NEW RENAULT MEGANE AND NEW RENAULT MEGANE COUPE, A NEW FAMILY WITH REAL CHA
10/02/2008
Renault
The Megane Coupe Concept unveiled at the Geneva Show in the spring of 2008 paved the way for the release of a new C-segment model line-up with real character. Today, following the recent introduction of New Megane in September, it's the turn of New Megane Coupe to take front stage at the Paris Motor Show. The New Renault Megane family's designs are the product of a desire to produce an immediately eye-catching car. Its elegant styling takes its inspiration from the passion associated with the automobile, including cues from the world of sport.
The two New Renault Megane models that have now broken cover both have their own distinct personalities. The hatchback version stands out as appealing and reassuring. Its strengths include assertive lines which mark a clear shift in styling, plus outstanding comfort, practical equipment and exemplary roadholding. Meanwhile, New Megane Coupe places the emphases on safe driving enjoyment and performance for discerning enthusiasts looking for sensations to match this coupe's striking looks but who also want a car they can use on a daily basis.
Both models are robust, too, with the accent very much on the fit and finish of its panels, as well as on the quality of the materials it employs. The new model has also benefited from the progress that has been achieved across the Renault range on both the reliability and durability fronts.
New Renault Megane's interior is extensively equipped with practical, comfort-enhancing features. These include combined analogue/digital instruments incorporating a new, easier- to-read colour-coded cruise control/speed limiter interface. The list continues with a host of equipment normally associated with the next segment up, such as hands-free entry and ignition, automatic locking as the driver walks away from the car, a Carminat Bluetooth(R) DVD navigation system and a custom-developed audio system (3D Sound by Arkamys(R)).
The on-road performance of New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe lives up every bit to the high standard promised by its looks, with precision, control and efficiency combining to deliver a particularly enjoyable and reassuring ride. A broad, extensively- renewed range of dCi and TCe powerplants combining performance and respect for the environment is available for the hatchback and coupe versions, with four diesel engines that can claim CO2 emissions equal to or less than 120g/km (118g/km for dCi 85 et 90, 120g/km for dCi 105 and 110).
Despite being bigger and roomier, New Megane and New Megane Coupe are an average 8kg lighter than their predecessors. New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe benefit from Renault's expertise in the realm of safety, too. Features include double side-impact sensors and dual-chamber airbags as seen on Laguna III and aimed at minimizing the consequences of a side-on collision. It is also a socially responsible vehicle which is 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable by weight, while almost 12 per cent of the plastics it contains are sourced from recycling, equivalent to an average of 22kg per car.
Renault's design and engineering teams focused their attention on three main areas of development, namely reinforcing the personality of each member of the Megane line-up, ensuring a balanced offer in terms of performance and equipment, and targeting best-in-class positioning for all its core features.
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe mark the beginning of Renault's renewal of its C-segment line-up. With market share of more than a third, this segment has long been the biggest in Western Europe and makes a significant contribution to Renault's performance in terms of both volume and profitability. By 2010, the New Megane family will include six different models, each of which will have its own unique and assertive personality. These six models have been conceived essentially for customers in European markets and will be manufactured in Palencia (Spain) and Douai (France). Other models equipped with specific technical solutions suited to local conditions will be available in non-European markets.
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe: out to appeal
Dynamic, elegant styling for New Megane hatchback
The two-box version of New Megane is designed to win over the particularly demanding customers of the compact family car segment. Renault's Design Department worked closely with the project engineers from a very early stage to incorporate styling cues suggestive of the world of sport into New Megane's genetic make-up. The result is a family hatchback of 4.30m in length with a dynamic stance thanks particularly to its short front and rear overhang, 2.64m wheelbase, steeply-raked roofline and wide tracks.
