Frankfurt show: Renault refreshes Megane
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 9th Sep 2013
The French car-maker has given its small car contender a new face ahead of a debut at Frankfurt next week to bring it into line with its latest design language evident on the recently launched Clio hatch range.
Renault says the new styling “ensures greater unity” between all three Megane bodystyles, with the three- and five-door hatch, and wagon, all carrying the same bonnet and front bumper.
The updated Megane now features elliptical headlights, while Renault has differentiated each bodystyle with subtle changes including gloss black headlight surrounds on Renault Sport and GT models.
While the link to the smaller Clio is clear, the Megane features swept-up headlights. Daytime running lights are still incorporated into the bumper, unlike the ones housed in the grille in the Clio.
Renault has released few details about the facelift, but it appears most of the redesign is focussed on the Megane’s front end, with little, if any change to the rear. It is also unclear whether Renault has updated the cabin or powertrains.
The updated Megane is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2014 and is likely to arrive in Australia in the second quarter.
Renault is expected to release more details about the Megane at Frankfurt on September 10.
Reports have suggested the next-generation Megane could appear either in late 2015 or early 2016, meaning the facelifted version of the three-year old model will have to soldier on for at least another two years.
Renault Australia introduced wagon variants and a new $20,990 Expression base model as a part of a model upgrade for the Megane in July this year.
Sales for the Megane have increased by 7.6 per cent in the first eight months of 2013, with 698 units shifted, up from 649 in the same period last year.
