Mégane II is the first Renault programme to take into account the requirements of Life-cycle Environmental Management
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Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch show off radical new personality
The Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch are C-segment models, alongside the Golf IV Volkswagen, Audi A3, Peugeot 307 and Fiat Stilo. Mégane II will be the first model to use the C platform, the second common platform developed alongside Nissan. Designed for C-segment models of both Renault and Nissan, the C platform will account for over 25% of all Alliance production by 2006, i.e. approximately 1.8 million vehicles. The X84 programme was devised right from the start as an international programme and will be distributed in 75 countries. In Europe, Renault has its sights set on 14% of the C segment, with sales spread equally among the different body types. Introduction of the seven models in the X84 programme has been scheduled over a short timeframe. The first six cars will be launched over a one-year period, between autumn 2002 and autumn 2003. Renault invested a total of Æ2.1 billion, with nearly half devoted to industrial investment in Palencia, Spain, in Douai, France and in Bursa, Turkey, where the Mégane Saloon will be made. The distinctive design of Mégane II
Mégane II's robust design is rounded out by an attention to detail that is evident in the clean-cut lines, fit and finish and flush body panels. The interior is a lesson in modernity, sobriety and ergonomics. It is the first volume-produced car to feature Touch Design, an illustration of the care and attention that went into its design. Mégane II is governed by the concept of "ease of use", which determined each decision during the development phase. Renault has taken the notion of personalization to its limit and offers customers unique freedom of choice, which Renault believes is a decisive factor in a customer's decision to buy a car. There are almost limitless combinations of colour and trim, engines and equipment - as well as a host of options. Mégane II is agile and sure-footed in dynamic mode
Mégane II is the first model to use a new-generation electronic stability programme (ESP) incorporating understeer control logic (UCL). This system features a new control program which works more effectively in the event of severe understeer or the loss of grip of the front wheels. Control of understeer works on two wheels on one side, or on all four wheels at once according to the severity of the understeer. A traction control function (ASR) for starting from rest and accelerating in low grip conditions completes the ESP specification. In addition to the latest-generation ABS system, Mégane II is fitted with Emergency Brake Assist, which intervenes according to the speed of operation of the brake pedal. Mégane II is available with a system which warns the driver in the event of incorrect pressure in one or several tyres: the tyre pressure monitoring system. The variable assist power steering heightens driving precision with characteristics tailored to every need. Cockpit-style ergonomics has been developed to make the driver feel part of the car. By combining better light output with extremely uniform light levels, xenon lamps also contribute to active safety. In Mégane II, the beam height is adjusted with reference to two laws in order to adapt the range of the beams to the speed of the car. At launch, Mégane II will be offered with a wide range of economical yet powerful VVT petrol and dCi diesel engines together with new-generation transmissions. The petrol engine range at launch comprises three units: 98bhp 1.4 16V, 115bhp 1.6 16V VVT and 136bhp 2.0 16V VVT. The latter two engines are equipped with variable inlet valve timing (VVT) for the benefit of ease of driving and a reduction in fuel consumption. All these petrol engines comply with the Euro 3 (Euro 2000) emission requirements and also meet IF Euro 4 fiscal incentive standards, according to market. The Mégane II diesel range will initially consist of the 1.5 dCi 80 (120g of CO2/km) and 1.9 dCi 120 common-rail turbodiesel units. Two new engines - 1.5 dCi 100 and 1.9 dCi 140 - will be launched in 2003. The transmission systems in Mégane II have been developed with the aim of exploiting all the potential of the engines. The 1.4 16V and 1.6 16V petrol engines and the 1.5 dCi 80 diesel benefit from a new generation of five-speed manual gearboxes. A new six-speed manual gearbox designated "ND0" of Nissan origin is fitted to the high-range 1.9 dCi and 2.0 16V engines. Mégane II will also at a later date be available with automatic transmission teamed with the 2.0 16V and then 1.6 16V units: the four-speed Proactive unit (DP0), now equipped with a flick-shift sequential selector. A key factor in driving pleasure and travelling comfort, the acoustic treatment of Mégane II has been the focus of numerous studies and innovative features. Mégane II seeks excellence in safety
Renault has sought a perfect balance between the energy-absorbing ability of the structure and the occupant restraint systems. Mégane II is equipped with the thirdgeneration System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3) first seen in Laguna II. This system combines twin-volume adaptive airbags with adaptive safety belts which for the first time incorporate double load limiters and double pretensioners for the two front seats. The Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch are also equipped with two lateral thorax airbags built into the front seats for the front seat occupants, and two curtain airbags to protect both front and back seat occupants against head injury. Two lateral thorax airbags are incorporated in the back seats to protect passengers against side impact. Mégane II thus provides a whole series of airbags, numbering up to eight in the Hatch and 10 in the Sport Hatch. An intelligent approach to travelling pleasure