Review: Renault X95 Megane (2010-16)

Review: Renault X95.I Megane (2010-13)

Overview

Released in September 2010, the Renault X95 Phase I (X95.I) Megane was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Bursa, Turkey, the front-wheel drive X95.I Megane was initially available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In September 2011, the range was expanded with the introduction of 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engines, mated to six-speed double-clutch transmissions. Furthermore, the X95 Megane was available in entry-level Dynamique and better-equipped Privilege variants. In July 2012, limited-run Sport Editions were released.

Dimensions

Compared to the Renault X84 Megane , the X95 Megane was 86 mm longer (at 4295 mm), 31 mm wider (1808 mm), 14 mm taller (1471 mm) and had a 16 mm longer wheelbase (2641 mm).

Suspension and steering

The front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts with rectangular lower arms and a 22 mm diameter anti-roll bar; at the rear, the Megane had a programmed-deflection flexible beam. The Megane was also fitted with an electric power steering system which included an inductive torque sensor.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Renault X95.I Megane 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.

Brakes

The X95 Megane had 280 mm vented front disc brakes and 260 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2008 Renault Megane – 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: Megane Dynamique and Privilege

Standard features for the Megane Dynamique included 16-inch ‘Proteus’ alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, cruise control (with speed limiter), front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking with Renault card, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.

The Megane Privilege was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Monitor’ alloy wheels, an eight speaker Arkamys sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, leather seats, a leather wrapped-steering wheel and gearshift, rear parking sensors, 12 volt power outlet (centre console), folding door mirrors and a power sunroof.

2012 Megane 115 Sport Edition

In July 2012, 115 Sport Edition models were released. Available solely with the 2.0-litre petrol engine, the Sport Editions were distinguished from the Dynamique variants by their 17-inch Schuss silver and black alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, front fog lights with daytime LED running lights and rear privacy glass. Visually, the Sport Editions could also be identified by their unique front grille inserts and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knobs.

Brochure and specifications

• Brochure: Renault X95.I Megane Hatch (September 2010)
• Specifications: Renault X95.I Megane Hatch (August 2010)

Related links

Review: Renault X95.II Megane (2013-14)

Overview

Released in July 2013, the X95 Phase II (X95.II) Megane hatchback was manufactured in Palencia, Spain, and could be identified by its gloss black bumper with reshaped air intake and chrome detailing; the GT-Line and Privilege variants were also fitted with LED daytime running lights.

In October 2013, the X95.II Megane range was expanded with the introduction of turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder engines that were mated to six-speed manual transmissions. This engine also featured a Stop&Start function – when mated to a manual transmission – that enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic.

Safety equipment

Compared to its X95.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the X95.II Megane was unchanged. Privilege variants, however, were fitted with Renault’s ‘Visio’ system which 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.

Features: Expression, GT-Line and Privilege

Standard features for the Megane Expression included 16-inch steel 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), air conditioning, cruise control (with speed limiter), halogen daytime running lights, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Megane GT-Line was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Celsium’ alloy wheels with sports suspension settings and 205/50 R17 tyres, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, integrated satellite navigation with joystick control, cloth sports seats, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, proximity key with push-button start and an electronic-assisted parking brake.

The range-topping Megane Privilege was distinguished by its 17-inch ‘Sari’ alloy wheels, Renault’s ‘Visio’ system (see above), Charcoal leather seats with white piping, a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, front parking sensors, a reversing camera with park assist guidelines, panoramic sunroof, rear air vent for climate control and rear armrest with cupholders.

Megane GT-Line Premium Pack

The GT-Line variants were available with an extra-cost Premium Pack which included Renault’s ‘Visio’ system, Cool Grey leather upholstery, heated front seats, front parking sensors, a reversing camera, panoramic sunroof and rear armrest with cup holders.

Related links

• Press kit: Renault X95.II Megane Hatch, K95.II Megane Wagon, X95.II Megane CC (July 2013)
• Brochure: Renault X95.II Megane Hatch (February 2014)
• Specifications: Renault X95-II Megane Hatch (April 2014)

Review: Renault X95.III Megane (2014-16)

Overview

Released in Australia in July 2014, the X95 Phase III (X95.III) Megane introduced a revised range that included turbocharged GT 220 variants. Visually, the X95.III Megane could be identified by its front mask which featured elliptical headlights, an upper grille which spanned the distance between the headlights, a larger ‘Renault’ badge and a full-width lower grille.

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.

While the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine was carried forward, it was offered with Renault’s ‘Efficient Dual Clutch’ transmission (EDC or DCT); when fitted with this transmission, however, the engine did not have a Start&Stop function.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the X95.III Megane was unchanged. The GT-Line Premium and GT220 Premium, however, were further equipped with Renault’s ‘Vision System’ which provided lane departure warnings and automatic operation of the high and low beam headlights. The lane departure warning system used a camera mounted on the windscreen below the rear view mirror to detect involuntary lane changes and operated at speeds above 70 km/h.

The standard braking package for the X95.III Megane consisted of 280 mm by 24 mm ventilated front brake discs and 260 mm by 8 mm solid rear discs. The GT220 variants, however, had 320 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs.

Features: Authentique, GT-Line and GT 220

Standard features for the Megane Authentique included 16-inch ‘Design’ surround flex wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, dark charcoal cloth upholstery, cruise control with speed limiter, front and rear fog lights, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking with Renault smart key card, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power socket, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Megane GT-Line and GT 220 were further equipped with a ‘Radio Auditorium Sound’ system by Arkamys with eight speakers, Renault’s ‘R-Link’ enhanced satellite navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, LED daytime running lights (instead of fog lights), automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, power folding and heated door mirrors, push-button start, an additional rear 12 volt power socket and ‘carbon fibre effect’ dashboard trim. While the GT-Line variants were fitted with 17-inch ‘Celsium’ alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres, the GT220 had 18-inch ‘Serdard’ alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres, sports suspension and Renault’s R.S. Monitor 1.0.

The GT-Line Premium and GT 220 Premium were distinguished by their cool grey leather seats, heated front seats, rear view camera, automatic parking brake and power-operated panoramic sunroof. The GT 220 Premium was also fitted with Renault’s R.S. Monitor 2.0 which could display figures from 15 sensors, power and torque curves, and a CG diagram of longitudinal and lateral accelerations; drivers could also download the plan of a race circuit from a USB key to access an automatic timer and monitor their laptimes.

Brochure

• Brochure: Renault X95-III Megane Hatch (July 2014)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Renault X95 Megane