The Week That Was – Renault Megane BMW M2 Peugeot 308

Renault Australia revealed this week it 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.

One week after details of the BMW M2's pricing and specifications were leaked online, BMW Australia has confirmed that its M2 sports coupe will be priced from $89,900 in manual "M2 Pure" form - making it the most affordable M-car in the company's history.

And unlike its predecessor the 1 Series M Coupe, the M2 will also be available in automatic form.

Equipped with a seven-speed twin-clutch auto borrowed from the M3/M4, the automatic "M2" scores more standard equipment than the M2 Pure and retails from $98,900 - $1000 less than the 1 Series M Coupe cost back in 2012.

the week that was.