits from the very latest driving aid (ADAS) technologies that also equip Renault's high-end models (Espace, Talisman, new Koleos).

These driving aids are all accessed and activated via the R-LINK 2 tablet and include the following functions:

• To reassure: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS).
• To alert: Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Safe Distance Warning (DW); Overspeed Prevention with Traffic Sign Recognition (OSP with TSR); Blind Spot Warning (BSW); Tiredness Detection Warning (TDW).
• To assist: rear view camera; automatic dipped and main beam headlights (AHL); front, rear and side parking sensors; and Easy Park Assist.

The new Megane Sedan's driving aids in details:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle to maintain a pre-selected following distance. The front radar evaluates the distance to the vehicle ahead and calculates its speed. It then communicates with the engine and braking system to adapt the car's speed accordingly and respect the following distance. This technology functions between 50kph and 150kph.
• Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS): Active between speeds of 30kph and 150kph, this system alerts the driver to the risk of a collision with the vehicle ahead. If the driver fails to respond or does not react sufficiently, the brakes are automatically applied in order to avoid or minimise a collision.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Active at speeds of more than 70kph, this warns the driver should the car unintentionally cross a solid or broken white line. This technology contributes to in-car safety by alerting the driver if the vehicle adopts a trajectory that could result in it leaving the road.
• Safe Distance Warning (DW): This helps the driver to comply with safe stopping distances. A warning pictogram - corresponding to the time interval separating the new Megane from the vehicle ahead - is displayed in an intuitive manner in the form of bars on the dashboard or head-up display. This system operates at speeds of between 30kph and 200kph.
• Overspeed Prevention with Traffic Sign Recognition (OSP with TSR): By reading traffic signs via a camera, this system informs the driver of the speed limit in the area in which they are travelling and offers to adjust the speed limiter accordingly (availability depending on market).
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW): To ensure safe overtaking manoeuvres, this system alerts the driver by means of a visual signal on the side mirrors when another vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system functions between 30kph and 140kph.
• Tiredness Detection Warning (TDW): The vehicle's path is constantly monitored by a Bosch-developed algorithm, providing both visual and audible warnings should driver fatigue be suspected.
• Rear View Camera: When reversing, this camera provides a view of the space behind the vehicle on the touchscreen display. To further assist the manoeuvre, this image is accompanied by a moving guide line and a static guide line.
• Automatic High Low Beam (AHL): A camera detects the lights of oncoming vehicles and the rear lights of vehicles ahead and automatically switches to dipped beam head lights. This function is also able to detect street lighting.
• Front, rear and side parking sensors: These sensors assist the driver in successfully completing parking manoeuvres, without relinquishing any control of the car; 360° ultrasonic detectors alert the driver when there is the risk of hitting an obstacle, thereby protecting the vehicle.
• Easy Park Assist: After helping the driver to identify a suitable parking spot by measuring the available space with its sensors, this system subsequently takes charge of the steering during the parking manoeuvre. Easy Park Assist caters for three different types of parking: parallel, perpendicular and angled. The central screen displays all of the information required to complete the manoeuvre (graphic illustration, reversing camera and sensors). In every case, the driver has control over the braking and acceleration during the manoeuvre.

The new Renault Megane Sedan is also equipped with the latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, braking assist, electronic brake force distribution and hill start assist as standard equipment.

Features that make life easier

In addition to this technologies from Renault's high-end models - unique in the segment - and depending upon the version and market, the new Megane Sedan offers the following features from the next segment up, designed to make life easier:

• Easy Trunk Access (ETA): a hands-free boot opening system that works by detecting movement underneath the rear bumper. This is a unique feature in the compact saloon segment.
• Hands-free entry card and starting (with automatic vehicle locking).
• The electronic parking brake immobilises the vehicle when the engine stops and frees up space on the centre console.
• Automatic dual-zone climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.

Best in class dynamic and acoustic comfort

The new Megane Sedan is a vehicle that performs well in every area by dint of its first class handling and a range of engines that cover the needs of all motorists. Significant work has also gone into ensuring vertical damping and acoustic comfort performance is at the best level.

