The French revolution starts here! Auto Express has the pictures that prove Renault is ready to reclaim its reputation as the world’s most daring designer of family cars.

This is the new Mégane, revealed for the first time in all its glory. We’ve spied undisguised versions of both the three and five-door versions, which are being prepared at the firm’s HQ.

And our inside information also means we can reveal what drivers can expect from the line-up when it hits the UK early next year.

With a sporty looking coupé and practical five-door hatch under dev-elopment, Renault plans to come out with all guns blazing in the fight against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The range of head-turning cars also promises class-leading levels of equipment and refinement, too.

Due to make their public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the two models are inspired by the new Laguna, and use detailing first revealed by the Mégane concept, which Auto Express drove in Issue 1,006.

However, as you can see in our pictures, the similarities between the cars are limited. While they get pan-oramic glass roofs and distinctive headlamps, in profile they are very different. Both have unique rear ends and individual wheel designs.

The three-door is a coupé and has a dramatic nose, tapered roof and sharply rising window line. At the rear, wide haunches and a steeply raked glass area provide a purposeful stance, which reflects the car’s promised handling prowess.

The five-door has a more conventional front, plus a larger glass area and bigger tailgate to improve practicality. The tail-lights are different, as is the rear bumper. The addition of a pair of back doors has altered the roofline to provide greater headroom for rear seat passengers.

Inside, flagship versions of both models get an upmarket interior which includes silver rimmed instruments, keyless go and satellite navigation.

An advanced airbag system is expected to complement a range of safety features that includes traction and stability control. Details of the engine line-up are not so clear, but both petrol and diesel powerplants will be available, including a 230bhp turbocharged Renaultsport version, which is designed to replace the performance oriented R27.

Prices for the newcomer are yet to be announced by the company. However, as both models will mark a major step forward in both design and engineering, a small increase is likely. Entry-level models should start from around £13,000.

The launch of the two Méganes will not affect the recently revised Scenic and Grand Scenic compact MPVs, both of which will continue until at least 2010.

However, Renault has hinted that a convertible Mégane could be on the cards to replace the current metal- roofed C-C. And estate and saloon var- iants are also due to join the line-up.

Although we were not meant to see it yet, British site Autocar has manage to obtain a couple of low-res images of the Renault Megane R26 R which is scheduled to be unveiled at the London Motor Show next month.

The R26 R is the most extreme Megane ever built – we can best describe it as a road legal track car. Much of the regular R26 model still remains intact including the 230hp 2.0 turbo engine and the limited slip differential, but the main focus of the R26 R has been on weight reduction. The stock model has been stripped of all non-essential components and some of the heavy body panels have been replaced with lighter materials including a carbon fibre hood along with polycarbonate windows. The changes result in a reduction of overall dry weight by around 125kg over the regular R26 and ultimately improved performance with the 0-62mph figure now reduced by over half a second to just shy of 6 seconds.

The R26 R will go on sale later this year with prices expected to begin at £24,000.

-Developed from the Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26, the R26.R retains the same engine, gearbox and limited slip differential but with a significant weight reduction of 123kg

-Achieves new lap record of the Nürburgring of 8m 17s, the fastest for a front-wheel-drive production car

-Features from the world of racing with a carbon bonnet, polycarbonate windows, Sabelt race seats and six-point harnesses

-Optional roll cage and titanium exhaust

-Priced at £22,990

-Limited to 450 examples worldwide, 230 of which will come to the UK. On sale from October

Having starred in the World Series by Renault - the premier saloon car championship created in 2005 - Mégane Trophy has undergone a raft of radical modifications in readiness for the 2009 season. The most visible change concerns its new body design which takes its inspiration from the lines of New Mégane Coupe. Under the bonnet, a fresh look has also been taken at the Renault-Nissan Alliance's V6 3.5 24V powerplant which now delivers 360hp. At the same time, Renault Sport Technologies has carried over many of the acclaimed features of the current Mégane Trophy to produce a competitive and affordable racing car.

There can be no mistaking New Mégane Trophy's performance pedigree thanks its stunning looks which are based on the design of New Mégane Coupe. The front and rear light units and windscreen are those of the road car, while the designers at the Renault Technocentre have made full use of digital simulation technology in the field of fluid mechanics to hone the flowing lines of the bodywork. New Mégane Trophy also carries over the ground effect aerodynamics of the existing car:

- The front splitter channels airflow to the extractors,
- Rear downforce is generated by the diffuser and wing.

