Launched: Renault Megane Diesel

Wheels Magazine
October, 2007

At the same time as launching the sizzling R26, Renault has added diesel power to the Megane range.

Healthy price drops in April brought Megane petrol sedan entry price to $24,990. Choosing diesel power adds $3000 to $3500 to its price tag, and aside from turbo-diesel motivation and alloys on all models (Expression petrols make do with 16-inch steelies), spec levels are the same as the very well-stocked petrols. This means Expression spec as either six-speed manual or four-speed auto, or the upmarket auto-only Privilege.

All variants are generously equipped and feature some uniquely French touches like the 'clean hands' integrated fuel filler cap.

The 1.9 turbo common-rail oil burner adds a good whack of torque and economy to the supple-riding Megane package, stating a solid family touring-car case. The actual figures are 300Nm for the manual or 260Nm from a low 1600rpm for the auto, compared to 191Nm for the 2.0-litre petrol.

Renault claims its manual sip the oily stuff at a rate of 5.8L/100km for 1034km bowser-to-bowser. At 96kW, the oiler makes 2kW less than the petrol, but in diesel fashion, peak power is at just 4000rpm, so we're calling the power balance even.

Expectedly, in oiler form the Megane sedan gains a relaxed gait that favours short-shifting and riding the significant torque hump over rowing through the gears and using the revs.

It does however, rev freely to redline should the need or desire arise.

At either extreme noise levels are low and general refinement impressive. The Megane chassis is reasonably well-balanced, so despite a chassis tune that favours ride comfort, it's still a competent, enjoyable steer.

The Megane can lay claim to being one of the best-equipped and keenly priced mid-sized Euro sedans around, and with turbo-diesel power on offer, it gains welcome grunt and frugality.

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