The balance between comfort and dynamic handling delivered by the new Renault Megane Sedan comes from a specific work on ensuring the suspension is both safe and effective:

• The dampers and bump stops have been designed to deliver superior comfort.
• The steering is precise and responsive thanks to improved power assist, and through the fact that there are no rubber mountings between the sub-frame and body.
• A specific attention to front wishbone bushings.
• The rear suspension joints have been revised in order to improve the way irregularities in the road surface are absorbed.
• The rear beam has been modified to provide micro-steering movements of the rear wheels when turning in to corners for a more reassuring ride at higher speeds.
• Significant work has been led in terms of acoustic comfort and low road noise in the following areas:
• A impression of cocoon-like comfort, one of the symbols of the new Megane Sedan's upmarket shift, by the adoption of foam and felt underneath the bonnet, around the opening panels and wheel arches, in the foot wells, in the pillars and behind the boot's lateral trim, etc.
• Excellent insulation from wind noise, particularly on motorways, thanks to thicker windows as well as to exterior seals at the bottom of the doors, as well as by making the acoustic glass windscreens standard across the range.
• A stiffer body structure, ensuring better insulation against noise and vibrations at tick over.

Designed to make driving safer

The new Renault Megane Sedan benefits from Renault's vast experience in the realm of passive safety. Depending on market, the following features are standard equipment:

• two front airbags,
• two lateral thorax/shoulder airbags for the front occupants,
• two curtain airbags,
• anti-whiplash front and rear head rests,
• anti-submarining system for both front and rear seats,
• rear Isofix anchorage for i-Size child seats,
• all the seat belts are equipped with pretensioners and load limiters.

Moreover, the use of very high elastic limit steel for the engine frame and of high-strength steel for the passenger safety cell was specified to protect the cabin in the case of a major impact.

Uncompromising quality and durability tests

The new Megane Sedan was subjected to a series of tests in extreme conditions, as well as to a painstaking development process to endow it with exemplary road holding and handling. Given that it will be marketed in nearly 30 markets, it was important that the new Megane Sedan met the expectations of drivers in all types of weather and on all types of roads.

To ensure its reliability, and in addition to the tests already carried out on the new Megane hatchback version, the car was put through 276,000 kilometres on Renault's test tracks in conditions designed to accelerate ageing. That is the equivalent of 828,000 kilometres of real-life use. Moreover, 24 vehicles covered more than one million kilometres in order to detect any potential issues and swiftly rectify them.

Through the new Megane programme, the new Megane Sedan similarly benefits from a sound assessment of its ageing potential. As with all of new Renault's models, the car was put through the EDAU test procedure (tests of functional and visual durability). Combined with the road tests, this process simulates three years of vehicle usage by repeatedly performing the following actions: getting into and out of the car and adjusting the seats, raising and lowering the windows, clipping and unclipping the seat belts, changing gear, opening and closing the doors and tailgate, washing and cleaning, and climatic chamber tests (to simulate cold, hot, wet and sunny conditions).

A complete range of powertrains delivering fun to drive and efficiency

As an engine expert and a pioneer of turbocharging and downsizing in Formula 1, Renault is a leading advocate for smaller-capacity engine that seamlessly blend driving pleasure and efficiency. Depending on markets, some of these engines are available with X-Tronic or EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission, both renowned for their reliability and simplicity in everyday use. This engine line-up has been tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the markets where new the Renault Megane Sedan is sold.

A standard feature on all versions is the ECO mode, which modifies the vehicle's performance characteristics and reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. Available on versions equipped with R-LINK-2, the Driving Eco2 provides a range of data aimed at helping drivers to analyse the way they drive and take corrective measures to reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

SCe 115: 1.6-litre naturally aspirated, 115hp and 156Nm of torque from 4,000rpm.

