New Renault Mégane Estate is packed with a raft of technological features which are unprecedented in the compact estate segment:
A choice of two fully-integrated, joystick-operated, centre console-mounted navigation systems: Carminat TomTom® and Carminat Bluetooth® DVD.
The brand new integrated Carminat TomTom® navigation system costs less than €500 and was first seen on Phase II Clio and Grand Scénic. Developed in association with the leading portable satnav specialist TomTom, Carminat TomTom® provides all the functions expected of a navigation system, including precise, detailed maps displayed on a large 5.8- inch screen, traffic information, alternative routes, speed restrictions, a long list of points of interest, speed camera locations (depending on country), and a wide range of customizable features. The SD card makes it easy for owners to update their Carminat TomTom® system by downloading the latest navigation data onto their computer from a bespoke website. Carminat Bluetooth® DVD is a high-end integrated dashboard-mounted navigation system incorporating a seven-inch screen, central navigation controls, a high-end 140W audio system complete with six-CD multi-changer (MP3/wma-compatible), and voice recognition for both its navigation and Bluetooth® telephone functions.
The central display of the innovative dashboard features an analogue rev-counter alongside a digital speedometer which is not only clear and easy to take in but which gives drivers greater visual control over their vehicle’s speed. The central display employs an unprecedented colour-coded interface for the cruise control/speed limiter functions.
Electronic hand brake: this function automatically applies the parking brake when the engine is switched off, and releases it again when the driver presses on the accelerator pedal and releases the clutch after the engine has been re-started.
- Hands-free entry and ignition with a central locking function as the card-holder walks away from the car.
- The 3D Sound by Arkamys® audio system delivers superior sound quality by taking into account the specific properties and materials of the cabin, as well as the number of occupants in the car and where they are seated.
IMPECCABLE HANDLING
The dynamic performance of New Renault Mégane Estate lives up every bit to its looks thanks to its precise, responsive and reassuringly predictable handling.
Its suspension shares its DNA with the rest of the New Mégane family:
the front suspension is based on a McPherson-type arrangement coupled with a new ’horned’ subframe which has been engineered to deliver impeccable directional precision by
restricting lateral movement of the subframe in relation to the body structure.
the rear suspension is based on a programmed deflection flexible beam. This layout uses a closed-section beam which is lighter than a multi-arm solution but which also offers stiffer torsional performance.
The stiffness of the front anti roll-bar has been uprated by six per cent in order to achieve the same anti roll performance as New Mégane Hatchback, despite the estate version’s heavier weight. Meanwhile, the choice of springs calibrated at 21mm/100DaN at the front (the same as New Mégane Hatchback) and 22mm/100DaN at the rear (an increase of 10 per cent over New Mégane Hatchback) and work on damping have improved vertical suspension performance and reduced body roll, thereby enhancing New Renault Mégane Estate’s ability to corner ’flat’. Its specific roll angle of 0.42°/ms -² is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback (Mégane II Estate: 0.48°/ms -²).
New Renault Mégane Estate has profited from the same improvements to driving precision as those introduced on New Mégane Hatchback:
- greater directional stability: the front ’horned’-subframe is three times more rigid than that of Mégane II Estate,
- directional precision and rear ride comfort have been improved by separating the filtering and transverse rigidity functions thanks to the use of bi-material bushes,
- evolutions to the electric power steering system: swifter response and greater precision (inductive torque sensor, broader dynamic servo motor bandwidth, increased steering control unit sampling frequency) plus a more natural feel at the wheel (power steering calibration).
For greater performance and efficiency, three wheel sizes are available depending on engine:
- 15-inch wheels (tyre size: 195/65),
- 16-inch wheels (tyre size: 205/55),
- 17-inch wheels (tyre sizes: 205/50 and 225/45).
| Elegant, dynamic styling | Engine line-up |
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