Refinements to the set-up have produced a 20% improvement in downforce and a 15% reduction in drag which, together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car's aerodynamic performance over the previous generation machine.

New Mégane Trophy is equipped with butterfly doors reminiscent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing.

Under its composite outer skin, New Mégane Trophy features the same mechanicals as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, a mid-rear V6 3.5 24V engine, a semi-automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tyres.

A new inlet manifold, which is fed by roof-mounted air-ducts, has taken engine power from 330 to 360hp. The new car's reliability is as excellent as ever with rebuild intervals of every 5,500km. Combined with the aerodynamic gains, the extra power output of the V6 3.5 24V engine will enable New Mégane Trophy to lap in times similar to those of a Porsche GT3.

After completion of its development programme, New Mégane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of a kit that will enable existing cars to be upgraded. The modifications required to adapt the chassis to the new bodywork will be carried out by the Alpine factory in Dieppe.

As in previous years, the Eurocup Mégane Trophy will form part of the World Series by Renault programme and its calendar takes in some of Europe's most prestigious venues. This single-make series, which is a hit with both drivers and teams, is based on the same core strengths that have forged the success of Renault Sport's race championships, namely:

A perfectly level playing field thanks to rigorous scrutineering checks and the banning of tuning of the majority of components,
Contained costs thanks to restrictions relating to tyres and private testing,
Extensive media coverage thanks to live television, plus the opportunity to race in meetings that have attracted two million spectators since 2005.

In the course of each race weekend, drivers contest two races of approximately 40 minutes each and which include a mandatory refuelling stop. Mégane Trophy has been widely praised for its simplicity and the ease with which drivers are able to familiarise themselves with the cars, while the series is aimed at upcoming youngsters who have come up through the ranks of single-seater formulae and gentleman drivers.

Just a few short weeks ago, Renault revealed the first images and details of the Renault Megane Hatch, the five door variant of its all-new C segment model. Details of when further variants were likely to be unveiled was kep under wrap, this wrap has now been well and truly ripped open with the unveiling of the Renault Megane Coupe at the Paris Motor Show today.

The new variant of the family has been designed to emphasise safe driving enjoyment for the performance demanding enthusiasts. The first part has truly been met, but we are unsure this design is going to appeal to true driving enthusiasts. But it appears Renault have taken a similar direction to Seat and their new Ibiza by taking a car that would be better described as a three-door hatch and naming it a coupe.

The same engine range from the five-door hatch is available for the Coupe. The petrol range includes the 1.6 16V 100hp and 110hp engines, as well as the 2.0 16V 140hp and the Tce 180. The 2.0 16V will be available from launch with a six-speed manual gearbox, while continuously variable transmission will be introduced with this powerplant at a later date. Renault’s latest petrol engine, the Tce 130 will be added in the spring of 2009. The new Mégane range will also include biofuel-compatible engines (bioethanol and biodiesel).

The dCi 85 and dCi 105 engines have been joined by the dCi 90 and the particulate filter-equipped dCi 110. Every one of these engines emits less than 120g of CO2/km, while the new dCi 130 emits just 135g/km. Peak power (130hp/96kW) arrives sooner too (at 3,750rpm instead of 4,000rpm), and maximum torque (300Nm) is available from 1,750rpm instead of 2,000rpm. The engine line-up will shortly be extended to include the dCi 160 coupled with a manual gearbox and the dCi 150 mated to automatic transmission.

Sales of the new Megane Coupe are set to begin in November, coinciding with the launch of the five-door hatchback.

New Mégane R.S. is the latest addition to Renault's line-up of sporting vehicles and stands out from the other models that make up the Mégane range through its styling and performance which live up every bit to the newcomer's sporty pedigree.

In response to customer demand, New Mégane R.S. is available from launch with a choice of two chassis: the Sport chassis, for everyday driving pleasure, and the Cup chassis, for even more exhilarating track-focused performance.

New Mégane R.S. is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Peak power is 250hp, while maximum torque stands at 340Nm which is available across a particularly broad rev-band to deliver a standard of performance that can be enjoyed equally on the road and on race tracks.

New Mégane R.S. boasts a raft of specific equipment designed to heighten driving enjoyment, including R.S. Dynamic Management (which permits three ESP modes) and R.S. Monitor (onboard telemetry).

