Half a year after the market launch of the Renault Mégane has had the combi version of the French compact model at dealers since the beginning of October. The Grandtour called variant starts in conjunction with the 74 kW / 100 PS strong 1,2-liter four-cylinder gasoline from 17.790 Euro and costs 1.000 Euro more than the comparable five-door. A total of six equipment lines are available. The standard equipment includes air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, height-adjustable driver's seat and radio with 4,2-inch display.
From the five-door hatchback, the station wagon has taken over the chic design genes and now comes much faster driven up than its predecessor. The front is characterized by the large brand logo and from the third equipment line "Intens" by the c-shaped daytime running lights drawn around the headlamps using LED technology. With a height of 1,45 meters and a slightly sloping roof line, the vehicle does not look too bulky.
The station wagon has grown in length by almost seven centimeters and measures 4,63 meters from bumper to bumper. The wheelbase, on the other hand, grew by just under one centimeter to 2,71 meters compared to its predecessor. The increase in length is mainly the rear passages benefit. These have plenty of space, like the driver and front passenger. The luggage volume (521 up to 1.504 liters), however, does not reach any top values in the segment. Most and also shorter competitors have higher liter figures than the French. He can certainly score points with practical additions. In the five-seat configuration, the loading length is 95 centimeters. If you reverse the backrest divided in the ratio 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 - this is done simply by means of a lever pull from the trunk - the loading length increases to 1,75 meters. If you also fold the backrest of the front passenger seat (standard from the Intens equipment line), objects up to a length of 2,70 meters fit into the vehicle. Long-established owners of the Grandtour will appreciate the tailgate that swings up to two meters. No matter whether it is large or rather short: the rather low loading edge of 60 centimeters makes loading and unloading easier.
The majority of commercial customers will probably choose a diesel. Of the three diesels (66 kW / 90 horsepower, 81 kW / 110 horsepower and 96 kW / 130 horsepower), the most powerful one is likely to win the favor of the buyers. The engine (from 26.190 Euro, Intens) mobilizes 320 Nm, allows a top speed of 199 km / h and is content according to standard classification with four liters.
Most private customers are likely to opt for the 1,2-liter gasoline direct injection with 97 kW / 132 PS. The turbo convinced in its first test drives by its smoothness. With 205 Nm, he still has enough power reserves to be relaxed on the go with him in everyday life. A light step on the accelerator and the four-cylinder sprints off. A small turbo lag is quickly overcome. The chassis engineers have matched the combi in the comfort setting customer and back friendly. The average consumption figure also reads nicely: 5,4 liters flow through the pipes. In conjunction with a seven-speed DSG, which very harmoniously takes over the switching operations, interested parties must invest at least 25.290 Euro. For the sporty-minded clientele, Renault still has the GT variant with 151 kW / 205 PS (from 30.190 Euro) in its program. This is characterized among other things by a sportier front and four-wheel steering.
With the six equipment levels, Renault covers a wide range of comfort requirements. The most popular Intens line includes 16 inch alloy wheels, automatic parking brake, keyless entry, high-beam assistant, traffic sign recognition and automatic climate control. The cockpit is dominated by a large 7 inch touchscreen. This is the control panel for the R-Link 2 multimedia system. In addition to navigation, telephone, driver assistance and comfort functions, the driving modes (Sport, Comfort, Eco and Neutral) are also controlled by the system. In addition, you can personalize your own driving preferences such as the steering resistance or the response of the electronic accelerator pedal. For the game children among the drivers, there is also the possibility to change the color of the ambient lighting and the color and graphics of the instruments. You can switch from the digital speedometer to an analogue display or, when choosing the background color, let yourself be guided by your mood.
Speaking of mood: Who is in the right and has a generous budget, of course, can individualize his vehicle. Massage seats or a head-up display are available as well as a heated steering wheel. From the beginning of 2017 the French equip the Mégane also with modern smartphone connection (Android car and Apple Carplay). With the combination - around two thirds of the customers opt for this variant - the model planning is completed. A coupe or a convertible will not exist for the compact. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)