Renault makes Geneva the place to be with the Global Launch of the ALl-New Megane Sport Tourer.

• Global debut for the new MEGANE Sport Tourer – in the form of the MEGANE Sport Tourer GT – at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show
• The new MEGANE Sport Tourer GT bears Renault Sport’s hallmark DNA, both in its design and in the driving feeling it delivers thanks to its 4CONTROL system – a world first in the C-segment estate market.
• Spacious and comfortable to accommodate five people, plus a modular interior and vast carrying space

The 2016 Geneva International Motor Show will see Renault reveal its new MEGANE Sport Tourer in the form of the range’s Sport Tourer GT version. Based on the new MEGANE, this all-new Sport Tourer is both elegant and sporty. It boasts an intuitive, modular interior with a choice of boot arrangements, as well as the segment’s longest maximum load length.

The design of the new MEGANE Sport Tourer blends dynamism and style, enhanced by a chrome trim around the side windows and C-pillar. The roof line is enhanced by matte-finish anodised aluminium roof bars (Dark Metal Colour on GT version). The car’s low stance and wide track increase the feeling of solidity on the road. The new MEGANE Sport Tourer features a distinctive C-shaped lighting signature at the front.

The new MEGANE Sport Tourer GT bears Renault Sport DNA: the front bumper underlines the model’s sporting credentials, while the honeycomb mesh of the radiator grilles is specific to the car and the wide lower air inlet is flanked by two air-scoops. At the rear, the new MEGANE Sport Tourer GT is fitted with a chromed exhaust tail pipe and a sculpted diffuser to reinforce its dynamic look.

Meanwhile, the new MEGANE Sport Tourer GT is the first C-segment Sport Tourer to benefit from 4CONTROL technology. Specifically tailored to the new MEGANE Sport Tourer, 4CONTROL endows the car with precise, dynamic handling on twisty roads and generates genuine driving pleasure. Thanks to 4CONTROL, the new MEGANE Sport Tourer GT is exceptionally agile in built-up areas.

For further information about the new MEGANE Sport Tourer – and to take a closer look – make your way to Hall 4 at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show from Tuesday, March 1.

The UK's Biggest Renault/Dacia dealership has been opened in Renfrewshire, by Arnold Clark.

• Arnold Clark Hillington is the biggest Renault and Dacia dealership in the UK
• State-of-the-art dealership covers 15,823 sq ft and includes a 23-car showroom and a new and used car display of 400 vehicles
• Opening strengthens 40-year partnership and enhances Renault Group UK’s GO5+ plan for sustainable growth
• Arnold Clark now has 20 Renault dealerships nationwide
• New franchise adjoins Arnold Clark’s purpose-built, 90,000 sq ft brand new headquarters

Arnold Clark, Europe’s largest independently owned automotive retail group, has opened the biggest dealership in the entire Renault Group UK dealer network.

The flagship Hillington franchise adjoins Arnold Clark’s brand-new, 90,000 sq ft Renfrewshire headquarters located on Hillington Industrial Park, and the group’s decision to complement its new home with the UK’s most impressive Renault dealership strengthens its longstanding relationship with Renault Group UK.

Measuring 15,823 sq ft and incorporating a 23-car showroom that features the new Renault Store concept with interactive car configurator and iPad-equipped ‘Brand Bar’, the Hillington dealership will deliver an unprecedented Arnold Clark Renault experience.

Arnold Clark’s previous East Lane Paisley and Pollokshaws Road dealerships are consolidated into the new dealership, offering private and business customers vastly enhanced facilities that are complemented with already established sales and after sales teams. Selling in the region of 1,200 new vehicles a year, the Hillington dealership is also a designated Renaultsport Specialist and Pro+ Specialist – offering high-performance Renault enthusiasts and fleet buyers a level of service that is tailored to their requirements.

Additional customer benefits include an extensive new and used car display of up to 400 vehicles, 11-bay workshop with the latest diagnostic equipment, EV charging points and both static and automated car wash facilities. Once complete, the 11-acre Arnold Clark headquarters will also provide visitors with an onsite café and outdoor seating area.

Arnold Clark has represented Renault for over 40 years – the group choosing the brand as its first foreign car franchise in 1974. The cutting-edge Hillington dealership takes the group’s nationwide Renault dealerships to 20 and reaffirms Arnold Clark’s status as the UK’s biggest privately-owned Renault retail partner.