New Mégane R.S. is manufactured at Renault's Palencia plant in Spain, on the same production lines as those of the hatchback, coupé and estate versions of New Mégane.

Dialled-in performance

New Mégane R.S. is the latest in a series of emblematic models that have helped forge Renault Sport's reputation, from the R8 Gordini to Mégane R26.R.

Assertive, sporty looks

Racy exterior and interior styling of New Mégane R.S. takes inspiration from the world of motor sport.

Technologies that make a real contribution to travelling comfort and performance

o Two technologies developed for even greater driving enjoyment: R.S. Dynamic Management (three ESP modes) and R.S. Monitor (onboard telemetry).
o A raft of equipment usually associated with cars from the next segment up.

Driving pleasure in all situations

o A choice of two chassis: the standard Sport chassis and the Cup chassis featuring an
optional limited slip differential.
o The 2.0 Turbo R.S. engine: 250hp and maximum torque of 340Nm
o Powerful brakes with four-pot Brembo front callipers.

Safe sports performance

New Mégane R.S. benefits from Renault's massive expertise in the fields of active and passive safety.

New Mégane R.S. features in the latest version of 'Need for Speed' video game: 'Need for Speed Shift'.

Renault and motor sport: more than one hundred years of success.

The current economic situation and manufacturing strategy

New Mégane R.S. profits from the expertise acquired by Renault's Palencia plant in Spain with the New Mégane programme.

DIALLED-IN PERFORMANCE

Renault has been a major player on the international motor sport scene for many years. The R8 Gordini, the Super 5 GT Turbo, Clio Williams and, more recently, Clio Renault Sport, Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R have all stood out as emblematic ambassadors for the brand on race tracks and rally stages around the world. The current range of production Renault Sport-badged models benefits extensively from Renault Sport Technologies' long experience of competition and from the Renault group's manufacturing expertise.

With more than 21,000 units sold in some 30 countries since its 2004 launch, Mégane Renault Sport has been a resounding success. In addition to topping its class in France, Mégane Renault Sport is one of the most competitive hot hatches around thanks to refinements that have been introduced over the years, including the availability of the even more efficient Cup chassis, as well as the release of the radically lightened R26.R version. Both Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R are acclaimed for their high performance engines and chassis efficiency. They were each voted 'Sporting Car of the Year' by readers of the French magazine Echappement in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Meanwhile, Mégane R26.R – which still holds the lap record for its class round Germany's 21km Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit – was named 'Car of the Year' by the British mag Evo and stands out as the benchmark hot hatch of its class.

THE STUNNING LOOKS OF A THOROUGHBRED HOT HATCH

New Mégane R.S. features the same styling cues as New Mégane Coupé, but it also exudes a distinctly sporty feel thanks to several elements that take their inspiration from Formula 1. The dynamic, sweeping lines of the coupé version combine with a number of details which recall the world of motor sport to give it an even more assertive character, while pointing to the promise of exhilarating on-road performance:

- the wheelarches are wider to accommodate the impressive 18- or 19-inch wheels,
- the front bumper incorporates a wide air intake and a Formula 1-type aerodynamic blade,
- the central exhaust tailpipe, diffuser and rear lip spoiler reaffirm the car's sporting credentials and contribute to its aerodynamic performance,
- the front bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights highlight the car's piercing gaze.

New Mégane R.S.'s stance is uncompromisingly sporty – a sensation reinforced by its striking launch colour, Sport Yellow – while at the same time exuding a distinct impression of robustness and stability. Special attention has been paid to quality, too, as illustrated by the design and finish of the 19-inch Steev wheels which suggest a cocktail of refinement, advanced technology and speed. The exterior mirror housings, the aerodynamic blade incorporated in the front bumper and the rear diffuser are all picked out in gloss black, a further sign that New Mégane R.S. is not only sporty but also chic and elegant.

BEAUTY WITHIN, TOO!

The cabin carries over the chic, sporty styling of the exterior, and features a dark charcoal trim which contrasts with the Sport Yellow rev-counter background and steeringwheel stitching. The Yellow Ambience Pack brings further touches of colour in the form of the seatbelts and two-tone grey and yellow upholstery, as well as the door-panel and gear lever knob stitching.