Its strong personality is instantly apparent through its racy front-end looks which feature crown lines that sweep across the bonnet from the windscreen pillars to converge on the centrally-positioned logo. Meanwhile, the streamlined forms of the headlamps serve to prolong the fluid lines of the air- intakes to reinforce New Renault Megane's determined expression and piercing gaze. New Renault Megane's strong personality is also expressed at the rear where the two-part light clusters continue the feature line and facilitate access to the boot.
The Latin influence of New Renault Megane's elegantly sensual curves is especially visible when seen from the side. The proportions of its flanks are both harmonious and dynamic, and suggest forward movement, as well as an assertive character and the promise of genuine driving enjoyment.
Inspired by a passion for the automobile
New Renault Megane Coupe is equally inspired by the passion associated with the automobile. Its extremely dynamic frontal-styling looks feature a grille comprising two outer air-scoops picked out by a satin-finish chrome trim that runs either side of logo, as well as a central air-intake incorporating a matt-black crossbar. The headlamps, which prolong the lines of the two air-scoops, provide the vehicle with a strong, clear personality. The crease lines of the bonnet sweep up the bonnet to the windscreen pillars and continue via the raked windscreen and sloping roofline to produce a particularly dynamic silhouette. Seen from the side, the graphic form of its glazed areas, and more especially the quarterlight, echoes the character line as it strikes rearward to suggest forward movement. Its sculpted rear-end, broad, muscular haunches and low ride-height (12mm lower than the hatchback version) ensure that New Megane Coupe sits car squarely on the road. Its assertive character is also expressed by the form of its rear light clusters which appear to be suspended over the shoulders and which incorporate unprecedented square taillights set to a black background. The sporting pedigree of the coupe version is further accentuated by the two vertical lines that pick out the surface of the logo on the hatch and which add a dynamic touch to the rounded forms of the rear. It is also equipped with an air diffuser situated beneath the bumper, while the hatch is topped by an aerodynamic lip spoiler. Only the bonnet, wings and headlamps are shared by the coupe and hatchback versions.
Robustness and perceived quality common to both cars
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe immediately exude a sense of robustness and perceived quality. This impression is heightened by the generous surface area and curvaceous forms of their body panels. Seen from the side, the feature line extends the crease of the slightly prominent front wings rearward to emphasize the car's broad, solid shoulders. The wide track (1.55m) ensures that both the hatch and coupe versions sit squarely on the road and, in the case of New Megane Coupe, the impression of stability is further amplified by its low ride-height and rear-end styling. The proportions of the two cars, the form of their beltline and their large door panels exude a feeling of protection, especially in the case of the coupe. Coupled with the generous proportions of the bodywork, this blend of fluid lines also maximizes the visual effect produced by the light reflecting off the body, while the range of metallic paint finishes includes the all-new Ecume Blue for the hatchback and sparkling Cayenne Orange for the Coupe. Particular attention has been paid to reducing the cut lines between the different body panels (e.g. windscreen pillars, fuel filler flap) and the front and rear bumpers which discreetly incorporate the parking proximity sensors. New Renault Megane's roofline also benefits from specific treatment thanks to the use of laser brazing which eliminates the need for roof trimming.
The interior, meanwhile, features a driving environment that makes extensive use of fluid forms. The impression that the dashboard is suspended is reinforced by the taut horizontal lines that emphasize the curve of the decorative trim. All the controls have been carefully positioned and fall easily to hand close to the steeringwheel or on the centre console with a view to freeing up as much space as possible for an even roomier cabin. Great care has also gone into the quality of the materials used. The fully integrated dashboard cowl benefits from a finish which is not only soft to the touch, but also resistant to daily use and to the ageing effects of sunlight. The windscreen wipers are esthetically concealed beneath the bonnet line, a choice which also favours acoustic and aerodynamic performance. The interior trim has been carefully thought through to produce a range of distinct ambiences depending on equipment level. Customers can accordingly choose between a light, elegant trim that exudes travelling comfort or a darker ambience with a sportier feel. Last but not least, New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe come with a comprehensive range of accessories including body kits, comfort-enhancing equipment and stowage solutions.
