Review: Renault K95.II Megane Wagon (2013-16)

Overview

Released in Australia in May 2013, the Renault K95 Megane Wagon was a mid-size, front-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Palencia, Spain, the Megane Wagon range initially consisted of limited-run turbocharged GT 220 variants, with Dynamique and GT-Line variants following in July 2013.

Engines

Of the engines,

For Dynamique and GT-Line variants, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre MR20DE petrol engine had an all-aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, variable intake valve timing, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.2:1; and,
Reserved for GT-Line variants, the 1.5-litre K9K 846 diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, Borg-Warner turbocharger, common-rail injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 15.2:1; and,
For GT 220 variants, the 2.0-litre F4Rt engine had a cast iron block, an integrated twin-scroll turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. The F4Rt engine also had a ‘Stop and Start’ function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary to conserve fuel.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the X32 Megane hatchback , the Megane Wagon was 263 mm longer (at 4558 mm), the same width (1808 mm), 36 mm taller (1507 mm) and had a 62 mm longer wheelbase (2703 mm). Similarly, the Megane Estate had MacPherson strut front suspension (with rectangular lower arms) and torsion beam rear suspension. Furthermore, the Megane Estate had an electric power steering system.

Renault K95 Megane Wagon specifications
Variant	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Dynamique, GT-Line	2.0-litre petrol I4	6sp CVT	102 kW at 6000 rpm	195 Nm at 3750 rpm
GT-Line	1.5-litre turbo-diesel I4	6sp DCT	81 kW at 4000 rpm	240 Nm at 1750 rpm
GT 220	2.0-litre turbo petrol I4	6sp man.	162 kW at 4750-6500 rpm	340 Nm at 2400-3500 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Megane Wagon included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Renault’s ‘Visio’ system – an extra-cost option available as part of a Premium Pack – included a Lane Departure Warning (for speeds above 70 km/h) and automatic operation of the high and low beam headlights (for speeds above 45 km/h). Using a camera mounted below the rear view mirror, the Lane Departure Warning system would sound an alarm and illuminate a warning light when the vehicle was detected to have crossed lane markings without the indicators having been activated.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the Megane Wagon consisted of 280 mm ventilated front brake discs and 260 mm solid rear discs. The GT 220, however, had 320 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Renault X95 Megane hatchback – fitted with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine – received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.83 out of 37. In Australia, however, the Megane was not fitted with rear seat belt reminders such that its score – as determined by ANCAP – was reduced by one point to 35.83. The Megane scored 15.8 out of 16 in the frontal offset impact test, with only a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Megane Wagon Dynamique included 16-inch ‘Kaleido’ alloy wheels with 205/60 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB) and Bluetooth connectivity (mobile phone and audio streaming), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, an electronic assisted parking brake, luggage net, roof racks, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The GT-Line variants were further equipped with 17-inch ‘Celsium’ alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres, integrated satellite navigation with joystick control, Renault Sport-designed cloth sports seats, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, proximity key, push-button start and rear privacy glass.

For GT-Line variants, the optional Premium Pack added Renault’s ‘Visio’ system (see above), Cool Grey leather upholstery, heated front seats, front parking sensors, a rear view camera with park-assist guidlines, panoramic glass sunroof and a rear armrest with cupholders.

Megane Wagon GT 220

Compared to the GT-Line, the GT 220 was distinguished by its 18-inch ‘Serdard’ gloss black alloy wheels with Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres, red steering wheel stitching, ‘carbon fibre effect’ dashboard with red highlights, cloth-covered Renault Sport seats, RS Monitor, ‘GT 220’ badging and plaque and gloss black rear diffuser.

Like the GT-Line, the GT 220 was available with an optional Premium Pack which included Renault’s ‘Visio’ system, satellite navigation, Cool Grey leather upholstery, heated front seats, directional bi-xenon headlights, front parking sensors, a reversing camera with park guidelines and panoramic sunroof.

Australian deliveries of the GT 220 were limited to 220 vehicles.

Review: Renault K95.III Megane Wagon (2014-16)