The driving position is unmistakably sporty, but also perfectly comfortable. The front seat back and cushions feature additional lateral support, while the driver's seat is fully adjustable (fore/aft adjustment =240mm, height adjustment = 70mm), including adjustable lumbar support. The heated leather seats come with an electric settings-memory function. Those owners who enjoy putting their vehicle through its paces round a circuit will appreciate the optional cloth- or leather-upholstered Recaro seats which are also height- and fore/aft-adjustable.

The low seating position is comfortable, and the driver benefits from efficient support, whether driving on the open road or negotiating a racetrack.

The steeringwheel, too, is designed to be comfortable and sporty. It is trimmed in full-grain leather and is both height- and reach-adjustable to find the ideal driving position. Its shape and integrated thumb rests ensure perfect grip, while the yellow centre-point marking is a particularly useful feature when taking a sequence of tight corners or when driving on low-grip surfaces.

The competition feel of the driving experience is rounded off by the aluminium-faced pedals and footrest. Quality materials have been employed, while special care has been paid to assembly excellence and to the smaller details, with Renault Sport-badging visible on the grille, tailgate, sills, headrests, rev-counter background and dashboard trim.

COMFORT- AND PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING EQUIPMENT

New Mégane R.S. benefits from a raft of technological equipment, including:

- automatic dual-zone climate control with three modes (Soft/Auto/Fast),
- hands-free card with automatic door locking as the card-holder walks away from the vehicle,
- the 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, with standard RCA connection or optional Plug & Music
connectivity (USB, jack).
- a choice of two navigation systems: Carminat Bluetooth DVD® or Carminat TomTom®.

The analogue instruments of New Mégane R.S. are specific to the model and are another feature which provides a visible tie-in with the world of motor sport. In addition to the warning light which recommends the ideal moment to change gear, an audible warning also tells the driver when the rev-limiter is about to cut in.

A new feature on New Mégane R.S. is the Renault Sport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to choose the degree of electronic aid he or she wants in different situations:

- 'On': the default mode when the engine is fired up. The ESP, ASR traction control and emergency brake assist are all activated. The system intervenes as soon as it senses that the car is on the verge of sliding. The pedal mapping ensures smooth acceleration, making this mode ideally suited to everyday use.
- 'Sport' mode, for less intrusive ESP action. This mode is selected by a short press on the ESP button. Although the ESP and ASR are still active, they intervene at a later point and allow the car to slide to a certain extent, so long as the skid doesn't exceed a given threshold. The pedal mapping is modified to permit swifter engine response.
- 'Off' mode, for unfettered enjoyment, notably round a circuit. This mode is activated by a longer push on the ESP button. The electronic stability programme is fully disconnected, while the pedal mapping is modified to permit swifter engine response.
When the latter two modes are selected, the mentions 'ESP Sport' or 'ESP Off' are visible on the dashboard display.

COMPETITION-STYLE DATA-FEEDBACK

Another unprecedented new feature for New Mégane R.S.'s class is the Renault Sport Monitor, an advanced tool which provides the driver with real-time data. The system takes its inspiration directly from technology employed in motor sport and, until now, seen only on a small number of prestige road cars.

The R.S. Monitor is an electronic system which enables driving data to be collected via an array of sensors. Drivers can scroll through the system's different functions using the steeringwheel remote controls, and the following information is shown of the main dashboard display:

data concerning the main engine functions (turbo pressure, oil temperature) and brakes, real-time engine performance data (torque, power), transverse and longitudinal acceleration ('GG' display), stopwatch, with memory function,
performance data, with automatic memorisation of best 400-metre standing start and 0-100kph times.

The R.S. Monitor also enables the driver to modify the pedal mapping. A choice of five settings is
available with the 'Sport' mode selected ('linear', 'normal', 'snow', 'sport' and 'extreme') in order to adapt the car's acceleration characteristics to the conditions or to the driver's wishes of the moment.

EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING ENJOYMENT IN ALL SITUATIONS

New Mégane R.S. benefits from the extensive work that went into the chassis of Mégane R26.R, including independent steering axis front suspension coupled with a programmed-deflection rear torsion beam.

In response to customer demand, New Mégane R.S. is available with a choice of two chassis:

- the Sport chassis, which delivers the ideal balance between sports performance and everyday driving comfort,
- the Cup chassis which, combined a limited slip differential, delivers outstanding traction, particularly appealing to owners looking to enjoy themselves round a circuit.

