Currently reading: Renault Megane Sport Tourer on sale in December from £18,550
Larger and more luxurious estate range is headed by a GT model that gets four-wheel-steering; first UK deliveries expected before the new year

The new Renault Mégane Sport Tourer will go on sale in Britain on 1 December, priced from £18,550, with first deliveries expected before the new year.

Design

The estate version of the fourth-generation Mégane is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces. It’s claimed to have the longest maximum load length of any car in its segment, and features modular boot arrangements for better practicality.

Inheriting the same front-end design as the new Mégane hatchback, the estate gains roof rails and an extended rear with a larger boot. As with the Mégane Hatch, the Sport Tourer range is headed by a GT model, which gets Renault Sport input for its design, drivetrain and chassis setup.

00107443

Engines and gearboxes

At launch, two TCe turbocharged petrol engines are on offer, a 1.2-litre with 128bhp and 151lb ft of torque, and a 1.6-litre with 202bhp and 207lb ft of torque. However, the latter is exclusive to the GT model.

There are also two turbocharged diesel alternatives, a 1.5-litre dCi unit with 108bhp and 192lb ft of torque, and a 1.6-litre dCi with 128bhp and 236lb ft of torque. The smaller diesel is the most efficient and it offers up to 76.4mpg (claimed) and emits 96g/km of CO2.

In 2017, two models will join the line-up. The first will be a hybrid assist model that mixes the 1.5-litre dCi diesel with an electric motor, and the second will be a 1.6-litre dCi twin-turbocharged diesel engine for the GT, producing 163bhp.

The car comes with a manual six-speed or EDC seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The former comes as standard on lower models, while the latter is the default choice for the GT.

The more driver-focused Sport Tourer GTs also benefit from 4Control four-wheel steering to improve manoeuvrability, and Multi-Sense technology, which constantly adjusts the car’s suspension settings to cater to varying driving circumstances.

Practicality

Renault’s new estate also offers as much as 570 litres of boot storage – matching the outgoing model – while adding more lateral storage bins and under floor space. The whole boot compartment can be spit into two sections to prevent items from sliding around, the rear 60:40 seatbench can be automatically folded and the front passenger seat folds flat for maximum space.

00107389

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

A wide range of engines, handsome looks, and a reasonable interior - but the Megane is missing something significant

Back to top

Inside, Renault's latest R-Link infotainment system is available, with an 8.7in touchscreen in the centre console displaying sat-nav and media, as well as storing up to six different profiles that remember driver preference settings. On these models, the car’s instrument dials are also replaced by a 7.0in horizontal screen.

Additionally, GT models get sports seats, blue stitching and chequered logos, as well as blue trim and aluminium pedals to mark out their sporty credentials.

Trim levels and pricing

Trim levels for the Mégane Sport Tourer are Expression+, Dynamique, Dynamique S and Signature, GT Line and GT. The opening £18,550 price for the Expression+ is £1600 more than the equivalent Mégane Hatch. Like the Hatch, the entry Sport Tourer comes as standard with features such as a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and 16in alloy wheels.

Dynamique models start at £20,050 and add driver assist features such as automatic headlights and wipers, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition. These models also get 7.0in touchscreen R-Link 2 infotainment.

The step up to Dynamique S brings the starting price to £21,050 but cars now come with an 8.7in touchscreen, a rear-view parking camera with front and rear sensors, and 18in alloy wheels.

00107408

Back to top

The range-topping Mégane Sport Tourer Signature costs from £22,550 and gain 18in wheels, LED headlights, black leather upholstery with a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel and an electrochromic rear view mirror.

Separate from the regular range are a pair of GT models. Starting at £21,550, the GT Line adds flare to the Mégane's design with dark metal 17in wheels and a honeycomb grille design for the exterior, and sports seats with fabric or Alcantara upholstery inside.

The proper GT model then mixes this look with the most powerful engine on offer and chassis tuning by Renault Sport. Pricing starts at £27,450.

Rivals

The Mégane Sport Tourer is a clear rival to the Ford Focus Estate, which costs from £17,545. While the estate Focus undercuts the Renault's entry-level price, it does so with a less powerful 84bhp petrol engine.

The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is the second obvious alternative, which costs from £17,205. Like the Focus, however, the Astra estate model's range begins with a less potent entry engine than the Renault - a 1.4-litre petrol unit that offers 99bhp.Thismeaning the Mégane

This means that the Mégane Sport Tourer's higher entry-level price is arguably better compared with pricier trim versions of its rivals.

Join the debate

Comments
1
Add a comment…
Mr£4worth 8 March 2016

Like it

I'd like to see if the interior is any good, but I'd fancy one if the sat nav is good.

My 3 Series touring isn't big enough, and in ED guise just plain wooden to drive.

I fancy folding front seat for my long loads, and 4WS was great on Honda.

Hope the auto isn't a power sapping - economy destroying option.