2009 Renault Megane Coupe review and pictures

Renault Megane Coupe review:

New Megane Coupe launches with 10 versions across three trim levels: Expression, Dynamique and Privilège, priced £14,745 to £19,195

High standard equipment levels include: 16” alloy wheels, air conditioning, ESP with ASR (Anti-Skid Regulation) and CSV understeer control, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors and front electric windows

Raft of new equipment available: Arkamys 3D sound system, dual zone climate control and leather upholstery

Renault’s first CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) debuts on New Megane

Six engines at launch: three petrol - 1.6 VVT 110, 2.0 140 CVT and 2.0 TCe 180, three diesel -1.5 dCi 86, 1.5 dCi 106 and 1.9 dCi 130. More developments to follow in 2009

New Megane Coupe available to order from early November, launching late January 2009

Following much acclaim for its sporty and aggressive styling at the Paris Motor Show last month, Renault has now confirmed UK pricing for its chic New Megane Coupe range. Ordering opens early next month, with prices starting from £14,745, ready for the rakish three-door to go head-to-head with rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and VW Scirocco.

At launch, three trim levels will be available: Expression, Dynamique and Privilège, priced £14,745 to £19,195. Continuing the impressive list of standard equipment on the five-door Hatch, the new Coupe has been designed to offer all of the comfort and practicality features to make everyday usage as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

In addition to the car’s five proper seats, sports chassis with firmer suspension and a 12mm lower ride height compared with the Hatch, the Coupe’s generous core features include air conditioning, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors, front electric windows and emergency spare wheel.

The entry-level Expression offers: 16” ‘Sport’ alloy wheels, 4x15W RDS radio CD, Brake Assist, front fog lights, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Keyless car with Renault card and trip computer.

The mid-range Dynamique, which is also likely to account for the bulk of Coupe sales, benefits from: 17” alloy wheels (2.0 TCe 180 only), 4x15W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth and MP3 connection, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, Hands free Renault card, height adjustable passenger seat, leather steering wheel, speed limiter and extra tinted rear side windows.

As the sportier model in the New Megane range, the Coupe does without the 1.6 100 engine seen on the five-door, but gains Renault’s first CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with the 2.0 140 petrol engine.

Proving that stylish and sport-oriented cars can still be respectful of the environment, all five diesel versions of the Coupe fulfil Renault’s eco² criteria. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the 1.5 dCi 86 which is five-speed, and naturally the CVT.

Rounding off the Coupe range is Privilège, offering: 16” ‘Spirale‘ alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, electrically operated folding door mirrors, electrochome rear view mirror, rear armrest with storage and rear parking sensors.

As well as its plentiful equipment list, the New Megane Coupe range is available with a wide range of options:

£840 Arkamys ‘3D’ Sound 4x30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth and multi-functional TunePoint (for USB keys and portable music players)
£400 Dual zone climate control (Dynamique in lieu of air conditioning)
£200 Heated front seats
£300 Heated and electric front seats
£600 Fixed sunroof
£900 Leather upholstery (beige or carbon depending on version)
£375 Metallic paint
£300 Rear parking sensors
£1,600 Satellite navigation – full colour 2D screen with 3D sound 4x30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth

Four cost-effective option packs are also available:

£500 Hands Free (Hands free Renault card and electrically operated folding heated door mirrors)
£650 Xenon (Xenon headlights with wash)
£800 Sunroof Plus (4x15W radio CD with Arkamys 3D sound, fixed sunroof and Hands free Renault card)
£900 Convenience (fixed sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor and heated seats)

To enhance the striking lines of the new Coupe, a rear spoiler is available at £375, as well as a Body Kit (front, rear and side skirts) for £985.