Renault Megane (2002 – 2008) Review
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Renault Megane (2002 – 2008) At A Glance
Bold styling, a decent drive and good value for money. Estate version has a roomy cargo bay. Excellent crash test rating.
The hatchback's load bay isn't big. Electrical, mechanical and build quality problems are common.
Reviews for Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
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Renault Megane (2002 – 2008) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.4 16V to Renaultsport 230 R26
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–70 mpg
We have to thank the bravery of BMW and Renault. Just as car styling was becoming samey and safe, along came Chris Bangle and Patrick le Quemant. Their designs have polarised opinion, but at least they got people talking and no one can accuse either of them of building boring Euro boxes.
However, youll find no bustle bottom poking out of the back of the Renault Megane Sport Tourer. Instead, and unlike the Laguna Sport Tourer, its squared off as a station wagon should be and offers an impressive 1,600 litres of loadspace.
That makes it quite a big car. At 4,500mm its longer than the average family hatchback-derived wagon, though not quite as long as a 4,804mm Mondeo estate.
This length and strong self-centring variable ratio steering give it a very secure feeling on straight roads; better than the Megane hatchback. But in the rain the front-end can get a bit unruly, seemingly wanting to unstick itself and forcing a slower pace through the twisties than normal. It could all balance itself out with a load in the back, of course, but I didnt try that. And Renault does offer an optional understeer reducer as part of its £750 handling option pack.
The 136bhp 2.0 litre VVTi version I drove had plenty of power, fed through a six-speed box giving about 23.5 mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th. Prices arent crazy either because its quite a lot of car for list prices from £12,613 to £16,813, off which you should be able to chip £2,000 - £3,000 in todays market.
Obviously the reason to buy this car is as a traditional estate car load-lugger (otherwise youd buy the hatchback, the sport saloon, the coupe cabriolet or the Scenic). So, though the luggage space is big and well-shaped it was disappointing to find the back seats fiddly to fold, difficult to fold flat, and the loadspace carpet very cheap looking. Really it needs to be coated in tough, ribbed plastic.
But the car is undeniably good value for money. The 1.5 diesel is very economical. The 1.9 DCI 120 goes very well indeed and is the obvious engine of choice. The 2.0 136bhp petrol model I had is quick enough to satisfy the driver in most people. With the Megane range, Renault seems to have covered every niche in the medium family car market, which is probably why it is now one of Europes top sellers.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 16V | 41–42 mpg | 12.5–12.7 s | 164–165 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 106 | 60 mpg | 11.1–11.2 s | 120–124 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 86 | 60–64 mpg | 12.7–12.8 s | 117–124 g/km |
| 1.6 16V VVT | 41 mpg | 10.9 s | 164 g/km |
| 1.6 VVT | 42 mpg | 11.1 s | 163 g/km |
| 1.9 dCi | 50–51 mpg | 9.0–9.1 s | 149 g/km |
| 2.0 16V VVT | 35 mpg | 9.2 s | 191 g/km |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | 51–52 mpg | 8.7 s | 144–146 g/km |
| 2.0 T | 37 mpg | 8.3 s | 184 g/km |
| 2.0 VVT | 35 mpg | 9.4 s | 191 g/km |
| Renaultsport 225 | 33 mpg | 6.5 s | 200 g/km |
| Renaultsport 230 R26 | 33 mpg | 6.0–6.3 s | 199–200 g/km |
| Renaultsport dCi 175 | 44 mpg | 8.3 s | 172 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
92%
Real MPG
24–70 mpg
MPGs submitted
308
Renault Megane (2002 – 2008) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4209–4498 mm |
| Width | 1777 mm |
| Height | 1437–1460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2625–2686 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1145–1490 kg |
| Boot Space | 330–1190 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £11,670–£24,040 |
| Insurance Groups | 35 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–J |
| Official MPG | 31.3–64.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until June 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Renaultsport R26.R 3dr | £24,040 | 33.2 mpg | 6.0 s |
On sale until May 2009
