FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Renault reveals 2016 Megane

Renault has unveiled its all-new Megane ahead of its official launch at next week's Frankfurt motor show.

Borrowing its styling from the new Talisman sedan and the most recent generation of Espace people-mover, the new hatch gains a more mature look that’s supposed to be more premium than the outgoing car.

Measuring 25mm lower than the car it replaces, Renault has also confirmed the next Megane will be more spacious inside thanks to a wheelbase stretched by 25mm. The new Megane also comes with a wider front and rear track.

Handling should be improved as the Megane will be based on the most recent Renault-Nissan CMF platform that’s currently used on the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar.

It’s not yet known what engines will power the new Megane but it’s safe to say they’ll be a range of downsized petrol engines, including the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol TCe.

As far as transmissions, expect there to be a choice of three -- a six-speed manual, the latest and quickest version of the firm’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic and a conventional six-speed automatic to cope with the torque of the most powerful diesels.

Inside, the premium feel is said to continue, with a clean design and what looks like high-quality materials. Dominating the cabin is a Tesla-inspired vertical (or portrait) infotainment screen that’s borrowed from the Talisman and mimics the layout of a smartphone. Two versions of infotainment will be offered, with a 7.0- or 9.0-inch screen.

Following on from the five-door hatch, a wagon and three-door ‘coupe’ are expected. The latter is the most eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts since it will provide the basis for future a Megane RS.

Set to feature a 2.0-litre turbo engine, the new hot hatch -- expected to be called the RS 300 (for 300hp, or 220kW) -- will take advantage of the standard car’s significantly lighter kerb weight that could make it as much as 100kg less than the outgoing model.

Previewing the next Megane RS is the blue GT model revealed overnight.

That car, said to be ‘inspired by Renaultsport’, gains wider air-intakes, bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, chromed exhaust outlets and a rear spoiler. Just to ram home the connection the GT also sports a pair of ‘Renaultsport’ badges on its front wings.

Renault will reveal interior pics, full technical information, release dates and indicative pricing at the Frankfurt motor show next week.