The opening of the Hillington site comes at a very exciting time for Renault and Arnold Clark. Renault Group UK is enjoying strong growth in vehicle sales and the rapid expansion of its dealer network, the latter a key part of its GO5+ strategy to increase market share and brand opinion, while 2014 was the most successful year for Arnold Clark in the 60 years it has been trading – the group registering a 12.3 per cent increase in turnover.

Arnold Clark has also recently completed a striking rebrand and the build of its headquarters will see it bring its marketing, finance and digital product development divisions under one roof for the first time. The group’s directors will be based at Hillington and the new high-tech HQ will house 500 personnel in a contemporary setting that also pays homage to the group’s heritage.

David Munton, Renault Franchise Director, Arnold Clark, said: “Our history with Renault together with our desire to improve the facilities of our existing franchises in the area made it a logical decision to incorporate a brand new dealership into our Hillington development.

“Our experiences of working with Renault Group have been excellent and we’ve enjoyed a great deal of success with the brand. Its cars are very popular with our customers, the Clio and Megane previously being the best-selling new vehicles in Scotland, and this year alone we expect to sell in the region of 18,000 vehicles across our Renault franchises.”

Munton added: “The Renault Group brands are very important to Arnold Clark and their increasing popularity presents us with the opportunity to establish further dealerships in areas where we can improve our group’s presence.”

Darren Payne, Sales Director, Renault Group UK said: “We’re delighted that such an important investor as Arnold Clark has underlined its confidence in Renault and Dacia by not only establishing a new franchise, but also making it the largest of its kind in the UK and acknowledging its importance by incorporating it into its flagship facility.

“The Hillington franchise is the latest addition to our fast-growing dealer network and its development by one of the country’s top privately-owned automotive retail groups is a clear indication of how appealing our franchise is. We very much look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Arnold Clark and with investors like them onboard, we are in the best possible position to achieve our plans for sustainable growth set out in our GO5+ strategy.”

The latest Renault and Dacia sales figures illustrate the attraction of the brands to Arnold Clark and the ever-expanding list of other high-profile dealer groups who are choosing to represent them. Renault Group UK sales for November YTD – comprising Renault cars, vans and Dacia vehicles – were up 15.8 per cent on the same period in 2014 to 115,176 vehicles, significantly outpacing the UK car and van market, which rose by 7.3 per cent. Renault car sales represented 69,615 vehicles (up 13.8 per cent YTD), Renault van sales were 21,312 (up 33.6 per cent YTD, more than double that of the UK van market growth of 15.7 per cent YTD) and Dacia car sales represented 24,225 vehicles (up 8.3 per cent YTD). 

FRANKFURT - Renault gives its Megane the World Premiere that this stunning new car deserves.

• Wide range of highly-efficient engines, with diesel hybrid to come
• Dynamic exterior with distinctive front and rear lighting
• Fuel economy of up to 85.6mpg with CO₂ as low as 86g/km
• GT version created in association with Renaultsport
• 4Control four-wheel steering – unique in class
• Multi-Sense: personal driving modes and settings
• Portrait-style 8.7-inch display screen among several class firsts
• Loaded with high-tech features, including colour head-up display
• Based on Renault’s Common Module Family (CMF) platform
• On sale in Europe from early 2016, in UK from summer 2016

The dynamic-looking, high-quality, All-New Mégane – loaded with technology features from higher-segment cars – is Renault’s star attraction at this year’s IAA in Frankfurt. Alongside a range of highly-efficient petrol and diesel engines, it will be available from launch as a GT created in association with Renaultsport. A ‘Hybrid Assist’ diesel will be added in 2017. The new Mégane goes on sale in mainland Europe early next year with UK deliveries anticipated in the summer

“The new Mégane plays an integral part in Renault’s design renewal strategy,” says Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design. “Its dynamic lines project both sensuality and status, while its assertive proportions provide it with a well-planted stance on the road and its sculpted forms and strong shoulders hint at the brand’s Latin roots. It features a distinctive lighting signature both front and rear, by day as well as by night, and its elegant interior exudes an unmistakeable cockpit feel.”

