THE fourth generation new Renault Megane range is now available to order priced from £16,600 with six trim levels across 25 versions – nine of them business friendly with 19% benefit in kind tax rating.

In showrooms from July, the new style Megane features technologies from the executive segment above in the six familiar trim levels  Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav, GT-Line Nav and GT Nav.

All provide a comprehensive standard specification, rising to the truly luxurious or sporty at the top-of-the-range.

Renault’s active and passive safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking and lane departure warning have been applied throughout the range, while connectivity via the easy-to-use R-Link 2 system is fitted to all models above Expression+.

Standard safety features include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pre-tensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats.

All versions provide a two-way adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, Bluetooth connectivity, accessory power point, a 12V front socket and ample storage throughout the cabin.

From entry level is also an automatic electronic parking brake, LED daytime running lamps, tinted windows, 7-inch TFT instrument panel with digital speedometer, all-round electric windows, leather steering wheel, and 4 x 20W DAB radio with fingertip controls and an AUX input.

The next level Dynamique Nav adds automatic headlights and wipers, Visio active safety system providing lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high/low beam headlamps, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, hands free keycard, automatic dual zone climate control.

A Multisense system provides selective driving modes and ambient lighting, Arkamys 3D Sound 4x35W DAB radio, and 7-inch touchscreen R-Link multimedia system including satellite navigation with live traffic updates and Western European mapping.

Dynamique S Nav adds 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, rear parking camera with front and rear parking sensors, extra tinted windows to the rear and tailgate, and the unique-in-class 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen R-Link multimedia system.

At the top of the range, there is Signature Nav featuring 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, full LED headlights, black leather upholstery with Nappa leather steering wheel and electrochrome rearview mirror.

A part of the Mégane’s sport range, the GT-Line Nav provides a more sporty and dynamic appearance with exterior and interior enhancements. To the front, a wider lower air intake with a honeycomb-pattern mesh is flanked by lateral scoops. Dark metal 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and door mirror housings match the finish on the front air scoops and rear diffuser.

Inside, the sports front seats feature additional lateral support and integral headrests, blue top-stitching and a chequered logo. The upholstery options, in fabric or Alcantara, provide hints of blue throughout to reflect the exclusive-to-GT-range Iron Blue body colour. The GT-Line Nav also has a bespoke steering wheel offering a firmer grip.

Powertrains for the new Renault Megane range

At launch there is a choice of four engines – two Energy TCe turbocharged petrol options of 1.2-litres/130hp (manual and EDC) and 1.6-litres/205hp (GT only – EDC). The turbodiesels are 1.5-litre dCi 110 unit, with manual or EDC transmission, or a 1.6-litre dCi 130 engine.

An Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) six-speed automatic gearbox is available with the dCi 110 and TCe 130 engines, standard for GT Nav. The dCi 110 EDC provides emissions of 98 g/km of CO₂, against 96 g/km for the manual version. The TCe 130 EDC offers 122 g/km of CO₂ – just 2 grams more than its manual counterpart, while the TCe 205 engine for the GT Nav’s emissions are 134 g/km.

The new Renault Megane range flagship 205hp  Mégane GT Nav, developed and engineered by Renault Sport, offers a number of unique-in-class technologies such as 4Control four-wheel steering, Launch Control and Multi-Change Down. With TCe 205 Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) six-speed gearbox – exclusive to the model – it can sprint from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 145mph.

Multi-Change Down allows the EDC transmission to downshift several gears in quick succession while braking, through one pull of the left gearshift paddle whilst in manual mode. The car will therefore be in the best gear for rapid acceleration out of corners.

Making the car more responsive and precise to drive, the four-wheel steer 4Control system gives the Mégane GT Nav the manoeuvrability of a shorter wheelbase vehicle. At speeds under 50mph in Sport mode and 37mph in other modes, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, by up to 2.7 degrees at the back. In excess of these speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction providing reassuring stability when cornering.

In 2017, two further engine options will be available. The Hybrid Assist is a 1.5-litre dCi unit with electric assistance. The GT Nav offering will be enhanced with the arrival of a dCi 165 1.6-litre twin-turbo unit.

The Multisense system is another technology from the segment above, offering four settings – Comfort, Sport, Neutral and Perso. The default setting – Neutral – provides the ideal balance between sportiness and comfort for everyday driving, comfort lends itself to a more economical driving style, while Perso allows the driver to personalise the set-up.

Sport offers the most dynamic style, accessed directly via the R.S. Drive button. Sport mode reduces the steering inputs needed by 40% and adjusts the accelerator, engine and transmission mapping accordingly.

There are also 12 high-value equipment packages available, to personalise Mégane, depending on model.

All versions provide the peace of mind of Renault’s 4+ warranty and assistance package. The car is protected by Renault for four years or 100,000 miles (first two years have no mileage limit).  There is also a three-year paint warranty and 12 years’ cover against corrosion. Servicing is required once a year or every 18,000 miles.