Even though what you’re seeing in these pictures is most likely a clay model, this is how the production version of the three-door Megane will look like when it goes on sale in early 2009. The photos that come to us from a patent application made within the EU reveal that the 3door variant of Renault’s subcompact hatch draws its inspiration –though heavily toned down- from the Megane Coupe Concept that appeared at the Geneva motorshow earlier this year. Compared to the 5door model, the Megane Coupe features a substantially sleeker profile thanks to the lower roofline, the triangular-shaped rear windows and the sloped rear-end. -Continued
Under the bonnet, expect to see a similar engine range with the Megane 5d. What this means is that petrol engine options will include 1.6-liter units developing 100 and 110 HP, a 2.0-liter motor with 140 HP and two new turbocharged units, the 1.4-liter TCe producing 130 HP and the 2.0-liter TCe with 180 HP. For those that favor diesel power, Renault will offer the Megane Coupe with several dCi units delivering between 85 and 160 HP.
No word yet on whether Renault will introduce a successor to the almighty Megane RS and its special edition siblings like the R26 and the lightweight R26.R that lapped the ‘Ring in 8 min and 17 sec (see video here), but judging from the French automaker’s past, a range-topping sport version should be considered a done deal.
