The New Renault Mégane Estate range features an extensive line-up of engines and transmissions adapted to the needs of modern motorists in terms of the performance/fuel consumption/emissions/running costs package they deliver.
The dCi engine range
The eight powertrain combinations available for New Mégane Estate are a perfect illustration of the ongoing improvements Renault has introduced to ensure its customers benefit from the market’s best possible package in terms of performance, fuel consumption and costs. B30 biodiesel-fuelled diesel engines are available in certain markets.
The 1.5 dCi available in a choice of four power outputs
It goes without saying that New Renault Mégane Estate is available with the 1.5-litre diesel engine which has been so widely acclaimed for its fuel efficiency and driving pleasure. This 1,461cc block is available in four power outputs, with or without particulate filter, namely the dCi 85 and the dCi 90 DPF (both mated to a five-speed manual gearbox) and the dCi 105 and dCi 110 DPF (which drive through a six-speed manual box).
A dual clutch transmission (DCT) will be released for the dCi 110 DPF at the beginning of 2010. In addition to their responsive performance, all these powerplants stand out through their low CO2 emissions which qualify them for the Renault eco2 signature:
- dCi 90 DPF: 116g/km
- dCi 85: 118g/km
- dCi 105: 120g/km
- dCi 110 DPF: 126g/km
The regeneration of the particulate filter is unobtrusive for the driver thanks to the inclusion of an additional injector in the exhaust line. These four engines are particularly fuel-efficient and return combined-cycle fuel consumption of between 4.4 and 4.8 litres/100km, permitting an average journey range of 1,200km with New Mégane Estate’s 60-litre fuel tank.
The dCi 130 engine
The dCi 130 engine is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox and is also available either with or without a particulate filter. This 1,870cc block delivers peak power of 130hp (96kW) at 3,750rpm and a maximum torque of 300Nm at 1,750rpm.
Several major evolutions have led to performance improvements:
- enhanced efficiency of the variable geometry turbocharger thanks to the use of curved blades which ensure quicker availability of power,
- the seven-hole injectors (instead of six previously) optimize combustion thanks to a finer,more efficient fuel spray which leads to enhanced performance, lower fuel consumption and fewer polluting emissions,
- new, ultra-fast spark plugs for quick starting from cold,
- a fifth injector incorporated upstream of the particulate filter ensures that the combustion regeneration of the DPF is unobtrusive for the driver.
For greater acceleration response, torque is now available over a broader rev-band, while work on the engine mounts has contributed to improved acoustic performance. The sum of these improvements enables the dCi 130 to deliver outstanding driving pleasure, while still returning particularly thrifty combined-cycle fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km. The dCi 130 is the only engine of its class to claim CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km (134 and 135g/km respectively for the dCi 130 and dCi 130 DPF), making it eligible for the fiscal incentive schemes introduced in certain countries.
Two power outputs for the 2.0 dCi
The line-up of diesel powerplants is rounded off by the 2.0-litre block which is available in two versions: the dCi 150 DPF with six-speed automatic transmission and the dCi 160 DPF with sixspeed manual gearbox.
The 2.0 dCi is the highest-performance four-cylinder diesel engine of the Mégane range in terms of both power output and torque. Thanks to its variable geometry turbocharger and optimized internal aerodynamics, it is extremely responsive, with peak torque of 360 and 380Nm available from 2,000rpm for the dCi 150 and dCi 160 versions respectively.
Both engines also rev freely and smoothly all the way up to 5,000rpm.
The 2.0 dCi boasts top-level acoustic performance thanks to extensive work in several areas:
- two counter-rotating balance shafts combat the vibrations inherent in four-cylinder engines,
- the twin mass damping flywheel filters acyclic movements of the engine,
- acoustic comfort is enhanced by the use of a timing chain,
- the bottom-end has been engineered to optimize the absorption of vibrations and features an aluminium bedplate, a long cast-iron crankcase skirt and a special ’sandwich’ design for the oil sump and timing cover,
- foam-filled common-rail housing to protect it from the vibrations produced by the engine’s topend.
In addition to its performance credentials and low noise, the 2.0 dCi is also fuel efficient and claims combined-cycle fuel consumption of either 5.9 litres/100km (dCi 160 with six-speed manual box) or 6.6 litres/100km (dCi 150 with six-speed automatic transmission).
The petrol engine range
The line-up of six petrol powertrains includes the new TCe 130 engine (Turbo Control Efficiency).
The new TCe 130 engine
Developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the TCe 130 stands out as an eloquent illustration of the expertise Renault has acquired in the field of turbocharging with a view to producing a range of engines which are fuel-efficient, responsive and affordable. This 1,397cc powerplant packs the power of a 1.8-litre engine (130hp/96kW) and the torque of a 2.0 (190Nm), yet returns combined-cycle fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km.
This degree of performance has been achieved thanks notably to:
- work on internal aerodynamics to favour the creation of a tumble effect as the fuel arrives inside the combustion chamber,
- continuously variable cam timing which ensures the reassuring availability of power across a broad rev-band,
- weight savings, including the use of an aluminium block, for lower fuel consumption.
The sum of this work enables drivers to benefit from punchy performance and crisp, smooth acceleration, even from very low engine speeds.
This engine is quiet, too, thanks particularly to the twin mass damping flywheel which counters the transmission of engine-generated vibrations. The TCe 130 drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
A choice of power outputs for the 1.6 16V engine
New Mégane Estate can also be ordered with the 1.6-litre petrol engine which is available in a choice of power outputs: 100hp with a manual five-speed gearbox, or 110hp with a six-speed manual box. Depending on market, an E85 Bioethanol version of this engine can be ordered (with six-speed gearbox).
In addition to the remarkable driving enjoyment they deliver, these two powerplants boast punch and flexibility at low revs, sprightly performance at higher engine speeds and cushioned acoustics across the full rev-band.
