The wide range of Renault engines contains a mix of frugal, low-emissions units, smooth and free-revving units and muscular, high-performance powerplants. In the case of the new Renault Megane hatchback, as the sport-oriented model in the range, Dynamique trim gains the potent 2.0 TCe 180 engine and the most powerful diesel, the 1.9 dCi 130.
The latest Renault TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) powerplant builds on the success of the current 1.2 TCe 100, offering impressive performance and refinement with low emissions and high fuel economy. The 2.0 TCe 180 delivers torque of 300Nm at 2,250rpm and CO2 emissions of 178g/km.
The Renault Mégane will also receive the 1.4 TCe 130 engine to complete the new petrol engine family to emulate the success of the award-winning dCi diesel range.
The 1.6 VVT 100 five-speed is reserved for Expression models of the Megane only, while all three of the diesel engines (86, 106 and 130bhp) are eco-friendly, forming part of Renault’s eco² range. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the Expression 1.6 VVT 100 and 1.5 dCi 86 which are five-speed. Automatic versions follow in Spring 2009.
In the Megane Sport Saloon dCi 86 diesel, economy is 60mpg with 109mph performance. In the Hatch and Sport Hatch the dCi 86 achieves 64mpg and 115mph performance.
The equivalent petrol engine is the 1.4 16V 100, which is capable of 40mpg and 113mph in the Sport Hatch. Mid-range engines include a dCi 106 diesel, a 1.6-litre petrol with manual or automatic transmission and a dCi 130 diesel, also with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
More power is offered by the 165bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and dCi 150 diesel, which has 340Nm of pulling power. The dCi 150 offers a combination of 130mph pace and 51mpg economy.
The RenaultSport 225 Lux Hatch can sprint to 60mph in just 6.2 seconds and attain 147mph, yet this 225bhp hot hatch is also rated at 33mpg. There are also potent RenaultSport dCi 175 models for diesel fans. In the Sport Hatch the RenaultSport dCi 175 Lux runs to 137mph, 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and 50.4mpg