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 1.6 VVT 4dr | £16,385 | 41.5 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Dynamique dCi 106 4dr | £17,385 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Expression 1.6 VVT 4dr | £15,835 | 41.5 mpg | 11.1 s |
On sale until December 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Renaultsport 230 Renault F1 Team R26 3dr | £20,021 | 33.2 mpg | 6.3 s |
| Renaultsport dCi 175 3dr | £19,129 | 43.5 mpg | 8.3 s |
| Renaultsport dCi 175 Lux 3dr | £20,499 | 43.5 mpg | 8.3 s |
| Renaultsport dCi 175 Lux 5dr | £20,964 | 43.5 mpg | 8.3 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 1.4 16v 4dr | £14,768 | 41.5 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Dynamique 1.9 dCi 130 4dr | £17,401 | 50.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| Dynamique 1.9 dCi 130 4dr Auto | £17,401 | - | - |
| Dynamique 2.0 VVT 4dr | £16,238 | 35.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 VVT 4dr Auto | £16,238 | - | - |
| Dynamique dCi 86 4dr | £15,658 | 60.1 mpg | 12.8 s |
| Expression 1.4 16v 4dr | £14,279 | 41.5 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Expression dCi 106 4dr | £15,854 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Expression dCi 86 4dr | £15,169 | 60.1 mpg | 12.8 s |
On sale until September 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 1.6 16v VVT 3dr | £14,350 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Dynamique 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £14,815 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Dynamique 1.6 16v VVT 5dr Auto | £14,815 | - | - |
| Dynamique 1.9 dCi 130 5dr Auto | £18,035 | - | - |
| Dynamique dCi 106 3dr | £15,465 | 60.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Dynamique dCi 106 5dr | £15,930 | 60.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Dynamique dCi 86 3dr | £14,765 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Dynamique dCi 86 5dr | £15,230 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Dynamique S 2.0 16v VVT 5dr | £16,815 | 35.3 mpg | 9.2 s |
| Dynamique S 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £15,815 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Dynamique S dCi 106 5dr | £16,930 | 60.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Expression 1.4 16v 3dr | £12,850 | 40.9 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Expression 1.4 16v 5dr | £13,315 | 40.9 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Expression 1.6 16v VVT 3dr | £13,350 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Expression 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £13,815 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Expression 1.6 16v VVT 5dr Auto | £13,815 | - | - |
| Expression dCi 86 3dr | £13,765 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Expression dCi 86 5dr | £14,230 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Extreme II 1.4 16v 5dr | £12,495 | 40.9 mpg | 12.5 s |
| GT 2.0 dCi 150 3dr | £18,070 | 51.4 mpg | 8.7 s |
| Tech Run 1.6 16v VVT 3dr | £13,850 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Tech Run 1.6 16v VVT 3dr Auto | £13,850 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £14,315 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Tech Run dCi 106 3dr | £14,965 | 60.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Tech Run dCi 106 5dr | £15,430 | 60.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Tech Run dCi 86 3dr | £14,265 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Tech Run dCi 86 5dr | £14,730 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
On sale until July 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 1.4 16v 3dr | £13,695 | - | - |
| Dynamique 1.4 16v 5dr | £14,160 | - | - |
| Dynamique 1.6 Ethanol E85 5dr | £14,885 | - | - |
| Dynamique 1.9 dCi 130 3dr | £16,415 | - | - |
| Dynamique 1.9 dCi 130 3dr Auto | £16,415 | - | - |
| Dynamique S 1.9 dCi 130 5dr | £17,880 | - | - |
| Dynamique S 2.0 dCi 150 5dr | £18,880 | - | - |
| Expression dCi 106 5dr | £14,775 | - | - |
| Extreme II 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £12,840 | - | - |
| Extreme II dCi 86 5dr | £13,260 | - | - |
| GT 2.0 dCi 150 5dr | £18,380 | - | - |
| GT 2.0 Turbo 3dr | £16,895 | - | - |
| GT 2.0 Turbo 5dr | £17,360 | - | - |
| Renaultsport 225 Cup 3dr | £19,395 | - | - |
| Renaultsport 225 Lux 5dr | £20,760 | - | - |
| Renaultsport 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr | £20,295 | - | - |
