It looks like the third generation Renault Megane has reached mid-life, or at least that’s what we get from the French carmaker’s decision to unveil a subtle facelift, but individualized for each version of the vehicle.
The most important updates we notice are the front headlamps which received a set of LED daytime running lights on the lower part and the front bumper shows a discreet redesign featuring a new air opening and a new integration for the fog lights. Other significant exterior upgrades include the new wheels and a more extended range of available exterior colors.
The GT Line version will also get a facelift, but the LED daytime running lights aren’t placed inside the headlamps but lower, integrated into the front bumper. This area, which also incorporates the fog lights, has been completely redesigned.
The top of the line Renault Megane RS is the version that received the most subtle redesign, the only new elements being a set of red ornaments matching the 19 inch wheels’ contour, perhaps the most important update being the increased power output. The engine delivers 15 more hp and an additional 20 Nm of torque.
And speaking of engines, while the styling upgrades are minimum, the most important new features are under the bonnet. According to the official Renault press release, with this facelift the French carmaker will also introduce three new engine choices for the Megane. The Energy dCi 110 diesel unit delivers 100 hp and 260 Nm of torque, its estimated fuel economy being of just 3.8 liters per 100 km (61.9 mpg). For those wanting more from their Megane, Renault will offer the 1.6-liter Energy dCi 130 engine which delivers 130 hp and achieves a fuel economy of 4.0 liters per 100 km (58.8 mpg). The third new engine will be the Energy Tce 115 unit which features a 1.2-liter displacement and offers a fuel economy of 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.4 mpg).
On the interior, the most important new features are several technologies offered by Renault, including the Visio system that automatically adjusts the headlights’ beam intensity depending on the traffic (cars coming from the other direction) through a special camera mounted on the windshield. The French compact will also be available with a lane departure warning system and comfort will be increased by the new upholstery combining natural leather with Alcantara.
According to the French carmaker, the facelifted Renault Megane will be available in the first half of 2012.