Independent steering axis front suspension (R.S. Performance Hub) was first seen on a Renault production car in 2004, with the launch of Mégane Renault Sport. This arrangement ensures stable front suspension geometry under hard acceleration or when applying a significant amount of steering lock, cutting torque-steer.

Compared with the first-generation layout which it supersedes, New Mégane R.S.'s front suspension has benefited from significant work into reducing unsprung weight. The pivot, pivot carrier, and lower arm which links the wheel assembly to the engine subframe are made from aluminium, while ball joints are now employed between the pivot and pivot carrier to reduce the forces to which the steering axis is subjected.

For optimal directional precision, the front suspension is attached to a so-called 'horned' subframe, a layout which ensures a level of transverse rigidity which is three times superior to that of Mégane II Renault Sport's front suspension.

Meanwhile, the damper housing and shaft diameters have been uprated on New Mégane R.S. compared with Mégane coupé. This has doubled the stiffness of the strut and optimizes maintenance of the front wheels' geometry under load.

The programmed-deflection rear torsion beam uses a new closed-profile beam which ensures the same level of stiffness for less weight.

The Sport chassis benefits from specific damper and spring ratings. The diameter of the front anti-roll bar is 23mm, while the stiffness of the axis is 19mm/100DaN at the front and 25mm/100DaN at the rear.

Compared with New Mégane Coupé TCe 180, New Mégane R.S.'s anti-roll performance is improved by 12.5 per cent.

The Cup chassis with limited slip differential: uncompromising performance

The Cup chassis is aimed at enthusiasts who enjoy sporty driving and fans of track days, since its specific settings truly come into their own when the car is pushed that little bit harder. Compared with the Sport chassis, anti-roll stiffness has been increased by 13 per cent thanks to a bigger-diameter anti-roll bar (24.2 mm). The dampers are specific, too, while axis stiffness has been uprated by 35 and 38 per cent at the front and rear respectively compared with the Sport chassis. Anti-roll stiffness at the rear has been increased by 7 per cent compared with the Sport chassis.

The overall anti-roll stiffness of the Cup chassis marks an improvement of 15 per cent over the Sport
chassis.

Equipped with a limited slip differential (LSD), Mégane R.S. Cup chassis delivers genuine competition-type performance. The LSD ensures optimum traction at all times; whatever the conditions, however much grip is available, whatever the diving style and whatever the type of corner. The combination of a limited slip differential and independent steering axis front suspension minimizes the effects of torque steer and permits the driver to profit fully from the extra traction for a more reassuring drive.

The limited slip differential also ensures greater stability under braking. By kicking in immediately, it pushes back the threshold when the ASR traction control intervenes under hard acceleration or when the ESP cuts in when turning into corners, thereby freeing the car’s full braking potential. Improved turn-in performance also means that the driver is able reaccelerate harder and sooner.

In short, in addition to improving the efficient transmission of power to the road, and thereby enhancing performance, the limited slip differential delivers progressive, reassuring handling which is appreciable whatever the driving style.

Lateral cornering stability has been improved to obtain a remarkable specific angle of roll, namely 0.31°/m/s 2 in the case of the Sport chassis and 0.28°/m/s 2 for the Cup chassis (compared with an average of 0.38°/m/s 2 for New Mégane Coupé, and 0.35°/m/s 2 for Mégane II F1Team R26).

It is easy to spot when New Mégane R.S. is equipped with the Cup chassis and limited slip differential thanks to its red brake callipers and grooved brake discs.

18- or 19-inch tyres

The following tyres are standard for New Mégane R.S.:
- Sport chassis: the new Dunlop SP Sport Max TT (225/40 R18 Y),
- Cup chassis: Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (235/40 R18 Y), also fitted to R26.R

A 19-inch option is available for both chassis, namely the new Continental Sport Contact 5 Performance
(CSC5P) (235/35 R19 Y).

Exceptionally powerful brakes

High-performance cars call for high-performance braking systems that deliver both bite and resistance to fade. New Mégane R.S. benefits from exceptional stopping power thanks to its four-pot Brembo callipers and 340mm diameter vented discs at the front, the biggest available in the hot hatch segment. The front discs are grooved in the case of the Cup chassis equipped with a limited slip differential. Braking performance is further enhanced by an 11-inch servo.

At the rear, New Mégane R.S. is equipped with 290mm-diameter discs (again, grooved in the case of the Cup chassis).

