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Renault Ireland will introduce the exciting New Megane Range to Ireland on March 1st.

The lower medium sector has seen the arrival of several new and revised contenders in recent months and the arrival of New Megane 2006 could not be more timely. Designed to build upon the success of the previous range, the face lifted line-up offers a revised look, greater refinement and an ever-wider choice of engines and options.

New Megane's facelift coincides with a revised range of engines, all of which are Euro 4 compliant. The diesel range will include an 86bhp and 106bhp version of the 1.5dCI engine with the 106bhp version boasting the best power/fuel consumption/CO2 Emissions ratio of its class.

In addition to the list of improved diesel power plants, the petrol engines have also been improved on. Starting with the 1.4L 16V (100bhp) and moving to the 1.6 16V (110 bhp) a series of tweaks and adjustments have been made, improving on the output of both engines. The 2L 16V Turbo (225bhp) which is the power train driving the successful Megane Renault Sport 225 has also had some work done to improve its output of power and lower emissions.

Meanwhile, New Megane maintains its status as the market benchmark for handling, driving pleasure and active and passive safety, a fact that is confirmed by its retention of the Euro NCAP 5 Star rating.

Megane's innovative and attractive lines have evolved to feature an even more eye-catching frontal styling and a more modern design for the rear. New Megane also comes with a range of new technologies aimed at enhancing travelling comfort and driving pleasure.

The more refined and dynamic design of the New Megane is aimed at establishing it as the benchmark in its segment. It's racy font end and muscular, robust mines exude an impression of strength and dynamism, which is underpinned by the new design of the headlamps, grille and front bumper. The headlamps are more high-tech thanks to their elliptical modules, highlighting New Megane's frontal styling. The slightly more pronounced "V"of the grille, which tops the redesigned front bumper, further accentuates the car's revised front end. The more generously dimensioned air intake and the protective housing have been re-penned to blend in even more harmoniously with the new front-end design. The fog lamps are now located further towards the outside of the car, as on the Megane Renault Sport 225.

Meanwhile, at the rear, the now translucent light clusters are the new lighting cue of the New Megane Sport Coupe, Hatch and Megane Renault Sport 225, with parallel horizontal lines highlighting the car's dynamic, modern looks. The styling of the rear lights of the Sports Saloon and Sport Tourer versions has also evolved. The design of the new bumper -which is unchanged in the case of the Megane Renault Sport 225 has been refreshed by the inclusion of protective beading.

Inside, New Megane comes with a choice of new upholstery trim and with new, even more refined exterior colours and there is also a new range of alloy wheels for all Megane models.

Renault's engineers have equipped New Megane with new functions aimed at further enhancing travelling comfort and driving pleasure, including parking proximity sensors, rain and light sensors, optimised climate control, "Flat Blade"windscreen wipers and active carbon filter.

The Euro Compliant version of the 100bhp 1.5dCi diesel engine now delivers 106bhp, while torque has been increased by 20% to 240Nm at 2,000rpm. Combined with a six-speed manual transmission, its fuel consumption is 4.7/100km (combined cycle) with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km. The switch to Euro 4 compliance has also seen the power output of the 80bhp 1.5dCi increase by 6hp to 86bhp.

The list of petrol power plants features 3 engines, which are available in the different body types; the 1.4 16V (100bhp), the 1.6 16V (110bhp) and the 2.0T 16 V (225) Renault Sport Technologies version.

The Benchmark in Active and Passive Safety

New Megane stands out as a further example of Renault's expertise in automobile safety. Its driver aids ensure perfect control of the vehicle and help correct the vehicle's trajectory in emergency situations. The level of passive safety is also remarkable; with both the Hatch and Cabrio versions obtaining a five star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

New Megane comes with a long list of driver aides that contribute to ensuring that the driver stays in control of his or her vehicle in an emergency. All versions come with next generation 8.0 Bosch ABS, complete with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist which ensure that maximum use is made is made of the car's braking power.

According to equipment level, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with under steer control is also available. This feature is complemented by ASR traction control and an engine torque overrun regulation function (MSR).

New Megane is designed to ensure maximum protection in all the situations recorded by Renault's accident research programme and the car features the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP III) which guarantees optimal protection for all passengers wherever they are seated.

According to body type, New Megane is equipped with up to eight airbags (according to equipment level), double pretensioners and load limiters.

New Megane Range Structure & Pricing

The Megane range structure and equipment levels remain very similar to the original collection, with five distinct body styles, namely the Hatch, Sport Coupe, Sport Saloon, Sport Tourer and Cabrio offered with a total of five different trim levels (depending on model and excluding Renaultsport range):

Trim Levels: Authentique, Sport +, Dynamique, Privilege and Le Creme
The Megane Range is very competitively priced as follows :

Megane 5 door Hatch from € 20,000*
Megane 4 door Sports Saloon from € 20,500*
Megane 3 door Sports Coupe from € 23,300*
Megane 5 door Cabrio from € 34,000*
Megane Renault Sport 225 3 & 5 door versions from € 35,490*

"The New Megane range is a sophiscated evolution of the highly successfully award winning existing Megane range, its new refined style and safety features reflects Renault commitment to providing its customers with the most stylish and safest cars you can drive", commented Bill Cullen, Chairman,Renault Ireland."We expect the Megane range to build on its already considerable success and continue to be the best selling car in Europe as well as being a favourite amongst Irish consumers".