with comfort features to match those of a higher segment The Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch combine Renault's know-how in the area of comfort with an intelligent approach to travelling pleasure. It features innovative layout features, including a double floor. All free space has been transformed into stowage space, with 44 litres of interior stowage altogether. The panoramic sunroof creates an exceptional opening towards the exterior for its occupants. In the same manner as the system installed in Avantime, it comprises two flush-fitting panels, the front one moving and the rear one fixed. With a total surface area of 1.32m2, the glass area of the sunroof is the largest in this class. Following its arrival at the top of the range, the keyless car now makes its appearance in the C segment. According to the chosen equipment level, two options are provided. With the "remote control Renault Card", access to the vehicle is gained by simply pressing a button on the card. A more highly developed option appears in the top-range versions of Mégane II: the hands-free Renault Card. In this case, the card allows not only access, but also engine starting hands free. Mégane II also enhances ease of use with a fuel filler flap with built-in cap. Equipped as it is with all the innovations seen in higher segment cars, Mégane II provides many technical features with a choice of two Carminat navigation systems, one with a folding wide screen, and cruise control with speed limiter. Rain and light level sensors enhance occupant peace of mind and driving comfort. Mégane II design centres on quality and respect for the environment Designed with concern for the smallest detail, Mégane II offers optimum quality with a high level of reliability and durability, helping to achieve lower operating costs and maintain residual value. With Mégane II, fuel consumption has been reduced and service intervals extended, with oil changes every 30,000km. The sparking plugs and the air filter only need replacing every 60,000km. The Mégane II programme included more rigorous testing, which was carried out in addition to the virtual calculations, and well in advance of the project. Many advances such as electric and electronic reliability due to multiplexing, improved anti-theft protection and now a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty contribute to owner peace of mind. Mégane II is the first Renault programme to take into account the requirements of Life-cycle Environmental Management (LEM), which in addition to work on the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, also sets out to optimize the recyclability of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). In the area of noise emission, Renault has achieved its ambition of positioning Mégane II in the lead in its segment. The figure for Mégane II is only 71dB, well below the 74dB demanded by the regulations. This reduction actually represents a halving of the noise intensity.
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The Mégane
II Hatch and Sport Hatch pave the way for a complete renewal of Renault's
product line-up in the C segment, the biggest in the European automobile
market. The X84 programme will include seven models, each with a clearly
distinct personality. Built on the new C platform - jointly developed by
the Renault-Nissan Alliance - Mégane II constitutes a major commercial,
financial and industrial challenge underpinning Renault's profitable growth
strategy. With the arrival of Mégane II, Renault adds a new string
to its bow: the individual hatchback. It can be summed up in three words:
compact, expressive, dynamic. Mégane II's distinctive design gives
it plenty of character. Mégane II is a pleasure to drive, as its styling
suggests. Designed to offer optimum safety for all in each seat, Mégane
II is set to match the best-in-class safety ratings of its predecessor.
Mégane II also offers innovative comfort features and an intelligent
approach to travelling pleasure which Renault introduced on higher-segment
models. The Mégane II programme is hinged on quality and respect for
the environment. Reliability and durability are class-leading and environmental
factors were taken into account from the design right up to the end of the
life cycle of the vehicle.
Mégane II owes
its personality to its dynamic and stylish silhouette. It lends its powerful,
expressive design to a three-door Sport Hatch and a five-door Hatch. It is
reminiscent of the innovative design of Avantime and Vel Satis. Mégane
II stands out as a distinctive product in a segment of mainly look-alike
cars. It appeals to the emotions without sacrificing functionality and
practicality. It is an energetic car that makes no secret of its sporty
personality, particularly in terms of the cockpit, while actively promoting
driving pleasure. Far from conforming to the traditional values of the C
segment, Mégane II stands out for its expressive design which Patrick
le Quément, Senior Vice President of Renault Corporate Design, summarizes:
"The understated dimensions of the boot, the subtle yet clearly affirmed
shoulders, the rounded, flush-fitting wheel arches...all these elements come
together to form a compact whole that smacks of agility and control."
Based on a completely
new platform, Mégane II has new front and rear suspension combining
precision with highly effective isolation of noise and vibration. The front
suspension uses MacPherson geometry with a rectangular lower arm. The rear
suspension consists of a programmed-deflection torsion beam system plus coil
springs. For complete driving control in all circumstances, the road-going
behaviour of Mégane II is highly efficient, in terms of both roadholding
and braking. It provides ride comfort which is firm, yet supple. The wheels
are generously proportioned, with diameters of 15, 16 or 17 inches, and optimize
behaviour and safety through the transmission to the surface of the high
braking torque of Mégane II.