The 2.0 16V 140hp CVT
The normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine claims peak power of 140hp (103kW) at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 195Nm at 3,750rpm. It drives through the Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which provides a smooth, stepless ride. Thanks to the work of the Alliance’s engineers, Renault’s CVT figures among the very best in its class in terms of seamless acceleration performance.
The TCe 180
The TCe 180 is a new evolution of the 1,998cc turbocharged petrol block and delivers outstanding driving pleasure. With 300Nm of torque available at 2,250rpm, it is extremely responsive and allows remarkable pickup from low revs thanks to the combination of its twin-scroll turbo and continuously variable camshaft angle at the intake port which optimizes air flow into the combustion chamber and enables the turbine to spin up to speed more quickly. The turbo consequently responds to the slightest touch of the accelerator pedal from as low as 1,200rpm. This engine drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
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Like all the other models which feature in the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Estate has been designed to deliver exemplary passive and active safety performance. Renault has long placed the emphasis on developing the most effective technologies possible when it comes to preventing accidents, taking corrective measures and protecting occupants. This approach is founded on the results of research into real-life accidents and real-world safety (LAB1) with a view to promoting solutions that answer real traffic situations.
Accident prevention
A comprehensive list of equipment is proposed to help drivers anticipate risk situations:
- seatbelt reminders for all five seats,
- tyre pressure monitoring system,
- bi-Xenon headlights with cornering lights,
- automatic headlight activation,
- automatic windscreen-wiper activation,
- cruise control with speed limiter.
Corrective action
New Renault Mégane Estate is equipped with the following driver aids: ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and ESC with understeer control.
New Renault Mégane Estate’s braking performance figures among the best of its class thanks to its 280mm-diameter ventilated front discs and 260mm-diameter rear discs. This set-up enables New Renault Mégane Estate to pull up from 100kph to standstill after repeated braking in just 39 metres, which is one of the best performances of its segment. The TCe 180-, dCi 150- and dCi 160-engined versions come with larger front discs (296mm) for even better stopping power.
Occupant protection
When it comes to passive safety, New Renault Mégane Estate is equipped with all the systems that enabled New Mégane Hatchback to achieve a maximum EuroNCAP crash-test score of 37 points from 372 :
- the programmed crumple structure absorbs impact energy, - the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection incorporates anti-submarining functions, double pretensioners, load limiters and adaptive airbags;
- twin side-impact sensors with dual-chamber thorax/groin/abdomen airbags as first seen on Laguna III and now available across the full Mégane range,
- three-point Isofix child seat anchorage for the outer rear seats,
- the fixation rods of the new-generation headrests slide within the headrest itself and no longer within the upper part of the seatback, thereby providing greater protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of rear impact.
NEW RENAULT MÉGANE ESTATE PROFITS FROM ALL THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED BY RENAULT ON THE QUALITY AND DURABILITY FRONTS
New Renault Mégane Estate boasts outstanding fit-and-finish, body panel joint line and material quality.
New Renault Mégane Estate uses the same lazer-welding technique for brazing the roof to the body sides as that employed for all New Mégane models. This process does away with the need for roof trimming, while at the same time enhancing robustness and build quality.
Special attention was paid to the two-part rear light clusters which optimize access to the boot; their crescent-like form and the Renault lozenge pattern call for particularly precise adjustment. Inside the car, the accent is on quality and durable materials which are pleasant to the touch. Particular care was taken in the choice of trim details and fabric patterns.
The finish of the boot is also of a very high standard thanks to the uncluttered form of the rectangular tailgate opening and the thick, carefully-adjusted boot mat.
THE RENAULT ECO² HALLMARK FOR VEHICLES WHICH ARE RESPECTFUL OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Extensive work on minimizing weight, carefully-honed aerodynamics and a range of low fuel consumption or biofuel-compatible engines enable New Mégane Estate to showcase Renault’s expertise when it comes to protecting the environment.
The Renault eco2 signature is Renault’s way of underlining the commitment it has made to reduce the ecological impact of its vehicles across their full lifecycle. To qualify, vehicles must comply with three criteria:
- CO2 emissions less than 140g/km, or biofuel-compatibility,
- production in an ISO 14001-certified plant, a testimony to a factory’s determination to reduce its ecological footprint,
- cars must be 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable by weight, with at least five per cent of the plastics they contain to be sourced from recycling.
In addition to being built at Renault’s ISO 14001-certified plant in Palencia, Spain, New Renault Mégane Estate is 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable by weight, and 11 per cent of the plastics it contains – equivalent to an average 22kg – are sourced from recycling.
Seven versions of New Renault Mégane Estate (dCi 85, dCi 90 DPF, dCi 105, dCi 110 DPF, dCi 130, dCi 130 DPF and 1.6 110hp Bioethanol) comply with the three criteria required to qualify for the Renault eco2 signature.
An LPG version likely to qualify for tax incentives in certain countries will be released at the end of 2009.
Meanwhile, ongoing optimization improvements to the performance of the dCi 110 engine will see its CO2 emissions cut to 120g/km by the end of the year.
Although New Mégane Estate is bigger than its predecessor, and despite its more extensive equipment list, careful attention has gone into keeping its weight to a minimum, as well as into optimizing its aerodynamics. The result is fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures which count among the lowest in New Mégane Estate’s class, without detracting from either driving pleasure or performance.
Given that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are also influenced by the way we drive, a gearshift indicator has been introduced on all versions of New Renault Mégane Estate when powered either by a petrol engine or by a diesel engine equipped with a particulate filter. A light on the dashboard indicates the ideal moment to shift gear with a view to enabling drivers to adopt an ’eco’ driving-style and make the most use of their engine’s potential.
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