It’s summer in Europe now, and the prototypes are out for hot weather testing. The Renault Megane IV is one of those enjoying the sunshine – we’ve previously seen the C-segment hatchback shivering in the middle of winter, and with a Frankfurt show debut in September planned, this should be the final round of putting in the development miles.
The next-gen Megane IV is overdue, as the current Megane III has been around since 2008. In that time, the Renault’s main Euro rivals have all been renewed – the Peugeot 308, Volkswagen Golf and Opel/Vauxhall Astra are all younger. We’ve just had a first look at the 2016 Astra K, which will also make its show debut at the IAA in Frankfurt.
The 2016 Renault Megane will sit on Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family (CMF-CD) architecture, the same platform underpinning Nissan’s X-Trail, Qashqai and Pulsar models, as well as Renault’s fresh flagship Espace and mid-size Kadjar crossovers.
Speaking of Kadjar, the crossover is a taller and beefier but pretty accurate preview of how the new Megane will look like. These spyshots also show a rear end with slim tail lights, Clio-style, and large wheels that look like 18-inch items. Should look pretty good naked, this French model.
“We will have a very sexy, very sensual, very attractive sporty looking vehicle, with all the new technologies which will install itself nicely in the lineup,” Renault design boss Laurens Van Den Acker was recently quoted as saying.
It was also reported that Renault will be cutting the number of buttons on the Megane’s dashboard, shifting functions to a large nine-inch touchscreen display, while improving the quality of cabin materials. Well, it needs to, as the game has progressed. Espace-style iPad on the dash? We’ll know soon.
Renault Megane IV winter testing
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Is this an indication that a new Fluence (Megane sedan) is not far behind?