| Renaultsport dCi 175 5dr | £19,860 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.4 16v 3dr | £13,195 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.4 16v 5dr | £13,660 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.9 dCi 130 3dr | £15,915 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.9 dCi 130 3dr Auto | £15,915 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.9 dCi 130 5dr | £16,380 | - | - |
| Tech Run 1.9 dCi 130 5dr Auto | £16,380 | - | - |
On sale until April 2008
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Privilege 1.6 VVT 4dr | £16,250 | 41.5 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Privilege 1.6 VVT 4dr Auto | £16,250 | - | - |
| Privilege 1.9 dCi 130 4dr | £18,440 | 50.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| Privilege 1.9 dCi 130 4dr Auto | £18,440 | - | - |
| Privilege 2.0 VVT 4dr | £17,250 | 35.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| Privilege 2.0 VVT 4dr Auto | £17,250 | - | - |
| Privilege dCi 106 4dr | £17,240 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
On sale until November 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Authentique 1.4 16v 5dr | £11,960 | 40.9 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Authentique 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £12,460 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Authentique dCi 86 5dr | £12,730 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 16v VVT 3dr | £14,760 | 35.3 mpg | 9.2 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 16v VVT 3dr Auto | £14,760 | - | - |
| Dynamique 2.0 16v VVT 5dr | £15,260 | 35.3 mpg | 9.2 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 16v VVT 5dr Auto | £15,260 | - | - |
| Expression 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 5dr | £15,950 | 50.4 mpg | 9.0 s |
| Expression 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 5dr Auto | £15,950 | - | - |
| Extreme 1.4 16v 3dr | £11,960 | 40.9 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Extreme 1.6 16v VVT 3dr | £12,460 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Extreme dCi 86 3dr | £12,730 | 64.2 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Expression 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 4dr | £16,670 | 51.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| Expression 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 4dr Auto | £16,670 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Privilege 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £15,260 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Privilege 1.6 16v VVT 5dr Auto | £15,260 | - | - |
| Privilege 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 5dr | £17,450 | 51.4 mpg | 9.0 s |
| Privilege 1.9 dCi 130 FAP 5dr Auto | £17,450 | - | - |
| Privilege 2.0 16v VVT 5dr | £16,260 | 35.3 mpg | 9.2 s |
| Privilege 2.0 16v VVT 5dr Auto | £16,260 | - | - |
| Privilege 2.0 16v VVT Auto 5dr | £17,260 | - | - |
| Privilege 2.0 dCi 150 5dr | £18,450 | 52.3 mpg | 8.7 s |
| Privilege 2.0 Turbo 165 5dr | £17,460 | 36.7 mpg | 8.3 s |
| Privilege dCi 106 5dr | £16,230 | 60.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
On sale until January 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Renaultsport 225 3dr | £19,570 | 33.2 mpg | 6.5 s |
| Renaultsport 225 5dr | £20,070 | 33.2 mpg | 6.5 s |
On sale until October 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Authentique 1.4 16v 5dr | £11,670 | 40.9 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Authentique 1.6 16v VVT 5dr | £12,170 | 40.9 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Authentique dCi 86 5dr | £12,470 | 62.8 mpg | 12.7 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 dCi 150 3dr | £16,670 | 52.3 mpg | 8.7 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 2.0 dCi 150 4dr | £17,850 | 51.4 mpg | 8.7 s |
| Privilege 2.0 dCi 150 4dr | £18,850 | 51.4 mpg | 8.7 s |
On sale until July 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 2.0 dCi 150 5dr | £17,170 | 52.3 mpg | 8.7 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 Turbo 3dr | £15,670 | 36.7 mpg | 8.3 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 Turbo 5dr | £16,170 | 36.7 mpg | 8.3 s |
Model History
November 2003
Sport Tourer and Sport Saloon versions in UK November 2003. At 1,600 litres, wagon is bigger inside than Laguna Sport Tourer. Handling kit option includes understeer control. 225bhp RenaultSport RS Turbo announced at September 2003 Frankfurt Show. RenaultSport Megane 225 Trophy feels very much quicker than Golf GTi 2.0T FSI despite mere 25bhp more.
