Renault loads Mégane and Fluence

Renault has landed the new Mégane and Fluence with more value, more equipment but no diesels
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Renault Australia's new Mégane and Fluence small cars go on sale this weekend (November 1) with a loaded equipment list, driveaway pricing, but petrol powertrains only.

On its third relaunch of recent years, Renault Australia is banking heavily on the success of the new twins under the skin. Mégane and its various versions account for close to half the marque's sales Down Under.

In the new line-up, in addition to the five-door Mégane hatch and Fluence sedan, Renault is also launching Mégane Renault Sport 250 three-door hot hatch and a new coupe-cabriolet variant of the Mégane. Key to Renault's relaunch strategy, all four models have significantly simplified model ranges and limited options. Offsetting any potential flak will be boosted standard equipment list and what Renault describes as clear, consistent driveaway pricing.

New Renault Australia Managing Director, Justin Hocevar, announced his plans for the new-look range this week at the cars' local debut in Melbourne.

"All our new generation vehicles will be notable for their very high level of standard equipment and unique-to-class, user-friendly features... This is one of the key pillars of the new Renault in Australia, resetting expectations of what European cars can offer in the light and small car segments, by equipping them with the standard safety and convenience features previously only available optionally, or in larger, more expensive vehicles," Hocevar told the assembled media.

Buyers of the new Mégane and Fluence can choose from Dynamique and Privilege model grades only. The entry-level six-speed manual Dynamique model kicks off at $22,990 or, as will be advertised, $25,990 driveaway. Auto transmission (in the case of all Mégane and Fluence models, a constantly variable transmission) adds $2000. The auto-only Privilege is priced from $29,990 in both hatch and sedan versions.

Powered by a single 103kW/195Nm 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engine, the new range eschews a Euro staple -- the offer of turbodiesel torque. Hocevar says the lack of a suitable automatic transmission and home market diesel demand has hamstrung the brand in this regard. He says a new dual-clutch transmission under development will be matched to a turbodiesel in both hatch and sedan ranges, though cautioned it is unlikely to arrive Down Under until late 2011 at best.

Matched to the manual transmission, the petrol engine is Euro 5 compliant and returns a combined fuel economy rating of 8.2L/100km. The CVT/engine pairing satisfies Euro 4 but is more economical at 7.9L/100km.

Built in Turkey, the Mégane hatch is offered in a five-door body style only. Even at entry-level Dynamique grade it is well equipped with standard features including 16-inch alloys, Smart Card Key entry and start, auto lights and wipers, aircon, foglights, electric window and mirrors, cruise control with speed limiter, USB interface and streaming Bluetooth audio and hands-free. Metallic paint and satnav are offered as options.

Step up to the top-grade Mégane and a TomTom integrated satnav system, upgraded audio, electric glass sunroof and rear park sensors are added. Other 'Privilege' grade standards include dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, folding exterior mirrors and 17-inch alloys.

The Fluence pairing follows the Mégane's lead with only minor equipment differences compared to the hatch's corresponding grades.

All Australian delivery Renaults include a full safety kit of safety gear. With EuroNCAP five-star ratings for both Mégane and Fluence, standard features include stability control and antilock brakes as well as a minimum of six airbags including side curtains.

Launched at the Paris show two years ago, the latest generation Mégane is longer (now 4295mm, was 4228), wider (now 1808mm, was 1777) and sits on a longer wheelbase (now 2641mm, up from 2617) than the model it replaces. Renault claims it's more spacious, but hands-on experience suggests it's still one of the tighter cabins in the class.

The Fluence sedan features a stretch on the Megane's wheelbase of 61mm. Overall length is up 323mm (compared to Mégane) with front and rear overhangs substantially longer than the hatch's. Wedgy styling yields a large-car-like boot volume of 503 litres.

Front end styling is unique to the sedan and features a more traditional grille in comparison to the hatch's aero look.

New boss Hocevar believes the re-born Mégane range will bring new customers to the marque. It needs to! Renault's total local new vehicle sales are over 30 per cent down on September 2009, year to date.

"We are confident our improved product substance will resonate most strongly with customers... With these new cars we will be redefining the standards for the segments in which we compete, and saying clearly to our customers they no longer need to make any compromises. We have designed the cars and the specification with our customers in mind," he opined.

"Fundamentally, with our accent on safety equipment, quality and accessibility, we will make Renault the destination of choice for a far larger group of Australian consumers," Hocevar stated.


Renault Mégane Hatch
Renault Mégane Dynamique (Manual) -- $22,990
Renault Mégane Dynamique CVT (Auto) -- $24,990
Renault Mégane Privilege CVT (Auto) -- $29,990
Note: Dynamique manual is offered at $25,990 driveaway from launch


Renault Fluence
Renault Fluence Dynamique (Manual) -- $22,990
Renault Fluence Dynamique CVT (Auto) -- $24,990
Renault Fluence Privilege CVT (Auto) -- $29,990
Note: Dynamique Manual is offered at $25,990 driveaway from launch

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