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Renault Megane 2014 Review

2014 Renault Megane TCe 130
EXPERT RATING
7
Paul Gover road tests and reviews the Renault Megane TCe 130, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

A tiny engine is being used to stir extra spice into Renault's Megane. The base car in the French family now has a 1.2-litre turbo engine instead of the previous 2.0-litre four.

However it comes with added punch and fuel economy that's improved by more than 25 per cent.

VALUE

The new starter car is the Megane Authentique TCe 130 at $20,990. It's the headline model in a slimmed-down 2014 line-up with more emphasis on the sporty edge that's worked so well for Renault Sport models.

There are a GT220 Megane hatch and wagon in the middle of the range (see below). There are also a diesel Megane Authentique hatch at $25,990 and a Megane Dynamique wagon - claimed as the cheapest of its kind - at $29,490.

The cosmetic package of the GT Line is also expected to be popular with buyers. The changes come as Renault reports a 53 per cent improvement in sales for the first half of 2014, including for the first time delivering more than 1000 in a month, in June.

This is chiefly due to the new Clio and the ongoing bait provided by RS models that have even taken some of the sales gloss off the latest Subaru WRX.

"In Europe, Renault is a mainstream brand. We will continue to move towards emulating this in Australia," says Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar.

The line-up changes accompany a minor cosmetic tweak bringing the Megane into line with the new "corporate face", already on the Clio.

Renault is also using the arrival of the latest Megane to emphasise the car's value, with capped-price servicing at $897 for three years, compared with $657 for a Hyundai i30 and $1639 for a Honda Civic.

"The perception that it is expensive to service a Renault is false. This is a lingering misconception. All the previous stigmas of the Renault brand are now in the past," says Hocevar.

The key car in the new line-up is the TCe 130 - Renault persists in using the horsepower figure in model names even though France uses kilowatts - so that's where I spend most of my time.

  • 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Renault Megane
  • 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Renault Megane
  • 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Renault Megane

DRIVING

I drive it initially in six-speed manual guise, then with Renault's efficient dual-clutch "EDC" manumatic, over some rough and rugged roads in the far north of NSW. To be honest, I would never pick it as a 1.2 or a turbo.

It's got more than enough performance for the Megane package, although paddle-shifters would be handy in the EDC car. Renault has always done great seats and suspension and the latest package is still brilliantly in tune with Aussie conditions.

It's easy to overlook the new front-end styling - it escaped me at first - but the value package is pretty good despite prices that sit above the class champions.

Pricing guides

$13,739
Based on 18 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$11,990
Highest Price
$19,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Dynamique 2.0L, PULP, CVT AUTO $8,800 – 12,430 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Dynamique Pricing and Specs
Expression 2.0L, PULP, CVT AUTO $7,700 – 10,780 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Expression Pricing and Specs
Sport Edition 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $7,920 – 11,220 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Sport Edition Pricing and Specs
(base) 2.0L, PULP, CVT AUTO $13,750 – 18,150 2014 Renault Megane 2014 (base) Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.