The new Mégane is based on Renault’s Common Module Family (CMF) vehicle architecture, which makes it possible to offer high-tech features normally available only in cars from higher segments. A number are segment firsts, including a full colour head-up display, a 7-inch colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display, a portrait-format 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen and 4Control four-wheel steering for the GT.

The six highly-efficient engines that will be available at launch have power outputs ranging from 90 to 205hp, with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as low as 85.6mpg and 86g/km for the ENERGY dCi 110.    

Dynamic styling with a distinctive lighting signature

The new Mégane’s dynamic stance is founded on well-balanced proportions. It is 64mm longer (4,359mm) and 25mm lower (1,447mm) than the third-generation Mégane, and has a 28mm longer wheelbase (2,669mm), which is greater than that of rival models.  The front and rear track widths have been widened by 47mm and 39mm respectively to 1,591mm and 1,586mm, while the rear overhang has been shortened compared. Wheel sizes of up to 18 inches will be available.

At the front, Renault’s corporate identity is evident in the large, upright diamond logo and broad grille. This is accentuated by daytime running lights incorporating LED technology to provide a distinctive C-shaped signature that extends down to the bumper. Higher-end versions feature full-LED lighting modules for both dipped and main beams. This Pure Vision LED technology delivers a significant improvement in night-time vision compared with halogen lighting.   

Thanks to its strongly sculpted shoulders, the new Mégane radiates the sensuality embedded in Renault design. Taut and precise lines along the lower part of the body and bonnet align towards the front to enhance the dynamic poise of the car. Chrome trim at the front and around the side windows, badges and door handles emphasises the quality of the new Mégane.

There are air scoops either side at the front, deflectors at the rear and motorised flaps which automatically close to reduce drag, making the new Mégane an extremely aerodynamically efficient car and contributing towards its low fuel consumption and emissions.

The rear light units, also all-LED, feature tail lights that are permanently illuminated. This novel horizontal signature helps to accentuate the car’s width. Thanks to new Edge Light technology, it provides a slender 3D brush stroke effect that emits a purple-hued red light.

Elegant, cockpit-style interior

The new Mégane has a cockpit-style interior with a suiteof high-tech features clustered around the driver to create an enveloping L-shape. They include a number of class firsts: a full colour head-up display, traditionally reserved for vehicles in higher segments; a 7-inch colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display; and a portrait-format 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen as an alternative to the landscape 7-inch screen. 

Special focus has been placed on the finish, quality of materials and harmony of the cabin. The soft-touch dashboard extends in a continuous sweep to the top door cappings. It also runs from the lower edge of the dashboard to the centre console. High-end versions feature a full-grain Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel with elegant chrome detailing, which is echoed on the instrument, air vent, console and switch surrounds.

A tall and broad centre console incorporates a fore/aft adjustable armrest. Higher-end versions focus attention on the console with two slender lines of glowing light, the hue of which can be personalised.

Sculpted seats provide optimum comfort and support with the help of dual density foam. Taking their inspiration from the worlds of interior furnishings and leather goods, the seat materials are warm and modern. Special attention has been paid to the detailing of the top stitching on the seats and door casings.

There are five upholstery grades, all in shades of black. High-end versions are available with plush velour developed with Alcantara, giving a powerful lustre and an intense black 3D effect. High-end versions come with heated seats and electric lumbar adjustment. The driver seat incorporates a massage function.

The new Mégane’s boot capacity of 434 litres is the second largest in the compact car sector and is complemented by interior stowage space totalling 25 litres. Rear knee room of 175mm is a 20mm improvement over that of the third generation Mégane, while shoulder width (1,441mm at the front, 1,390mm in the rear) is amongst the segment’s best. The new Mégane consequently delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to rear passenger space and boot capacity.

BOSE audio systems ensure high quality sound. Engineers from BOSE worked in close co-operation with their counterparts at Renault to optimise the integration of the nine speakers, subwoofer and digital amplifier so that the sound is precise, balanced, tailor-engineered and crystal clear.

Technology from higher segments

The use of the CMF modular architecture permits the new Mégane to offer features more usually associated with larger and more expensive cars, and is drawn from the new Espace and Talisman. This comprehensive suite of technologies is unique in the segment and includes the head-up display, TFT instrument display and portrait-style 8.7-inch screen, plus Multi-Sense technology and 4Control.

