2008 Renault Mégane Hatch 2.0L TCe 6MT (190 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Renault unveiled the third generation of its compact-segment contender Mégane in 2008, continuing the success of this French hatchback.

In 2008 the world financial crisis had already started, and Renault’s management understood that it was not a good time for it to postpone new products. Thus, when the car market grew up again, it already had a well-known, affordable vehicle on sale.

Renault changed the entire design concept. After the wedged-shaped Mégane II, the third iteration of this nameplate sported rounded shapes and curved lines. At the front, it had a front fascia with swept-back headlights on the fenders and a grille that was installed only in the front lower bumper. From its sides, the turn signals on the mirrors and the body-colored door handles were fitted as standard. The raked-forward tailgate created a sporty image for the vehicle and incorporated part of the taillights.

Inside, Renault installed a curved dashboard covered in a soft material. Its instrument cluster sported a digital speedometer in the middle flanked by an analog tachometer on the left and a small LCD for the onboard computer on the right. In the middle of the dash panel, an additional cluster featured an additional display for the audio system, showing the caller-ID information or other relevant data from the radio or the CD player. The Mégane’s interior was fit for up to five adults, with two, almost flat, seats at the front and a split-folding bench in the back.

Renault offered the Mégane with up to 14 engine choices, with manual, automatic, or CVT transmissions, depending on the market.