Ergonomically advanced: driving position, comfort and useful technology
Simplified ergonomics and interfaces mean that New Megane and New Megane Coupe customers will have absolutely no trouble familiarizing themselves with their new vehicle.
The two cabins share the same innovative dashboard which features an analogue rev-counter alongside a digital speedometer which is clear and easy to take in, ensuring greater visual control over the vehicle's speed. The centrally-positioned speedometer also incorporates the cruise control/speed limiter display, fuel and water temperature gauges, and 'door open' and tyre pressure warning lights.
One particular Renault innovation is the cruise control/speed limiter which comes with a new interface. When this function is activated, the speed selected by the driver is displayed at the top of the speedometer which is itself ringed by a sequence of lights that take the form of an arc around the central display. In speed limiter mode, the red segment lights up as the speed increases, while the selected speed begins to flash if exceeded. The use of colours is not only intuitive and functional; it also represents a gain in terms of response time.
The form of the seats and the materials chosen for them enable long distances to be covered in total comfort. New Megane Coupe's particularly enveloping seats have been designed to hold occupants firmly in place. In addition to the height- and reach-adjustable steeringwheel featured on both versions, it takes no time at all for drivers to modify the seatback angle and headrest, adjust the lumbar support and even raise or lower the seat height through 70mm of travel.
The sensation of travelling comfort is heightened by the carefully engineered acoustic comfort of the exceptionally roomy cabin which boasts best-in-class front elbowroom in the case of the hatchback. The Coupe comes with the same rear benchseat as the hatchback and, thanks to headroom of 83cm, comfortably sits three adults, making it ideal for daily use, solitary jaunts or journeys with friends.
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe also boast a wide range of interior features. They both carry over the practical under-floor stowage first featured on previous generation Meganes.. The front door bins can hold a 1.5 litre bottle. The stowage in the centre console incorporates space under the armrests and gives rear passengers an open, practical and easily accessible cubby.
Both models also stand out by the amount of luggage they can hold. The hatchback's boot volume of 405dm3 VDA figures amongst the best in the segment, while the coupe tops its segment with a score of 377dm3 VDA. The 60/40-split rear seat enables the load capacity to be adapted in an instant by means of practical, easy-to-reach levers.
A raft of equipment from the next segment up
In response to customer demand, Renault has paid special attention to ensure that New Megane's driving environment is practical with controls that are both ergonomically positioned and intuitive. The two versions also come with a long list of technological equipment and features traditionally associated with the next segment up and aimed at taking the stress out of motoring, as well as enhancing travelling comfort.
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe are equipped with hands-free entry and ignition, while the same card remotely locks the car when the driver walks away from the vehicle. The doors can also be locked automatically by pressing on the button situated on the door handles. They unlock when the hand of the person carrying the card approaches one of the door handles or activates the boot latch. Meanwhile, the remote lighting function enables drivers to locate their vehicle thanks to a specific button on the card which switches on the lights.
Another comfort feature shared by both versions of New Renault Megane is the assisted parking brake which is automatically applied when the engine is switched off and released by a simple press on the accelerator pedal with the engine running. The system facilitates hill starts and can be activated manually thanks to a switch situated on the centre console.
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe can be ordered with one of two GPS navigation systems: Carminat Bluetooth(R) CD (2D navigation with seven-inch colour display and, now, a central control) or Carminat Bluetooth(R) DVD (top-end 3D navigation), a system previously only available on models from the next segment up. Carminat Bluetooth(R) DVD incorporates three functions: GPS navigation, a radio-CD with MP3 playback and Bluetooth(R) hands-free telephone controls. The joystick control is located in the middle of the centre console and requires no time at all to become fully proficient in its use.
