New Megane plans take shape

The all-new Megane took centre stage on the Renault stand at this month's Paris motor show.

Renault's small car star was shown in five-door hatch and three-door Coupe body styles, alongside the new Laguna Coupe, oversized Ondelios and ZE electric car projects, and Kangoo concept-turned-production 'Be Bop' van.

While it's been reported the Megane may arrive late 2009, it's more likely Australians will have to wait until 2010 before they see the new range for sale in local showrooms.

The new Megane has more conventional styling than the predecessor, but its figure is still striking. While the standout rear-end design of the outgoing model has disappeared, it seems the Megane has undergone a rather attractive mid-life spread.

The new hatch even managed to steal some of the show day thunder from segment rival VW Golf -- revealed in recently-launched VI form (more here) -- with industry onlookers milling about Renault's stand throughout the media event.

Renault says it will introduce six models to the Megane range by 2010. First up, the new five-door hatch will appear in showrooms around Europe by November.

But which of the six models Australians will be offered is yet to be decided.

"As of today we are still contemplating options [for the local market]," spokesperson for Renault Australia, Craig Smith told the Carsales Network during the Paris motor show reveal.

Also, the brand is yet to decide whether it will send the European version -- produced in France -- or the 'international' Megane which is made in Palencia, Spain to Australia. There is speculation the new Megane will be also be built at Renault's wholly owned Samsung subsidiary in South Korea.

Differences between the market offerings are largely cosmetic, such as wheel size, and whether Australian customers will get either six-speed auto or CVT options.

We expect the range to at least include the same 2.0-litre diesel option -- as offered in the Laguna and all-new Koleos (more here), and for pricing to start at $21K.

New Megane is longer (now 4.3m), wider (wheelbase now 2.64) and more spacious than the outgoing model, yet boasts a weight reduction of 8kg.

Updates for the new Megane range include "renewed" diesel and petrol engine options, more user-friendly cruise control/speed limiter interface and Bluetooth interactivity. Features such as an automatic parking brake are determined by origin of production.

The new Megane also retains useful features of the outgoing model, including underfloor storage. The sub-structure of the Megane II including platform components, mechanical assemblies, parts and technical solutions reduced production-related investment, according to the maker.

The release of the new Megane signifies Renault's resurgence in the C (small car) segment, says the company. Renault estimates its investment in the new model cost approximately 1.8m euro.

According to Renault, the C class accounts for more than one-third of the European market and is the region's biggest segment in volume terms. In Europe, the Megane is up against 100 contenders in its segment, including three- and five-door hatchbacks, coupés, sedans, wagons, coupé-cabriolets, and MPV and SUV variants.

Speaking at the industry day event, Renault's CEO Carlos Ghosn told assembled journalists that automakers were increasingly forced to consider adapting production to declining demand.

Ghosn said the financial crisis affecting most markets would continue to impact the auto industry, while environmental concerns meant cars such as the zero-emission ZE concept shown in Paris would become more relevant and create segments in their own right.

Also at the Paris motor show, CEO for compatriot carmaker PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) Christian Streiff echoed Ghosn's view, saying his company would continue to invest heavily in electric and hybrid car development.

The French company displayed several low-emission vehicles at the Paris show from both its Citroen and Peugeot brands. Indeed, sub-120g CO2 cars were 'flavour' of the event.

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