Renault Megane Range Gets Its First Auto Box For Diesel Models

The Renault Megane success story is about to get a new instalment with the launch of the 1.5 dCi 100 Auto - the first automatic transmission to be offered on the diesel versions of Europe’s best-selling car, with prices starting from as little as £14,490 on-the-road. The Megane was also the best-selling diesel car in the UK in June, so this is a significant addition to the range.

There are currently two petrol-engined automatics available across the range, 1.6 VVT 115 and 2.0 136 VVT, with this latest engine and transmission combination available to order now on the Expression and Dynamique trim levels of Megane Hatch, Sport Saloon and Sport Tourer, with a dCi 100 Auto also available on the Sport Hatch Dynamique.

The partnering of one of Renault’s highly regarded diesel common-rail engines, the 1.5 dCi 100, with the company’s advanced automatic technology looks like a winning combination. This particular powerplant’s reputation was enhanced earlier this year when it powered the Clio to victory in the Supermini category of Diesel Car Magazine’s Car Of The Year Awards in June, while the intelligent, four-speed "Pro-active" automatic gearbox promises to add an unrivalled blend of refinement and smooth power delivery to the Megane range’s already first-class ride and handling by allowing a "flick-shift" manual mode and ensuring smooth gearshifts by adjusting itself to an individual’s driving style.

The power and torque characteristics of the engine suit the transmission well with peak torque of 200Nm (more than the 2.0 16V petrol engine) developed at only 1900rpm and 100hp at 4000rpm. Acceleration of 0-62mph takes 14.7 seconds (depending on model) with a top speed of 108mph. With excellent fuel economy of 48.7mpg on a combined cycle and CO² emissions of just 153g/km the new models should also prove ideal both for private buyers and user choosers seeking the low down torque flexibility and economy of a class-leading diesel with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.

As with the rest of the Megane range, the new models will provide excellent value-for-money and look set to cause quite a stir among the current crop of medium-sized cars on the market, particularly as major rival car makers *Ford, Peugeot, Toyota and Vauxhall do not currently offer a diesel automatic option on the Focus, 307, Corolla or New Astra.

Prices for the new automatic models

*According to JATO and competitor websites at time of going to press.