Renault Megane 1.2 TCe - just good

We value cars for functionality, spaciousness, level of equipment, finishing materials, driving performance and economical and dynamic engines. Renault Mé gane with the new 1.2 TCe engine has most of the desired performance.

May Gane. Renault's compact model will be remembered by drivers mainly because of the second generation - boldly stylized, but also problematic. In 2008, with the advent of the "troika", the unique design became a thing of the past. According to ADAC research, failure rates have also been above average in the past. The new Mé gane keeps up with the segment leaders and also proves to be less unreliable than some of its competitors in Germany, Korea and Japan.

In April of this year, the Renault Mégane underwent a slight facelift. The changes are really cosmetic. The front apron has LED daytime running lights, and the new bumper has a large air intake with a metal frame. The most important thing is under the hood. New with a state-of-the-art Energy TCe 115 engine, Renault's first design to combine direct fuel injection with turbocharging, adding an efficient stop-and-go shutdown system.

The priority was, of course, to minimize the need for fuel. Renault says the 115-litre Energy TCe 1,2 unit should consume 5,3 l/100 km on the combined cycle. The actual fuel consumption is higher, but the new design of the French concern deserves praise for its prudent handling of fuel. In the urban cycle, 7,5 l / 100 km is enough, and on the highway, the result can be reduced by two liters. Obviously, obtaining such results requires careful handling of the gas. What is important, even with a dynamic ride, the whirlwind in the tank does not begin to gain strength.

The driver can choose from 115 hp. at 4500 rpm and 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. The engine spontaneously spins up to speed, although you should not use them, since 90% of the power is already available from 1600 rpm.

The flat torque curve reduces the frequency of gear lever touchdowns. It is worth emphasizing that due to the high precision of the gearbox, mixing with six gear ratios is a pleasure. Until a few years ago, the transmission mode was the fifth Renault Achilles.

There is no need to complain about the dynamics, given the fact that we are talking about a version that, first of all, treats fuel carefully. If desired, the digital speedometer can show "hundred" in 10,9 seconds after starting.

The suspension capabilities of the Renault Mé gane Energy TCe 115 far exceed those of the engine. The elastic undercarriage absorbs bumps very well and silently. At first contact, it seems that the Renault Mà © gane isolates the driver too much from the road. Information about the situation when the tires come into contact with the road comes mainly through the steering system with a properly selected power steering. However, as the miles roll on, Megan reassures us that the team responsible for tuning his suspension has done some serious work. The car is precise, neutral and insensitive to sudden changes in load.

The Mé gane running gear has plenty of reserves for a dynamic ride. The small and light engine under the hood also contributes to handling. The spontaneity and responsiveness of the Mà © gane Energy TCe 115 may come as a particular surprise to those who have previously driven cars whose front axles were heavily loaded with massive turbodiesel engines. A difference of several tens of kilograms really matters. Another advantage of the drive is excellent sound insulation. In the car, we hear, first of all, the noise of the tires and the whistle of the air flowing around the body.

There is a lot of space inside Mé gane. The front seats are very comfortable, and thanks to the two-way adjustable steering wheel, the steering wheel position is optimal. Renault Mé Gane has a large wheelbase of 2641 mm. Unfortunately, this does not affect the spaciousness of the rear of the cabin in any way - more space at the knee level would be needed. The sloping roofline reduces headroom. On the other hand, the luggage compartment with a capacity of 372 liters is very decent.

French cars are famous for their high quality interiors. Of course, there was no shortage of them in Megan. The materials are soft and pleasant to the touch. At first, the stylistic restraint and grouping of buttons on the center console and steering wheel are impressive. However, we will quickly discover that the cockpit layout of the Mé gane is specific. The size and position of the frequency control knob make you reflexively grab it, trying to change the volume - to adjust it, use a small knob in the background in the upper left corner of the audio unit.

The cruise control and speed limiter switches are mounted on the steering wheel in the same place where the audio or telephone control buttons are usually installed. Renault suggests that multimedia functions should be controlled using a remote control located behind the steering wheel. You can also complain about the uncomfortable handle with numerous buttons for the multimedia and navigation system. Of course you get used to everything.

The test vehicle in the Bose Edition Energy TCe 115 version was equipped with a Bose Energy Efficient Series audio system. Dual-zone air conditioning with an air quality sensor, the presence of which is proudly evidenced by the inscription between the front vents, did not require any additional payment. Among the options was the Visio System package (PLN 1600), which automatically turns on traffic lights and warns of unintentional departure from the lane. We sincerely recommend investing in parking sensors (from PLN 1060) because the massive roof pillars and the small tailgate narrow the field of view considerably.

It is the prices that are the most serious scratch. Renault Mé gane Bose Edition2 Energy TCe 115 cost PLN 76. If we are not interested in a “tuned” sound system, we can choose the Dynamique350 Energy TCe 2 option for PLN 115. This is a lot, even if you take into account the car’s many advantages and rich equipment. The purchasing decision will certainly not be made easier by the information that the version with the 72 TCe 150 engine costs PLN 1.4 less. If we don’t pay more attention to the year of manufacture, by purchasing an already sold-out car from 130, we will save 1400 2012 zlotys, and for 9000 zlotys we will get winter tires. After all, you can buy a car with an Energy TCe engine for PLN 115.

Renault Mà © gane will captivate everyone with its design. Interior space, performance and handling are good but not amazing. In each of Megan's categories, he deserves a good amount of points, which he does not lose due to his glaring shortcomings. As a result, the Renault product is a serious competitor to compact vans from other parts of Europe and Asia. The theory is found in sales statistics. In the pan-European ranking, Mé Gane is in the top ten, behind almost exclusively German cars. In Poland, the sales structure looks different - speaking of Europe, one might be tempted to say that we underestimate the Renault Mà © gane.