For optimal thermal comfort, New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe are equipped with climate control as standard, while an automatic dual-zone system is available for certain versions. This system enables the driver and front passenger to choose the temperature they prefer independently. It also permits them to select the fan speed thanks to the 'Soft-Auto-Fast' function. In 'Auto' mode, the system automatically optimizes the temperature, sound level and start-up speed. The 'Soft' mode favours a quieter ambience, notably for the driver and front passenger, while the 'Fast' mode responds swiftly and efficiently to adjust the temperature of the entire cabin.
Both versions of New Megane benefit from a comprehensive range of audio systems, too, including a first for a Renault model: a tailor-made top-end system developed in association with Arkamys(R) and known as '3D Sound by Arkamys(R)'. This specialist in digital audio processing benefits from some ten years of experience and has developed special onboard software which delivers a high quality three- dimensional sound. The system can even adapt the listening experience to the number of occupants in the car. Meanwhile, radio reception has been optimized thanks to a dual aerial system comprising a traditional exterior antenna and another screen-printed onto the rear screen.
Connectivity also takes pride of place thanks to the standard RCA/auxiliary socket located on the centre console which enables occupants to enjoy personal music collections stored on a portable player. The Plug & Music option enables the driver to scroll through the functions of portable players (USB key, iPod(R), etc.) using the car's own steeringwheel-mounted finger-tip remote controls, with menus and play lists shown remotely on the dashboard display.
A rewarding driving experience
A New Megane for everybody's taste: the balanced hatchback and the sportier coupe
New Renault Megane and New Renault Megane Coupe share the same MacPherson-type front suspension coupled with a new horned subframe, a configuration which minimizes lateral displacement of the subframe to provide impeccable directional precision. The rear suspension is based on a programmed deflection flexible beam using a closed section beam that combines stiffer torsional performance and light weight. The sum of these features has produced a more responsive, agile ride, as well as improved cornering without detracting from comfort.
The Coupe's dynamic performance lives up to the promise suggested by its looks. Its assertive character is further enhanced by the development of a Sport chassis which has been engineered for even greater driving pleasure. Handling performance has been fine-tuned thanks to stiffer front and rear springs, an increased diameter anti-roll bar and a 12mm lower ride-height compared with the hatchback version of New Megane. At the same time, the new power steering system featured on both versions offers even swifter response to inputs from the driver and helps combat the phenomenon of steering wheel inertia.
In addition to the dynamic qualities of their chassis, New Megane and New Megane Coupe can claim class-leading stopping power thanks to their generously-dimensioned brakes. The combination of vented 296mm-diameter discs at the front and 260mm-diameter rear discs slows New Megane to a standstill after repeated braking from 100kph in just 37 metres, one of the segment's best braking distances. New Megane and New Megane Coupe also ensure precise, responsive and reassuring roadholding, while their positive, predictable handling performance is ideally suited to dynamic driving styles.
Respect for the environment and punch: the hallmarks of the dCi and TCe engine ranges
A significantly renewed range of dCi and TCe powerplants that combine fuel efficiency and performance will be available for New Megane and New Megane Coupe from launch. These engines are capable of delivering torque and power from low revs across a broad rev band whatever the demand made on them. Both versions of New Renault Megane have profited from this expertise and share the same comprehensive line-up of engines and transmissions whose technical characteristics bring out the best in the new cars' dynamic potential.
The dCi range
The dCi 85 and dCi 105 engines, which have been widely praised for the performance and driving pleasure they deliver, have been joined by the dCi 90 and the particulate filter-equipped dCi 110. Every one of these engines emits less than 120g of CO2/km (118g/km for dCi 85 et 90, 120g/km for dCi 105 and 110) while the new dCi 130 profits from the dCi range's most advanced technology in terms of combustion and turbocharging to return CO2 emissions of just 135g/km. Peak power (130hp/96kW) arrives sooner, too (at 3,750rpm instead of 4,000rpm), and maximum torque (300Nm) is available from 1,750rpm instead of 2,000rpm. The engine line-up will shortly be extended to include the dCi 160 coupled with a manual gearbox and the dCi 150 mated to automatic transmission.