Available at entry level, this engine has already proven its worth in numerous Groupe Renault's vehicles and is mated to either:

- 5-speed manual transmission (6.3 litres/100km; 142g of CO2/km),

- or X-Tronic automatic transmission (6.6 litres/100km; 153g of CO2/km).

The X-Tronic gearbox was designed to enhance driving enjoyment and reduce fuel consumption compared with conventional automatic transmissions. Unlike former CVT transmissions, this transmission performs more like a multi-ratio automatic whenever the driver needs to accelerate briskly. However, the X-Tronic gearbox ensures seamless gear shifts under acceleration by proposing an infinite number of gears. It ensures that engine revs and load are constantly optimised to deliver enhanced fuel consumption, ride comfort and low noise levels when travelling at constant speeds. X-Tronic transmission provides all the benefits of conventional automatic transmissions without the downsides.

Energy TCe 130 EDC, 7-speed EDC automatic transmission: 130hp and 205Nm of torque from 2,000rpm.

This 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit offers the same performance and efficiency as a naturally aspirated 2.0 litres engine. Its direct injection technology and integrated turbo manifold mean it is flexible and responsive. The direct injection improves combustion to the benefit of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures. Mated to a 7-speed EDC automatic transmission this engine generates the same fuel consumption and CO2 emissions levels as the manual gearbox version (5.4 litres/100km; 122g of CO2/km) whilst providing the comfort and response of a dual clutch transmission.

At the beginning of 2017, the same unit will become available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Energy dCi 90, 6-speed manual transmission: 90hp and 220Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, this unit is both economical and a pleasure to drive. Equipped with a Stop & Start system, it consumes just 3.7 litres of fuel per 100km, equivalent to 95g of CO2/km.

Energy dCi 110

- 6-speed manual transmission: 110hp and 260Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.

- or 6-speed EDC automatic transmission: 110hp and 250Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.

This engine guarantees an enhanced driving experience, resulting of an extensive work on the intake phase and combustion process. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remain very low (95g of CO2/km, 3.7 litres/100km), both with the 6-speed manual gearbox and the 6-speed EDC automatic transmission. Energy dCi 130, 6-speed manual transmission: 130hp and 320Nm of torque from 1,750rpm. This engine is packed with advanced technologies. Courtesy of downsizing, this 16-valve diesel produces 130hp despite a cubic capacity of just 1,598cc. It is underpinned by a particularly efficient design, based upon an architecture derived from Renault's expertise in F1. Fuel consumption figures for this diesel engine are just 4l/100km and CO2 emissions only 103g/km. The generous torque ensures brisk and effective pick-up for genuine driving enjoyment.

This engine line-up (except SCe 115) comes with an additional range of efficient solutions designed to help drivers reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions:

• The Stop&Start system automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle comes to a standstill in neutral with the clutch disengaged (meaning neither harmful emissions nor CO2 are produced). The engine automatically re-starts when the clutch pedal is depressed.
• The energy recovery system recovers the vehicle's kinetic energy via the alternator during periods of deceleration/braking. This energy is stored in the battery which takes strain off the alternator.
• The dashboard display's Driving Style Indicator (green, yellow, orange) and Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) help drivers adjust their driving style with a view to achieving fuel consumption savings.

Particularly well-adapted to the requirements of image-conscious fleets

Renault has bestowed the new Megane Sedan with features that are more usually associated with models from the next segment up, boasting all the necessary credentials to attract business customers thanks to its attractive, differentiating positioning:

• Exterior dynamic and status enhancing styling for the driver and/or the company they represent.
• Best-level low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the segment.
• Unrivalled dynamic performance and range of features and technologies for its class (R-LINK 2, driving aids, MULTI-SENSE), to reassure and assist high-mileage drivers.
• Exceptionally comfortable seats and roominess make it the perfect travel companion.
• A proven vehicle (Alliance CMF-C/D architecture, engine range) and several hundred thousand kilometres of road tests to ensure its quality and reliability.

These are all key criteria when it comes to determining the residual value of the new the Renault Megane Sedan - a vital factor in the competitiveness of a vehicle in the eyes of fleet managers and professionals.