New Renault Mégane Estate is the fifth model in the New Mégane family to be launched after the Hatchback, Coupé, Grand Scénic and Scénic versions.

The design features taut lines, a plunging roofline and curved rear light clusters which give a distinctive lighting signature, both at night-time and in daylight.

An extended wheelbase (2,702mm, an increase of 62mm over New Mégane Hatchback) provides additional rear kneeroom of 218mm (+61mm compared with New Mégane Hatchback).

The luggage compartment capacity ranges from a minimum of 524dm3 (an increase of 119dm3 over New Mégane Hatchback) to 1,600dm3 (+466dm3 compared with New Mégane Hatchback).

The New Mégane Estate range includes a choice of eight diesel powerplants and six petrol engines, including the new TCe 130, as well as the 2.0 16V 140 which drives through a CVT continuously variable transmission.

A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is due to join the range coupled to the dCi 110 DPF powerplant at the beginning of 2010.

Among the new features of the chassis are the 'horned' subframe and an extensively revised electric power steering system.

New Renault Mégane Estate is 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable by weight, while 11 percent of the plastic it contains are sourced from recycling.

Specifications include a long list of interior and exterior customization accessories, as well as a range of practical items associated with estate cars (tow bars, stowage solutions, etc.).

Design

The launch of New Renault Mégane Estate rounds off the Mégane family. Its new, dynamic, distinctive looks are the result of the far-reaching look at styling which was taken at the very beginning of the programme.

"New Mégane Estate's sporty lines contrast with the conventional 'utility vehicle' approach which has all too often been applied to the majority of estate cars in this segment.

"It makes no concessions, however, regarding either its load-carrying ability or modularity which continue to be key considerations for purchasers of this type of vehicle."

New Mégane Estate's longer wheelbase compared with that of New Mégane Hatchback (+62mm) ensures a pleasing, balanced styling package which is reinforced by its fluid, uncluttered, dynamic character line which runs along the flanks to the rear lights.

The combination of the roofline, low-profile windows and rake of the rear screen suggest forward movement. The chrome longitudinal roofbars add a further touch of character.

The Renault logo is highlighted by an indentation at the base of the rear screen, while the curved forms of the two-part rear lights (with one part on the tailgate) ensure an extremely distinctive rear-end signature.

The bold wheel arches and generous, rounded forms express a prevailing impression of power and robustness.

Interior

New Renault Mégane Estate is 4.56 metres long and comfortably accommodates up to five adults with luggage. The driver and front passenger benefit from headroom of 890mm (with seat angle at 14 degrees) and elbowroom of 1,475mm, figures which count among the best in the compact estate segment.

Careful attention has been paid to ensure that the driving environment is as driver-friendly as possible. Drivers of all builds will have no trouble finding the ideal seating position thanks to the numerous adjustment possibilities offered by the lumbar-adjustable, reclining driver's seat (segment- leading cushion-height adjustment of 70mm, fore/aft travel of 240mm and fore/aft headrest adjustment).

(Source: Renault via Virtual Car)