According to the source, the new Megane won't have a traditional three-door hatchback version: the range will gain an exciting coupe based on the Megane concept coupe unveiled at Geneva.

“You have the design before your very eyes,” said Renault design director Patrick Le Quement. He said the car would be launched before the end of the year along with a more conventional five-door version.

And while the new Megane is “a strong design statement”, Le Quement believes it will not polarise opinions in the same way as the current model.

“Those that didn't like the current model at first never did grow to like it,” he said.

“The new model won't have the upright line at the rear – it will be more acceptable - but it will shake its arse for sure!”

Renault will also shorten the timespan of the model renewal programme. “The entire Megane range will be renewed by the end of 2009,” said Le Quement. This includes saloon, coupe-cabrio and estate bodystyles, plus “at least one more model”.

The Scenic MPV will remain in its current form for a little longer, however, with the third-generation version due in about 18 months.

Renault also showed the production version of its Koleos SUV for the first time. This is built by Renault Samsung in Korea and is the first of a family of Renault SUVs. “Koleos is in the middle of  three-model range,” said Le Quement.

Next up is a smaller SUV to compete with the Ford Kuga, and a larger 4x4 will follow. There will be 4x2 versions of Koleos as well, Le Quement confirmed. 

(Source: Newspress)