The petrol range
Depending on market, the petrol range available for New Megane and New Megane Coupe will comprise the 1.6 16V 110hp, as well as the 2.0 16V 140hp and the TCe 180. The 2.0 16V will be available from launch with a six-speed manual gearbox, while continuously variable transmission will be introduced with this powerplant at a later date. Renault's latest petrol engine, the TCe 130 will be added to the catalogue in the spring of 2009. Developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the latter is a perfect illustration of the expertise that has been acquired in the realm of downsizing. This new, fuel-efficient 1,397cc block packs the power of a 1.8-litre engine (130hp) and the torque of a 2.0 (190Nm), yet its CO2 emissions are less than those of a 1.6, making it particularly respectful of the environment. Depending on version, these engines can drive through five- or six- speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The New Megane range will include biofuel-compatible engines (bioethanol and biodiesel).
Despite being bigger and roomier, New Megane and New Megane Coupe are an average 8kg lighter than their predecessors. The combination of lower weight and optimized aerodynamics has led to particularly frugal fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions, but not to the detriment of either driving pleasure or performance.
New Megane hatchback and New Megane Coupe are both socially responsible cars. Almost 70 per cent of all sales will concern models that meet the three criteria required to qualify for the Renault eco² signature, namely:
-CO2 emissions less than 140g/km or biofuel-compatible,
- Manufactured in an ISO 14001-certified factory,
- 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable, while at least five per cent of the plastics the car contains must
be sourced from recycling.
Safety excellence a priority for New Renault Megane
Renault has naturally profited from its own engineering expertise and from the latest research carried out by LAB2 to develop a full range of safety equipment designed to perform in real-life driving situations. New Megane and New Megane Coupe benefit from Renault's extensive expertise in the realm of safety and have been developed to be exemplary in this field.
In terms of active safety, New Megane, like the rest of the Renault range, features a long list of equipment aimed at helping drivers anticipate risk situations. This equipment includes visual seatbelt reminder warnings for all five seats, a tyre pressure monitoring system and bi-Xenon headlamps incorporating dipped beam cornering lights, as well as automatic activation of the headlamps, windscreen wipers and the cruise control/speed limiter. To optimize the driver's response to difficult or emergency situations, the two versions of New Megane are also equipped with ABS, EBD and Emergency Brake Assist as standard. Depending on version, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and CSV understeer control are also available.
On the passive safety front, the programmed deformation of the structure of New Megane and New Megane Coupe has been engineered to absorb impact energy with a view to protecting the cabin and therefore occupants. The materials employed - including high, very high and very, very high elastic limit steels - have been selected to absorb and dissipate as much kinetic energy as possible. Controlled deformation ensures that occupants are subjected to lower deceleration forces and this, coupled with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3), guarantees an extremely high level of protection. The Renault System for Restraint and Protection is unique on the market and takes into account both impact force and the build of occupants. It comprises double pretensioners, load limiters and dual- chamber adaptive airbags The system also offers optimum protection against submarining, a phenomenon in which the groin slides underneath the seatbelt's lap strap, possibly leading to serious abdominal lesions in a collision. The fastening of seatbelts is facilitated by the higher position of the stalks which offers easier access. Impact from the side is a leading cause of fatal injuries since the flanks of a car traditionally offer less protection. However, specific work into this area has produced positive breakthroughs. Indeed, both New Meganes inherit the same double side-impact sensors and dual-chamber airbags first seen on Laguna III. The latter adapts the load exerted on the body by delivering three times more pressure to the groin area which is more exposed compared with the thorax. Meanwhile, the fixation rods of the new generation headrests slide within the headrest and no longer within the upper part of the seatback and ensure enhanced protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of impact from the rear. Since the rods no longer form a rigid element in the seat, the occupant's back can sink into the seatback until their head comes into contact with the headrest, resulting in less movement of the head and thorax.
