While the Talisman has been attracting customers in Germany for the first time since January of this year after its premiere at the IAA 2015, the fourth generation of the Mégane is already trying something of the whole in the highly competitive C-segment - 56% of all units sold in Germany - get off. The Talisman should convince with its steering rear axle of driving comfort in the middle class. What the Mégane, like some competitors, should make more attractive with the features from the D segment. Both face the market in the typical Renault brand design and with a starting price of € 16.790 for the "little one" and € 29.450 for the "big one".
The new Renault Mégane and Talisman in the first driving report
Two strong guys from France
Already with the R30, Safrane and Vel Satis, the French car maker made a detour into the German-fought middle class, which more or less could not pay the sales wishes of the sales department. The talisman who shares the promising CMF kit with the Espace is set to fundamentally change that. Added to this are provided security and comfort features that are now standard in the D segment. With the already in the fourth generation offered C-segment vehicle Mégane the offer of the French with its tasks grows. The competing C segment presents tasks and solutions with each new emerging model. The French engineers were aware of this and have raised the bar to the top. Both vehicles will be available in stores from the beginning of this year and will not block any target group, as spokespersons from Renault have confirmed.
No mainstream design
Both the Mégane and the "medium-sized" Talisman, like all other models (Clio, Kadjar, Espace) of the French car manufacturer, seamlessly fit into the brand image of the Renault family. The very prominent rhombus adorns both fronts and shapes the corporate design from afar. Both Mégane and Talisman are supported by the a-symmetric headlamps in the form of a "C". The headlights of the Mégane lead in the imaginary line very sporty to the rear, emphasize the beads on the talisman a very massive economic attitude, before they end at the pleasing rear end. The rear lights of both vehicles underline again the very sovereign, but quite "understatement" effect of the French.
In good hands, feel at home
When entering both vehicles, we are struck by the very large display (8,7 inches) in the center of the instrument holder. In the first place, it gives the opportunity to change all vehicle parameters, it dominates the entire interior and gives it a certain spaciousness. Nevertheless, the front of both vehicles never seems overloaded, rather constantly confirmed with all the important information. According to the online multimedia system R-Link 2 installed in both models, the drive, steering and shifting comfort, ambient lighting and seating comfort can all be changed. Need comparatively in the Mégane passengers in the rear of three still a little bit together, enjoy Fondmitfahrer in talisman legroom luxury pure. There is nothing in the way of traveling with sufficient luggage in both the C-segment Mégane and the medium-sized talisman. Space is enough.
Clear engine only with the talisman
The Mégane comes with three petrol and three diesel engines. The ENERGY technology runs like a guideline through both performance levels and drive types. The TCe 100 (74 kW / 101 PS, TCe 130 (97 kW / 132 PS) and TCe 205 (151 kW / 205 PS) are combined with both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (dCi 90 66 kW / 90 PS - dCi 110 81 kW / 110 PS - dCi 130 96 kW / 131 PS) the French prefer the combination of 6-speed manual and 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The Talisman remains clearer with three diesels (dCi 100 81 kW / 110 PS, dCi 130 96 kW - 130 PS, dCi 160 118 kW / 160 PS) and two petrol engines (TCe 150 110 kW / 150 PS, Tee 200 147 kW / 200 PS) is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-speed or 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The drives with dual-clutch gearboxes in particular have a positive effect on the first test drives. Directly appealing and sporty and agile, they guide us across the Eifel, around the Nürburgring. The lowest consumption figures presented to us of 3,3 liters for the Mégane and 3,6 liters for theUnfortunately, talismans cannot be checked on the day of the event.
Rear axle steers with
The issue of safety is an absolute MUST with every new vehicle and so the engineers from Renault are not behind it. Expected in the D-segment Talisman systems such as lane keeping warning, traffic sign recognition, high beam assistant, blind spot Warner, collision warning system, adaptive cruise control and emergency brake assist, also sets the French carmaker in the C segment Mégane on these systems. Not an insurmountable hurdle, but purchase criterion for customers who help shape the down-trend of recent years. Added to this is the dynamic all-wheel steering system "4CONTROL" designed for the Talisman. A mitlenkende rear axle, which at slow speeds against faster and faster rides with respect to the front axle. While Renault currently only offers this steering system for the Talisman and Mégane GT, this concept will be reflected in the entire Mégane range at the latest next year.
Equipment and prices
Buyers in Europe and Germany can expect six equipment lines for the Mégane and three variants for the Talisman. In addition to lavish equipment lists, Renault also offers space for customization. If the Mégane starts with the basic package, the petrol TCe 100 (74 kW / 101 PS) at € 16.790 and ends with the top diesel model (dCi 130, 96 kW / 131 PS) at € 27.290, other dimensions apply to the Talisman. For the basis of the D-segment vehicle (TCe 150, 110 kW / 150 PS), the Renault customer has to put € 29.450 on the table. The top model dCi 160 (118 kW / 160 PS) is available for a final price of € 41.000. The French can pay a surcharge of € 1.000 for the combination version, which will be available later. The exception to the previous Mégane is the GT model, which borrows heavily from Renault's motorsport department. Here the complete price is € 29.090.
Conclusion: Unity porridge was yesterday!
With the new Mégane and the talisman represented for the first time in the D segment, the French carmaker Renault is closing a gap to the rest of the vehicle range. Both vehicles make a coherent impression regarding technology, equipment and price.
Both the Mégane and the Talisman are not boring and therefore a good choice when buying a new car.
Text and image: Stefan Beckmann