Renault Megane Hatch Authentique

Own a new Renault Megane Hatch and the excitement will keep you buzzing for weeks.  Renault is the first European car manufacturer to put an unlimited/5 year comprehensive warranty on a car; and one of these car’s that has this is the stylish new Renault Megane Hatch.  For little more than $26,000 you could be the proud owner of a new Renault Megane Hatch Authentique.  So what’s the drive like?  Let’s take a closer look.

On the road, the new Renault Megane Hatch Authentique, GT-Line and GT-Line Premium all have the sprightly 1.2-litre petrol engine for powering the modish Hatch.  With direct injection technology and turbo power, the small engine has a healthy verve and boasts 97 kW of power at 5500 rpm, while torque is a strong 205 Nm from 2000 rpm.  This is quite incredible when you think of the small engine capacity.

I’ve got to say that I quite like the Authentique model for one simple reason: and that is because this it comes with the six-speed manual gearbox linked to the 1.2-litre engine.  I like to explore and caress the engine’s power via a manual – just because it’s fun to do and a little more satisfying.  The lazy side of me would much prefer the efficient EDC automatic – the alternative transmission which is available on the Authentique, GT-Line and GT-Line Premium models.

For added interest, there is a 1.5-litre diesel available across the same model trims.  Boasting 81 kW of power at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm from as low as 1750 rpm, this engine is torquey and commendably smooth.  Fuel efficiency for the 1.5-diesel is excellent – as you would expect.  You should expect well under 6 litres/100 km.

Also, there are the high performance Megane GT 220 models.  These are petrol fed tearaways with 161 kW of power punching between 4750 and 6500 rpm.  Torque from the 2.0-litre, multipoint turbo-powered engine is a feisty 340 Nm, and this is right on song between 2400 and 3500 rpm.  These aren’t tuned to run on standard unleaded drink, they require the higher octane 98 unleaded to get the best performance and fuel efficiency.  Six-speed manual transmissions feed the power to the traction controlled front wheels.  On the right piece of road the GT models will easily do 240 km/h and run the 0-100 km/h sprint in well under eight seconds.  With all this power, the 220 GT Renault Megan Hatch can give a fuel consumption figure of under 8 litres/100 km when driven with consideration.  Stretch the legs and ask the engine to give the best of its sweet spots and the consumption will climb, naturally.

Even the base models feel energetic.  All handle very well, while the Authentique and GT-line models soak up road bumps very well.  Megane GT 220 versions have sensational road holding and are a very sporty drive.

Renault Megane Hatch GT-Line

I like the Renault Megane Hatch environment with its comfortable seats, roomy cabin and excellent ergonomics.  There is plenty of modern technology to entertain and pamper you, particularly when you run with the Premium lines.  To give you an idea, the Authentique models already offer manual air-conditioning, a 12-volt socket front and rear, power windows, plenty of storage, start/stop engine technology, a Classic sound system with MP3 and USB compatibility, Bluetooth phone pairing, 60:40 split folding rear seats, cloth upholstery, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and electric heated door mirrors as standard features.

On the safety front you’ll be driving one of the safer medium-size hatchbacks.  Airbags, electronically controlled braking, stability control, LED daytime running lights, seat belt warning lights and child safety locks.  These items are standard on the Authentique models.  Premium models also add features like lane departure warning, parking aids, fog lights and an electronic park brake to name a few.

The Renault Megane Hatch model series includes the:

• Authentique 1.2L Petrol MT
• Authentique 1.2L Petrol EDC
• Authentique 1.5L Diesel EDC
• GT-Line 1.2L Petrol EDC
• GT-Line 1.5L Diesel EDC
• GT-Line Premium 1.2L Petrol EDC
• GT-Line Premium 1.5L Diesel EDC
• GT 220 2.0L Petrol MT
• GT 220 Premium 2.0L Petrol MT

For any more information on the new Renault Megane Hatch or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Renault dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!