Sport-style steering

New Mégane R.S.'s electric power steering features the same changes introduced on New Mégane, although its calibration has been adapted to suit the new model's sportier calling. The system delivers more precise feedback, with a progressive increase in turning effort into corners and enhanced comfort through turns. Its steering ratio of 14.75:1 is closer than that of the former-generation version.

ENJOYABLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE

One of New Mégane R.S.'s major strengths is to be found underneath the bonnet in the form its newgeneration, Euro5-compliant 2.0 16V turbocharged engine (F4Rt). This powerplant delivers peak power of 250hp (184kW) at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 340Nm at 3,000rpm, for a specific power output of 125hp/litre.

This increase in power and torque has notably been achieved thanks to:

- evolution changes to the turbo for even enhanced response at low revs,
- continuously variable intake valve timing,
- revised fuel-injection mapping.

With 80 per cent of peak torque available from as low as 1,900rpm, acceleration is smooth and responsive thanks to the twin scroll turbocharger and continuously variable intake valve timing.

To guarantee both performance and reliability, more than 25 per cent of the engine's components are new compared with the 230hp version which powers Mégane F1 Team R26:

- new intake ports,
- reinforced reciprocal parts (pistons and conrods),
- new air/air and water/oil intercoolers,
- sodium-cooled valves,
- piston ring carriers.

New Mégane R.S.'s engine drives through a six-speed manual gearbox (PK4). Compared with the version of this gearbox mated to New Mégane's TCe 180 engine, the ratios are taller with increased shift precision to give a sportier feeling. This new transmission enables the engine's inherent performance to be exploited, with a 0-100kph time of 6.1 seconds and the 1,000-metre standing start covered in 25.7 seconds.

New Mégane R.S. returns excellent fuel economy for this level of power, with combined cycle fuel consumption of just 8.4 litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 195g/km.

New Mégane R.S. is also equipped with a system designed to optimize standing start performance. Known as Power Start, this system functions when the car is at a halt – with ESP selected – and allows the driver to profit fully from the engine's acceleration performance without grip being lost.

Work on the intake ports and exhaust has also bestowed New Mégane R.S. with a telltale sporty pitch under hard acceleration.

Reliability, durability and endurance

To ensure lasting performance, Renault Sport Technologies' development team has put the New Mégane R.S. through its paces in a wide variety of situations, from long-distance circuit runs to extreme cold and heat, covering more than 300,000km in teasting.

Sporting performance in complete safety

Renault considers safety to be a priority and a domain in which the brand is known to excel. Renault uses the findings of LAB (Accident Analysis, Biomechanics and Human Behaviour Laboratory of PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Renault) to design vehicles which are both safe and adapted to real-world driving conditions.

New Mégane R.S. naturally benefits from Renault's expertise in this field.

A raft of equipment is included to help drivers anticipate or avoid risk:

- seatbelt warning lights for all five seats,
- tyre pressure monitoring system,
- bi-Xenon directional headlamps,
- automatic headlamp activation,
- automatic windscreen-wiper activation,
- cruise control with speed limiter,
- ESP with understeer control,
- emergency brake assist.

New Mégane R.S.'s outstanding passive safety performance has been achieved thanks to the same systems which enabled New Mégane Hatchback to obtain the maximum five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating and the maximum possible score of 37 points from 37.

The programmed deformation of New Mégane R.S.'s structure has been engineered to absorb impact energy to protect the cabin and its occupants. The materials employed – including high, very high and very, very high elastic limit steels – have been selected to absorb and dissipate as much kinetic energy as possible. Controlled deformation ensures that occupants are subjected to lower deceleration forces and this, coupled with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3), guarantees an extremely high level of protection.

New Mégane R.S. features in the latest release of Electronic Arts’ 'Need for Speed' video game series: 'Need for Speed Shift'

Following the successful inclusion of New Mégane Coupé in 'Need for Speed Undercover' which was released last November, Renault and Electronic Arts have continued their association with the appearance of New Mégane R.S. in 'Need for Speed Shift', the latest addition to the NFS series which went on sale in September.

Need for Speed's development team were won over by the looks and performance credentials of New Mégane R.S., and have featured it in the game's line-up of 70-car line-up which that includes the most legendary models of the past three-and-a-half decades.

Renault's experts and developers from Electronic Arts worked hand-in-hand for almost a year to make New Mégane R.S.'s role in the game as lifelike as possible.

