Renault Megane Dynamique 2012 Review

Double-clutch automated manual transmissions have been around for a few years now and Renault has just introduced a six-speed unit. It calls the new transmission Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC), and it’s the main reason we took another look at the Megane diesel hatch.

TECHNOLOGY

Double-clutch transmissions make super-quick gear changes – faster than humanly possible – and offer reduced fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic.

However, to feel these transmissions working at their best you need to use a lot of right foot to get off the line cleanly, which immediately detracts from the fuel efficiency.

In Megane hatch under review, the six-speed EDC transmission is linked to a 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and produces peak torque of 240 Nm at a low 1750 rpm, and 110 kilowatts at 4000 rpm. 

Power is run through the front wheels and there is no sign of torque steer even under hard acceleration. Renault claims the EDC transmission saves 17 per cent on emissions when compared to a conventional auto.

DESIGN

No one could ever accuse the French of producing boring cars and the Megane hatch is living proof of a beautifully sculpted five-door hatch. It is short but rakish and looks great on the road thanks to short front and rear overhangs.

At 4.3 metres long it could play the role of a family car for two adults and two kids.

In the Privilege the front seats have power height and reach adjustment, while the steering wheel also has height and reach adjustment. 

The seats are pretty comfortable though and there's good leg room for rear seat passengers. The rear seat is a bit narrow and better suited to two adults than three.

The rear seat is a 60/40 split and folds forward to greatly increase cargo space. All seats in use there's 360 litres of luggage space. We used the Megane Hatch diesel for a weekend trip away to Grafton in the northern rivers area of NSW and our luggage hardly put a dent in the boot space.

SAFETY

Renault was the first company every to score a five-star rating on the Euro NCAP testing and continues to be a leader in the field. As well as the ability to help occupants survive a crash, Renault is also big in primary safety, boasting Electronic Stability Program and ABS brakes with emergency brake assist. 

EQUIPMENT

There are two specification levels, Dynamique and Privilege. Megane Privilege gets a significant package to justify the $5000 difference between the two spec levels. These include black leather upholstery, electric glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and Arkamys four-speaker/four-tweeter sound system with single CD/MP3 player with satellite controls on the steering column.

We can't say we love the ergonomics. The start/start button is in a user-unfriendly spot in front of the gear shifter, while the air conditioning buttons and audio controls are far too low. This is compounded by the satellite audio controls hidden behind the right spoke of the steering wheel. These almost seem designed to distract the driver from what they should be doing – concentrating on the road.

What they have got right is the cruise control which is on the face of the steering wheel and simple to use. However, the cruise control master switch is on the centre console. Go figure.

DRIVING

Renault Megane hatch has refined road manners with excellent cornering and braking and makes an excellent cruising machine. 

The diesel engine is at its best when cruising with the car routinely having fuel consumption under 5.0 litres per 100 km. In our week we covered more than 600 km at 5.3 L/100 km, a fair bit above Renault's claim of 4.5 L/100 km, but no more removed from reality than the fuel figures claimed for most other cars. 

The combination of a stunning French style, the convenience of a new-design automatic transmission and a pretty low price for the prestige of a owning a European car seems sure to guarantee the latest Renault Megane strong sales Down Under.

Renault Megane Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel

Price: RS 250 Cup 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $41,990 (manual), RS 250 Monaco GP 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $48,990 (automatic),  Dynamique 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $22,990 (manual), $24,990 (manual), Privilege: 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $29,990 (automatic),  Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: Privilege dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: $32,490 (automatic)
Warranty: Five years/ unlimited km
Engine: 1.461 litres, Four cylinders in line. Compression Ratio: 15.2:1. 81kW - 240Nm
Safety Equipment: ABS Brakes, ESP, Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags.
Transmission: Manual Transmission: Six-speed Automatic Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch
Dimensions: Length: 4295 mm, Wheelbase: 2641 mm, Width:1808 mm, Height: 1471 mm. 
Turning Circle: 11.1 metres
Weight: 1366 kg
Towing Ability: 1300 kg with braked trailer
Brakes: Front Brakes: Ventilated disc Rear Brakes: Disc
Thirst: Diesel Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 4.5 L/100km
Green: 8.5/10. Air Pollution Rating: 5/10