Ensuring a sustainable profit context
The capital outlay for New Megane amounted to €1.8 billion, a figure which covered the design of six new body-types and their production in Palencia (Spain) and Douai (France).
Despite the exacting brief, research and development costs were kept to a minimum thanks to the carry over of certain technologies developed for New Laguna.
Like New Laguna, New Megane has benefited from the Quality Excellence Plan and has capitalized on the progress made following the application of Renault best practices and procedures, as laid out notably in the Renault Design Way (SCR) and Renault Production Way (SPR). This uncompromising cross-functional approach has been profitable to the entire range. The carry over of certain components from New Laguna and other Renault models, as well as from the production set-up deployed for Megane II has resulted in a sharp fall in production-related investment which is 30 per cent less than that required for the previous generation car.
The carry-over from Megane II - which not only concerns platform components, but also the principal mechanical assemblies, parts and technical solutions - proved particularly valuable in curbing production-related investment and ultimately produced few constraints since it gave a free hand to the creativity of the design team.
A rationalized production plan ensures optimized use of manufacturing capacity. The programme's profitability is to a great extent ensured by amortization of the cost of using existing production facilities. To favour optimal use of the capacity of its European production plants (Palencia and Douai), Renault has divided the production of the six models of the New Megane family amongst these two sites, with New Megane hatchback and New Megane Coupe produced in Spain. This reorganisation, with the different factories specializing in specific body-types, has enabled cost savings to be achieved in the production of the platform which has now been amortized. It has also made it possible to optimize the way the investment for the production of each body-type is targeted.
The €810 million production-related investment was divided as follows: €370 million invested with suppliers and €440 million in the factories, chiefly Douai and Palencia.
Work with suppliers on optimizing capacity dimensioning and the suppression of doubling up of tooling achieved a saving of €125 million. The sourcing of certain mass-produced parts in Eastern Europe and Asia has resulted in lower component purchasing costs. Quality control procedures are enforced just as strictly as they are in the case of traditional supply chains and the results achieved are the same: just 30 defective parts per million.
Factory-related investment has been halved compared with Megane II and was split relatively evenly between the two plants, with €250 million going to Douai and €190 million to Palencia.
The purchase of tooling for the production of the new components and of new stamping shop robots represented a total of €180 million across the three plants in question, namely Palencia and Valladolid (which ensures 60 per cent of stamping operations for the three body-types) in Spain, and Douai in France.
The 95 per cent-automated bodyshops were modified at a cost of €215 million, with almost half that of sum going to Palencia. The purchase of some 100 robots has produced gains in both perceived quality and durability over the previous generation Megane. This tooling concludes the fitting out of the bodyshops which were set up five years ago and which figure amongst the world's very best.
The highly robotized paintshops have benefited from an investment of €7 million with a view to adapting existing equipment. Palencia's paintshop was extensively updated in 2002.
An investment of €32 million has gone into the assembly lines. This has essentially been spent on adapting existing facilities to the models that make up the New Megane family. In Palencia, it also served to improve working conditions with the introduction of variable-height skids which are more ergonomically efficient.
The introduction of strip and build procedures as used by Nissan during the start-up phase enabled operators to maintain a high level of precision when working on early runs of new models. A car is set aside to be repeatedly built and stripped, enabling operators to keep their eye in at start-up production levels.
Start-up costs amounted to €67 million, an improvement made possible by the harmonisation of procedures and methodologies from one factory to another. The experience of previous production start-ups, such as those of New Twingo (Novomesto) in Slovenia, and of New Laguna (Sandouville) and New Kangoo (MCA Maubeuge) in France, made it possible to capitalize on the best practices and ensure a swift, controlled start-up of New Megane's assembly lines. The production of the different New Megane body-types is programmed over a short period of time and Renault is poised to renew its line-up in the segment in Western Europe in the space of less than two years.