2016 Renault Megane Hatch Due In Q3 With 3-Engine Line-up, Wagon In 2017

Renault Australia will launch its all-new Megane five-door hatch in the third quarter of 2016 with a three-engine line-up not too dissimilar to the present-day range.

Two petrol and one diesel powertrain will continue to be available, with the entry-level Megane taking a carry-over 97kW/205Nm 1.2 litre turbo petrol TCe 130 engine. A seven-speed twin-clutch auto will be offered for that motor.

Other carryover componentry also earmarked for the new model includes the current Megane's 81kW/250Nm 1.5 litre turbo diesel, continuing to serve with a twin-clutch automatic only.

The Megane GT220 won't be revived, however. In its place will be the Megane GT, powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol four pot that produces 151kW/280Nm against the GT220's 162kW/340Nm.

It will be available with an automatic trans too - something not offered with the GT220. For the 2016 Megane GT, buyers can opt for a seven-speed twin-clutch auto with paddle shifters.

It's not all terrible news for enthusiasts though, as the dual-clutch auto brings with it a launch control function. So equipped, it'll zip to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds - half a second faster than the more powerful GT220.

Local fuel-economy figures have yet to be confirmed for the 2016 Megane range, but European figures put the 1.2 litre at 5.3 l/100km, the diesel at a hybrid-rivalling 3.7 l/100km and the GT at 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle.

A wagon bodystyle will make its debut in mid-2016, but isn't expected to arrive in Australia until 2017.

Meanwhile, a replacement for the Megane RS will be revealed in 2016, but will likely only ever be available as a five-door - and potentially as an auto-only proposition.

Specification levels for Australia are still in the process of being finalised, though expect a similar range structure to what's already available. Renault Australia also plans to keep pricing relatively static for the new car.

Full specs and pricing will be released closer to the new Megane's local launch in the latter half of 2016.

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