February 2006
Updated model on sale. Detail changes to exterior and interior design with improved quality and materials. New flagship 2.0 dCi 150hp. Facelift coincides with revised range of engines, all EU4. High power 150hp version of 2.0 dCi unit as well as the inclusion of a periodic regeneration particulate filter for 1.9 dCi unit, output upped to 130hp.
New Mégane diesel range extended to include 85hp and 105hp versions of 1.5 dCi. 105hp has best power/fuel consumption/CO2 emissions ratio in its class. Petrol engines include 1.4 16V (100hp), 1.6 16V (110hp), 2.0 16V (135hp) and 2.0T (165hp) to 225hp 2.0 16V Turbo unit which powers Mégane Renaultsport. Optional cruise control and speed limiter. Passenger airbag can be deactivated by keyswitch.
April 2007
Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 launched April 2007 43.5 mpg and insurance group 12E. Two trim levels – dCi 175 and Lux, in either three- or five-door hatchback, priced £18,950 to £20,850.
December 2007
Mégane Hatch E85 bioethanolon sale at the end of 2007. Uses the 1.6 16V 105 engine modified so it adapts automatically to bioethanol fuel. The main upgrades have been made to the fuel tank, injection system and combustion chambers. developed from expertise gained in Brazil, where Renault has been selling FlexFuel versions of Clio and Mégane running on bioethanol E100 since 2004. New tax incentive sees a 2% discount on employees’ taxable car benefits where the car is capable of running on E85 fuel, an ethanol fuel based on a mix of at least 85% ethanol with conventional petrol.
What to watch out for
If buying used, make sure all electrics work. By late 2009 these cars were suffering repeated electric windown and keycard problems.
On 225 have an emmissions test carried out because misfires may have spiked the cat.
On 1.5 and 1.9 dCi EGR valve should open to allow carbon dioxide, which acts as a cooling gas) into the combustion chambers when the engine is under load (>30% boost). This allows the combustion chamber temperature to drop and thus the temperature of the exhaust gases. If it sticks in the closed position the exhaust gas temperature will rise causing a) the turbo bearings to fail and b) engine oil into the induction system. This will cause the engine to go on running until it has consumed all its oil and then it will go bang. Problems with EGR valves in Renault dCi engines are often the cause of rough running when the valve is stuck in the open position as well. In several cases turbos have blown but the EGR valve has not been replaced. Inevitably the new turbo unit will not last long. This seems to be confined to early 1.5DCIs as Renault modified the EGRs and no further reports of trouble in the 9 months to April 2007.
Keycard failsafe requires driver to press clutch before starting with card, but electrical cable for this can dangle into footwell and get snapped. Meganes with 17" wheels can suffer high rear tyre wear down to 8,000 miles (due to tyre compound and camber of rear suspension). Widespread ignition coils failures.
RenaultSport Megane 225 can be plagued with misfires caused by injector failures www.meganesport.net
Failure of front electric windows seems to be increasingly common and fixing both sides is a £900 job at a Renault dealer, though you may get some goodwill towards this. The problem with the window regulators is so prolific with the Megane Mark 2 that Renault customer services have a recorded message for Renault owners with window problems within its main Customer Service menu. It details that the cost will be between £150 and £250; Renault contributes 70% and expects customers to contribute 30%.
03-09-2012:Report of transmission failure of 4+ year old 48k mile RenaultSport Megane 2.0 dCI 175. Renault contributed 75% of the cost of the repair.
21-03-2014:Engine main support bolt failed in 70,000 mile 2004 (10 year old) Megane.
06-07-2014:Timing belt failed on 60k mile 2002 Megane. (It had never been replaced in 12 years.)
