Renault reveals nip-tucked Megane

Renault has treated its Megane line-up to a mid-life nip and tuck. But never fear fans of the bustle-bummed hatch, Regie's stylists haven’t tampered unduly with that “shaking that ass” rear end.

There’s a reason to stick with the tried and proven. The Megane range has been Europe’s best selling model for the past three years, even though its Australian sales have been modest.

Due to be unveiled at the Brussels motor show on January 10, the updated Megane goes on sale in Europe on February 1, which suggests we may see it here around mid-year.

The visual tweaks coincide with the release of a revised range of engines, all of which are Euro 4-compliant.

The diesel range has been expanded with the introduction of a high power 110kW version of the latest 2.0 dCi unit, as well as the inclusion of a periodic regeneration particulate filter for the 1.9 dCi unit, whose power output has been upped to 96kW.

Renault doesn’t as yet offer any diesel models in Australia, but -- given the huge compression-ignition push by other manufacturers in recent months -- it can only be a matter of time before it, too, jumps on the bandwagon.

Visual clues to the new Megane are provided by the revised front end, which is accentuated by the slightly more pronounced ‘V’ of the grille which tops the redesigned front bumper.

The more generously dimensioned air-intake and the protective housing have been re-profiled to blend more harmoniously with the new front-end design. The foglamps are also located further towards the outside of the car, as on Megane Renaultsport.

Meanwhile, at the rear, the now translucent light clusters feature parallel horizontal lines to better complement the car’s styling.

Euro-spec Meganes also gain optional parking proximity sensors, rain and light sensors, optimised climate control, ‘flat blade’ windscreen wipers and an active carbon cabin filter.