What We Like
Punchy 1.5-litre turbodiesel
Respectable fuel economy of 15.1km/L
Intuitive Renault Multi-Sense system
Spacious 550-litre boot
What We Dislike
Quirky button layout takes some getting used to
The arrival of the new Renault Megane Sedan spells the end of the line for its predecessor - the Fluence.
Designed and developed in tandem with its hatchback siblings, the Renault Megane Sedan sports new design elements, technologies and features. But is that enough to surpass the Fluence?
If looks could kill
Right off the bat, you'll notice the Megane's arrestingly good looks are a significant improvement over the Fluence's dated styling.
Longer, wider and lower dimensions (4,630mm x 1,814mm x 1,434mm) provide a more aggressive stance and sleeker silhouette than the Fluence, which measures 4,622mm x 1,809mm x 1,479mm (L x W x H).
It retains the imposing Renault badging in the front but now features C-shaped LED daytime running lights and a chrome grille for a modern, more elegant-looking face, which is complemented by a pair of 3D LED Edge Lights in the rear.
Futuristic feel
Walk up to the Megane with the key fob with you and its automatic side mirrors open up, simultaneously activating welcome lights on both sides.
Step inside and the car further extends its hospitality with welcome animations on both central and instrument displays.
Inside, the Megane gives off a futuristic vibe with customisable central and instrument displays, as well as strategically placed ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
An intuitive tablet-like 8.7-inch capacitive touchscreen takes centre stage and controls customisation options such as ambient lighting colour, driving mode and display style through Renault's Multi-Sense system.
Designed and developed in tandem with its hatchback siblings, the Renault Megane Sedan sports new design elements, technologies and features. But is that enough to surpass the Fluence?
If looks could kill
Right off the bat, you'll notice the Megane's arrestingly good looks are a significant improvement over the Fluence's dated styling.
Longer, wider and lower dimensions (4,630mm x 1,814mm x 1,434mm) provide a more aggressive stance and sleeker silhouette than the Fluence, which measures 4,622mm x 1,809mm x 1,479mm (L x W x H).
It retains the imposing Renault badging in the front but now features C-shaped LED daytime running lights and a chrome grille for a modern, more elegant-looking face, which is complemented by a pair of 3D LED Edge Lights in the rear.
Futuristic feel
Walk up to the Megane with the key fob with you and its automatic side mirrors open up, simultaneously activating welcome lights on both sides.
Step inside and the car further extends its hospitality with welcome animations on both central and instrument displays.
Inside, the Megane gives off a futuristic vibe with customisable central and instrument displays, as well as strategically placed ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
An intuitive tablet-like 8.7-inch capacitive touchscreen takes centre stage and controls customisation options such as ambient lighting colour, driving mode and display style through Renault's Multi-Sense system.
Build quality doesn't quite feel on par with other European cars but it definitely comes close. Soft touch materials, such as a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, fill the cabin while brushed aluminium accents are elegantly situated on the doors and dashboard.
Going the distance
As an advocate of 'eco' driving, evident through its extensive range of diesel models, it comes as no surprise that Renault has incorporated an Eco-coaching feature into the Megane Sedan.
We didn't manage to achieve Renault's claimed 27km/L fuel consumption figure but we did get a respectable 15.1km/L. It is an impressive figure, considering the fact that we were in Sport mode most of the time and weren't being gentle on the throttle.
Don't dismiss the diesel
Powering the Megane Sedan is a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed Efficient Dual-Clutch transmission, capable of 110bhp and 250Nm of torque.
It won't offer the same high-revving exhilaration of a petrol equivalent. However, it does pack some mid-range punch, making light work of overtaking manoeuvres and keeping up with traffic with little effort.
Going the distance
As an advocate of 'eco' driving, evident through its extensive range of diesel models, it comes as no surprise that Renault has incorporated an Eco-coaching feature into the Megane Sedan.