The retractable colour head-up display enhances safety by reducing the amount of time the driver needs to look away from the road to take in the most important information – speed, navigation instructions and driving aids.

There is a comprehensive selection of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), controlled through the R-Link 2 tablet. They include adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking; lane departure, safe distance and speed limit warnings, the latter linked to traffic sign recognition; and blind spot monitoring.  A reversing camera, automatic switching between main and dipped headlight beams, hands-free parking and front, rear and side parking aids are also available.

Higher-specification models feature R-Link 2 complete with an 8.7-inch portrait-format display as an alternative the landscape-style 7-inch screen. The portrait display screen employs capacitive ‘pinch & zoom’ technology for easier use, much like that of a smartphone or tablet computer.

R-Link 2 includes voice recognition for safe operation of the navigation, telephone, apps and radio. Its three customisable home pages allow swift access to the most frequently used functions. A connectivity package, including a 12-month subscription to TomTom LIVE services and access to the R-Link Store, expands its scope.

The content of the 7-inch colour TFT instrument display can be customised, depending on the selected driving mode. The dashboard displays not only fundamental data like speed, but also numerous other information relating to navigation or driving aids.

Renault’s innovative Multi-Sense technology allows users to personalise their driving experience by modifying accelerator pedal and engine response, adjusting the speed of the gearshifts performed by the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission and controlling the massage function of the seats and the cabin lighting environment. The Multi-Sense button on the centre console provides instant access to these functions.

The system offers a choice of five different driving modes – Sport, Normal, Comfort, Perso and Eco. On the GT version, Eco is replaced by an R.S. Drive mode.

Five different interior lighting ambiancesare available: red, green, blue, purple and brown. The illumination covers the centre console, as well as the front and rear doors of high-end versions, and is linked to the display colour on the TFT screen and the portrait-format multimedia display.

Engines from 90 to 205hp, with outstanding efficiency

The new Mégane will be available with six highly-efficient engines from launch – three ENERGY dCi diesels delivering 90, 110 or 130hp, and three TCe petrol units with outputs of 100, 130 or 205hp. The EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission will be offered with the dCi 110 (six-speed) and the TCe 130 (seven-speed) engines. The seven-speed EDC is standard with the TCe 205 unit in the GT.

The core of the range will be the ENERGY dCi 110 diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. This version of the new Mégane emits just 86g of CO₂ per kilometre and has NEDC combined fuel consumption of 85.6mpg, meaning it is ECO2-listed. Since June 2015 Renault has been using the ECO2 label to highlight the most economical engine in each model range.

In 2016 the diesel ENERGY dCi 165 engine, linked to six-speed EDC dual clutch automatic transmission, will also become available in the GT.

A ‘Hybrid Assist’ diesel will be added early in 2017. With a targeted NEDC cycle figure below 3 litres/100km (94.1mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 76g/km, subject to confirmation, this will position the new Mégane as the market leader for low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. It achieves this by capturing energy under deceleration and braking, and then boosting acceleration under certain conditions, especially at low engine speeds, to combine driving pleasure with extreme economy.

The new Mégane GT - inspired by Renaultsport

The flagship of the new Mégane range at launch will be the Renaultsport-inspired GT, featuring unique exterior and interior embellishments, a 205hp TCe engine mated to a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission, segment-first 4Control four-wheel steering and bespoke chassis settings.

The design of the GT’s front bumper signals the step-up in sportiness that goes hand-in-hand with the Renaultsport DNA. It is complemented by a special design for the upper and lower grilles.

The lower air intake is wider and flanked by air scoops, while a Dark Metal finish – in particular for the door mirror housings – confirms that the car is a true Renault. The optional 18-inch diamond-effect, GT-badged wheels were specially developed by Renaultsport. At the rear, two chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes echo the style of the twin air scoops at the front to provide a sense of symmetry.  The tailpipes flank a diffuser that takes its inspiration from Formula One. The new Mégane GT carries Renaultsport badging on the left-hand rear, as well as on both front wings.

The interior is Renaultsport through and through. The wrap-around seats with integral headrests, blue top stitching and a chequered sports logo are comfortable while providing firm lateral support. Three different upholstery choices are available: fabric, Alcantara leather with blue stripes and Alcantara leather with black stripes. There is a bespoke steering wheel, sports pedals in aluminium, a special gear lever and steering-wheel mounted gearshift paddles.

