1996 RENAULT Megane Coupe 2.0L 16V 5MT FWD (150 HP)

Vehicle Overview

When Renault introduced the Megane lineup in 1995, it tried to offer it in all shapes and sizes, and that also included a coupe, which appeared on the market in 1996.

Just by looking at this little car, you could say that the Megane Coupe was the sportiest version in Renault’s stable. Moreover, the little two-door vehicle managed to make it into rally races, proving that the French carmaker still had the knowledge on how to do a proper sports car, even though they didn’t offer one on the market.

When Patrick Le Quemment imagined the front fascia of the Megane range, he was inspired by the former glory Renault 16 from the late ’60s. He applied that to the entire Renault range, and the Megane Coupe also had it. The headlights looked similar to those from the rest of the range, but they were different. Moreover, the windshield was tilted even more than on the Sedan or hatchback, and the entire car was shorter. A sloped rear windscreen ended just before the trunk opening. Despite the vehicle’s look, it was not a hatchback.

The interior was cramped in the back seats, but it offered just enough for the passengers seated in the front bucket seats with high bolstered areas. The oval-shaped vents and the dashboard layout resembled the rest of the Megane range, but it was different. Last but not least, the white-faced dials fitted with red needles looked racier than the mundane ones used by its stablemates.

Under the hood, there was a choice of two engines that offered either 90 hp or 150 hp, both mated to a five-speed manual. Thanks to its low center of gravity and lightweight construction, the car was highly appreciated for its cornering speeds.