We didn't manage to achieve Renault's claimed 27km/L fuel consumption figure but we did get a respectable 15.1km/L. It is an impressive figure, considering the fact that we were in Sport mode most of the time and weren't being gentle on the throttle.
Don't dismiss the diesel
Powering the Megane Sedan is a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed Efficient Dual-Clutch transmission, capable of 110bhp and 250Nm of torque.
It won't offer the same high-revving exhilaration of a petrol equivalent. However, it does pack some mid-range punch, making light work of overtaking manoeuvres and keeping up with traffic with little effort.
Although the turbodiesel powerplant sprints from 0-100km/h in 12.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 190km/h, it certainly feels faster with all that low to mid-range torque.
Driven sensibly, the Megane performs just as a family sedan should by soaking up bumps in the road with ease and providing a cushy ride.
Even with the improved driving dynamics in Sport mode, ride quality is maintained at a level, which won't leave you sore in the behind. The Sport mode's increased throttle response, coupled with a punchy turbodiesel, allows the Megane to overtake pesky road hoggers without breaking a sweat.
Creature comforts
Despite sharing similar characteristics with its hatchback brethren, one of the Megane Sedan's biggest draws is its humongous boot. At 550 litres, it makes the hatchback's 434-litre boot look like a glovebox. Five-man luggage for a weekend trip up north? No problem. The Megane Sedan's boot will swallow anything short of an elephant.
Driven sensibly, the Megane performs just as a family sedan should by soaking up bumps in the road with ease and providing a cushy ride.
Even with the improved driving dynamics in Sport mode, ride quality is maintained at a level, which won't leave you sore in the behind. The Sport mode's increased throttle response, coupled with a punchy turbodiesel, allows the Megane to overtake pesky road hoggers without breaking a sweat.
Creature comforts
Despite sharing similar characteristics with its hatchback brethren, one of the Megane Sedan's biggest draws is its humongous boot. At 550 litres, it makes the hatchback's 434-litre boot look like a glovebox. Five-man luggage for a weekend trip up north? No problem. The Megane Sedan's boot will swallow anything short of an elephant.
And if you ever find yourself with both hands occupied, Renault's hands-free boot release has got you covered. Wave your foot somewhere below the 'M' and 'E' of the Megane badging, and the boot pops wide open.
Also worth mentioning is the speed limiter feature that came with our test car. We all know that the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway is chock-full of speed cameras to enforce its 80km/h speed limit, which can get quite nerve-wrecking. Simply set the said feature to 80km/h and you're good to go.
Fall back, Fluence
Renault is offering the Megane Sedan in two trims - a 1.5T dCi and a 1.5T Privilege dCi, which is the one you see here. Each comes in at $116,999 and $123,999, respectively, as of 27th February 2017.
Compared to the standard trim, the Privilege comes with additional features such as the Renault Multi-Sense system, blind spot monitoring, an 8.7-inch central display and chrome accents.
Diesel taxes shouldn't be an excuse to rule out the Renault Megane Sedan. Good looks, a huge boot and a punchy engine are reason enough to place the Megane as the rightful heir to the Fluence's legacy.
Also worth mentioning is the speed limiter feature that came with our test car. We all know that the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway is chock-full of speed cameras to enforce its 80km/h speed limit, which can get quite nerve-wrecking. Simply set the said feature to 80km/h and you're good to go.
Fall back, Fluence
Renault is offering the Megane Sedan in two trims - a 1.5T dCi and a 1.5T Privilege dCi, which is the one you see here. Each comes in at $116,999 and $123,999, respectively, as of 27th February 2017.
Compared to the standard trim, the Privilege comes with additional features such as the Renault Multi-Sense system, blind spot monitoring, an 8.7-inch central display and chrome accents.
Diesel taxes shouldn't be an excuse to rule out the Renault Megane Sedan. Good looks, a huge boot and a punchy engine are reason enough to place the Megane as the rightful heir to the Fluence's legacy.