The information delivered by the instrument pack and display screen is enhanced, too, most notably with the addition of a Race mode. Hints of blue within the cabin pick up on the new Iron Blue exterior colour to reinforce the GT’s unique identity.

The new Mégane GT is the first vehicle in its segment to feature four-wheel-steer 4Control technology, specially calibrated by engineers from Renaultsport. The 4Control chassis is a Renault innovation that ensures precise alignment of the rear wheels, providing exceptional driving enjoyment and sporting responsiveness with safety.

4Control ensures precise, dynamic handling on twisty roads with total stability at higher speeds. In emergencies, the four-wheel steering provides reassuring, lightning-fast responses. The car becomes smoother, more precise and more relaxing to drive, without dulling enjoyment. The system also improves manoeuvrability at slower speeds or when parking.

Rounding up the GT’s chassis package are recalibrated dampers, springs, ESC and brakes with no loss of comfort and versatility.

Meanwhile, the GT employs new technologies specially developed by Renaultsport, including Multi Change Down, which enables rapid downshifting, and Launch Control for super-swift getaways from a standing start.

“At Renaultsport we poured all our know-how into ensuring the new Mégane GT would be both comfortable and a joy to drive,” says Patrice RATTI, Managing Director, Renault Sport Technologies. “The 4Control four-wheel steering system combines with a suspension specially tuned by Renaultsport engineers to deliver a unique experience on all types of road. With its 205hp engine, seven-speed EDC gearbox operated via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, unique exterior styling and its sports-focused interior, the new Mégane GT is the perfect solution for buyers looking for performance, excitement and enjoyment at the wheel!”

Renault launches the New Fourth Generation Mégane, the most complete, and beautiful version yet.

• 20 years after the launch of Renault Mégane, which sold over 6.5 million units worldwide, Renault is updating its family car and has revealed New Mégane, the fourth car to carry that name.
• In a highly competitive segment, New Mégane stands out with its dynamic styling and distinctive lighting signature both at the front and at the rear.
• The latest Mégane range is topped by a GT version, which will be available from launch, and whose design is inspired by Renaultsport.

A distinctive, dynamic, meticulous design

With its distinctive lighting signature and balanced proportions, New Mégane is first and foremost a Renault. It adopts the brand's design DNA with broad, sculpted shoulders and a front face incorporating the brand's new design identity, including a large, vertical Renault diamond. 

As a relative of Renault Talisman, New Mégane boasts a specific lighting signature at the front with, C-shaped headlamps whose surround continues into the bumper. At the rear, the new lighting signature, visible by both day and night, goes right across the car to increase the perceived width of the vehicle. 

"On the highly competitive market of compact saloons, it was vital that New Mégane should stand out right from the first glance", says exterior designer Franck Le Gall.

At 25mm lower in front with track 47mm wider in front and 39mm wider at the rear compared to the third generation Mégane, New Mégane sits squarely on the road. Its proportions are those of a sporty silhouette with a wheelbase 28mm longer and a shorter overhang. 

Franck goes on: "The precise, taut lines, which draw the whole design towards the front, are part of the side surfaces." In combination with the sculpted shoulders, these lines give New Mégane dynamism and character."

Chromed elements emphasise the top of the belt line and enhance the grille, the side badges and door handles. The slim creases on the bonnet, combined with the chrome beading and side air scoops, strengthen the character of the front face.

An exclusive GT version, available from launch

New Mégane GT has a front bumper redesigned to express a more sporty personality. It incorporates a broader air intake and the new grill has a honeycomb design.

At the rear, the design of New Mégane GT is underscored by two chromed tailpipes that echo the air scoops further to the front and frame a spoiler inspired by the world of F1. New Mégane GT has  "Renaultsport" badging at the rear, on the wings and at the front.

This sports version will be available with new "Iron Blue" paintwork, combined with "Dark Metal" touches at the front and on the body-coloured door mirrors to emphasise its affinity with the world of GT motoring.

New Mégane GT also has 18-inch aluminium wheels developed especially for the model by Renaultsport.

In Frankfurt, New Mégane will be fully revealed…

Don't miss the Frankfurt Motor Show to find out all about New Mégane, its interior design, the technologies that have been taken from the segment above, as well as the range of engines available.