Need for Speed Shift delivers driving sensations on a par with those felt behind the wheel of the cars themselves, and its unique gameplay features provide players with an unparalleled experience as they embark on a tour of the world's most legendary circuits.

Created 15 years ago, Need for Speed evolves from year-on-year, enabling players to enjoy the thrills of motor racing with increasing realism. More than 100 million copies of Need for Speed have been sold, making it the biggest motor racing video game franchise ever thanks to its combination of prestigious cars and incomparable technical qualities and graphics. The game is developed and published by Electronic Arts, the world's leading video game publisher, whose products constantly strive to push out the envelopewhen it comes to innovation, player immersion and intensity.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet rounds off the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with introduction of the line-up's sixth body type. The newcomer's striking looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the thrills that go hand-in-hand with driving a cabriolet.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor – including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment – yet it goes further still by offering customers:

· unruffled open-top motoring thanks to the forward position of the windscreen and a fixed glass wind deflector situated behind the rear head restraints,
· outstanding handling performance thanks to a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system,
· a broad choice of engines, including one which can be ordered with the all-new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
· careful attention to quality, including high-gloss black and satin-effect chrome exterior features.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic at Renault's Douai plant in France. It consequently benefits from the experience gained since the beginning of the Mégane programme, including the assembly of the former-generation Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy an alternative way to go motoring, and is an elegant illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'. New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet goes on sale this spring.

ARRESTING LOOKS FROM EVERY ANGLE

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with a car whose intrinsic appeal is sure to turn heads.

Its looks exude a distinguished elegance that is underpinned by the large glass roof which tells you that this is unmistakably a cabriolet, even in its coupé configuration. This high-gloss finish black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame, while the sweep of the waistline adds an unmistakably high-end feel that more than does justice to its cabriolet persona. The dark red taillights feature a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting signature.

The interior layout carries over the same prevailing elegance and refinement, thanks not only to the quality of the materials employed and to the high standard of finish, but also to the three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish with leather seats.

Although the floating dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the 'butterfly wing' door trim panel is specific to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet and adds to the newcomer's inherent elegance.

CHIC AND PRACTICAL

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants benefit from the thrills of unruffled open-top motoring in all conditions.

The standard folding glass hard roof boasts a transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres (a segment best) to ensure a brightly lit cabin and a sensation of space and freedom. It also guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater protection from vandalism. The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic opening mechanism of the two-part roof enables the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds at the press of a button.

With the top down, the driver and passengers alike enjoy a real sense of freedom. Entry and exit is made easier by the more forward position of the windscreen header-rail which has been advanced by 6cm compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.

To make sure that all occupants are able to benefit from the pleasure of riding al fresco without the drawbacks, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with a fixed glass wind deflector (unique in the segment) positioned behind the back seat headrests. This arrangement enables four people to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90kph and, when used in conjunction with the removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, allows two occupants to travel free from buffeting whatever the speed.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's length of 4,485mm ensures that the driver and the three passengers benefit from a standard of comfort expected of a family car.

The driver is treated to a carefully thought-through environment and conveniently positioned controls which carry over solutions previously employed for New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé:

- controls clustered either around the steering wheel or on the centre console,
- height- and fore/aft-adjustable driver's seat (through 70mm and 240mm respectively),
- position memory for front seats, after being tipped forward,
- reach and height-adjustable steering wheel (through 45mm and five degrees respectively).

In addition to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's carefully-honed lines, special attention has gone into ensuring that it is a practical package, too, and that includes the boot:

- automatic closing for simple, secure locking,
- large capacity (417 litres with the roof up, and 211 litres with the roof down),
- easy to access, with a segment-best sill height (590mm from the ground) and aperture (258mm) with the roof down, enabling three cabin cases to be carried side by side.

A RAFT OF PRACTICAL, USER-FRIENDLY HIGH-TECH FEATURES

Like all the models that make up the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a long list of high-tech features, most of which are more readily associated with the next segment up:

· hands-free starting, and hands-free locking as the card-holder walks away from the car,
· electric parking brake,
· automatic dual-zone three-mode (soft-auto-fast) climate control,
· directional bi-Xenon headlamps,
· combined digital/analogue instrument display,
· new, colour-coded cruise control/speed limiter interface,
· 3D sound by Arkamys® audio with Plug&Music connectivity (USB, mini-jack plug),
· Carminat TomTom® navigation, the market's most competitively priced built-in sat-nav system,
· customized settings and activation/deactivation of certain functions (daytime running lights, volume of audible parking proximity warning).

