Renault South Africa is keeping its word by launching the new Mégane Coupé in the country. The car is based on the new Mégane and was derived from the Mégane Coupé Concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
"New Mégane Coupé represents the state of the art, from the use of cutting edge all-digital technology as part of its design and development process, through to the sporting pedigree of its styling and driving characteristics," explains Renault SA Managing Director, Xavier Gobille. "It serves as an important image builder for Renault in South Africa, and will undoubtedly appeal to discerning motorists who demand uncompromising quality, contemporary style and a focus on pure driving enjoyment."
I was quite taken by the car’s looks; the sleek front grille, coupe silhouette, smooth lines and those Alfa-esque rear lights point to something that means business. Unfortunately the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre was not inspired during our drive. Sure it makes 83kW at 6000rpm and its 151Nm of torque peaks at 4250rpm but in Gauteng altitude reality bites. Its 6-speed manual gearbox is quite notchy at first but gets more accommodating with repeated use. Renault claims an average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100km on the Euro cycle and a C02 emissions figure of 163g/km.
Renault’s new 1.4 TCe petrol with 96kW and 190Nm will join the range early next year (but our sources say it will be in the country as early as November this year). I’ll say I’m quite glad about that; Renault has been lacking a mass-appeal turbo there at the lower end of the market.
Handling is solid and sporting which makes up for the lack of ooze. The chassis is stiff enough thanks to stiffer springs and dampers, a 30mm lower front roll centre height and a 12mm lower centre of gravity.
The features list is also quite long and includes the integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system. Another excellent piece of kit is the 3D Sound by Arkamys which has remapped the car’s sound system for the better. Usable ports include the USB hole for inserting music.
Sex appeal doesn’t mean unsafe though. The Coupé comes standard with 6 airbags, a Pelvis Restraint Cushion (PRC) anti-submarining airbag on both front seats, twin side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters and new-generation head restraints. Of course ABS and Emergency Brake Assist are standard, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with understeer control is available as an option. All this and more give the Mégane Coupé a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, same as all other current Renaults.
Renault Mégane Coupé Pricing
1.6 16v Dynamique (R220 000)
1.4 TCe (R245 000 - available January 2010)
