Megane Upgrades

Renault has given its Megane – which we were surprised to hear is the brand’s top selling model range (would you believe 235,000 sold in 2011, even in a depressed market?) – a salutary kick for 2012 with three new engines, an upgrade for the flagship RS, and some LED running lights and fashionable gloss black and chrome for the automotive fashionistas among us.

The all-new 1198cc TCe 115 is Renault’s first turbopetrol with direct fuel injection. It replaces the previous, naturally aspirated 1.6-litre 16V, offering more power (up 4kW to 85kw) and more torque – up 40Nm to 190Nm, with 90 per cent of that available from only 1650rpm. Tank range is also up to more than 1000km, a figure more usually associated with diesel cars.

The Formula One-style front splitter now features two rows of six LEDs and the headlights are accentuated by black surrounds. The interior trim now carries red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever knob, gear lever gaiter and dashboard trim, with a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, and a charcoal-effect finish for the door panel inserts.

The 2012 Megane will go on sale in Europe from March and in other markets, including South Africa, later in the year.