A PERFECTLY SMOOTH RIDE

New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet delivers the same high standard of driving precision as Mégane Hatchback and Mégane Coupé to provide an enjoyable, responsive ride:

- The MacPherson-type front suspension is attached to a so-called 'horned' subframe, an arrangement that ensures a level of lateral rigidity that is three-times superior to that of the
former-generation Megan Coupé-Cabriolet.
- The rear suspension's torsion beam features a lighter, closed-profile beam that delivers
enhanced torsional stiffness.
- The new electric power steering system is more responsive and refined, and gives even more accurate feedback of information from the road.

The torsional rigidity of the bodyshell has been uprated by 80 per cent compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet in order to match the increased stiffness of the suspension and for even greater handling precision, whether the roof is up or down.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations.

Petrol engines:
- The 1.6 16V 110hp engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
- The TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.
- The 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT)
for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth, step-less gearshifts.

The diesel engine range comprises the following Euro5-homologated powerplants:
- The dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dualclutch
automatic transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox.
- The dCi 130 DPF which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
- The dCi 160 DPF also with a six-speed manual gearbox.

EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission
The six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission fits perfectly with
Renault's bid to combine ride comfort, driving pleasure and respect for the environment. Based on DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) technology, it stands out as a genuine clean-break solution compared with conventional automatic transmissions thanks to:
- CO2 emissions and fuel consumption comparable to those of a vehicle equipped with a manual
gearbox,
- fast, smooth, automatic gearshifts,
- instant response to the driver's demands.

THE PLEASURE OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING IN TOTAL SAFETY

When it comes to safety, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet reaps the benefits of the brand's extensive expertise in this field. Like all the models that make up the New Mégane range, it has been engineered to boast exemplary passive and active safety performance.

An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risk situations:

· front seatbelt warning lights,
· tyre pressure monitoring system,
· directional bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering dipped beams,
· automatic headlamp activation,
· automatic windscreen wiper activation,
· cruise control with speed limiter.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with a comprehensive range of driving aids, too:

· ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
· Emergency brake assist,
· ESC with understeer control.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's chief passive safety features are:

· programmed structural deformation designed to protect the cabin – and therefore occupants – in the case of a rollover, thanks to reinforcement of the windscreen pillars, body sides, sills and floor,
· automatic pyrotechnic deployment of the rollover hoops should dedicated sensors detect that a rollover is imminent,
· seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters,
· adaptive frontal airbags,
· dual-volume head/thorax/pelvis lateral airbags,
· anti-submarining airbags incorporated in the front seat cushions,
· side impact sensors,
· anti-whiplash head restraints,
· Isofix child seat anchorage for rear seats.

The public will get its first chance to see New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet when it is unveiled at the
forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 4-14, 2010). It will also be displayed at L’Atelier Renault on
the Champs-Elysées (N°53) in Paris, France.

Renault has unveiled a hardcore Megane RS 275 Trophy-R special edition that managed to take down the front-wheel drive record on the Nürburgring.

About a month ago Renault launched a more potent Megane RS 275 Trophy and now they have taken the wraps off an extreme Trophy-R limited edition which has managed to improve Seat Leon Cupra 280's Nürburgring record for a front-wheel drive car by about four seconds, lapping the Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 54.36 seconds.

Compared to the standard RS 275 Trophy, the R version has lost almost 100 kg (220 lbs) as a result of removing the rear seats as well as most of the sound-absorbing and insulating materials. In addition, the engineers installed a smaller battery, removed the radio and air conditioning system and mounted lighter Recaro bucket seats made from a single piece of polycarbonate.

Power comes from the same 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 275 PS (202 kW) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft). The vehicle is fitted as standard with the cup chassis (including limited-slip differential) and has received a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, adjustable Öhlins Road & Track dampers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and 350mm brake discs.

The vehicle is wearing a two-tone paint scheme with a pearlescent white body and a black roof, together with a checquered flag graphic and an F1-type front blade with the Trophy-R branding. It rides on 19-inch black or red Speedline wheels and comes with a standard three-point seat belt or an optional six-point harness with aviation-style buckle.
Production of the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R special edition will be capped at 250 units and these will be sold in 15 markets starting later this year.