Megane Renault Sport dCi -Diesel Performance (AUS)

The launch of Mégane RenaultSport dCi in late 2008 will see the addition of a high-performance diesel five-door hatch to the Renault Australia hot hatch range.

Its 2.0-litre, common-rail 127kW (175hp) diesel powerplant boasts a generous maximum torque of 360Nm available from 2,000rpm and across an operational power band similar to that of a petrol engine.

Its combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6.5 litres/100km keeps running costs to a minimum.

In keeping with other Renault Sport Technologies-engineered models, Mégane Renault Sport dCi's chassis delivers rewarding sports performance.

Sensational diesel engine

Renault has fitted its existing top-end 2.0 dCi diesel to the chassis originally developed for Mégane Renault Sport 2.0 Turbo.

This powerplant develops 127kW (175hp) at 3,750rpm plus a generous 360Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and, in terms of breadth, its operational power band is comparable with that of a turbocharged petrol engine.

This engine is packed with advanced technology, including a variable geometry turbocharger which provides a wide spread of torque throughout the rev range. Piezoelectric injectors are capable of operating up to five times per cycle, which helps reduce engine noise, fuel consumption and particulate emissions.

Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, and with a combined cycle fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 172g/km.

Proven Chassis

Beneath the skin you’ll find the underpinnings of the petrol-powered Mégane Renault Sport 2.0 Turbo and the standard Renault Sport chassis blends dynamic handling with the kind of comfort everyday driving demands. Independent steering-axis front suspension guarantees precise and efficient handling in all circumstances, while body movement is minimized by a 20mm-diameter anti-roll bar. The front suspension has also been tuned to suit Mégane Renault Sport dCi’s characteristics and weight distribution. Spring stiffness and damper settings are consequently specific to this diesel version.

The rear suspension is based around a programmed-deflection flexible beam, the torsional stiffness of which is equivalent to that of the Cup chassis version of Mégane Renault Sport 2.0 T (80Nm/°). The suspension components themselves are identical to those employed on the Sport chassis Mégane Renault Sport 2.0 T.

Powerful and fade-free, the Brembo braking system features four discs that are impressive in terms of both diameter (312mm and ventilated at the front, 300mm at the rear) and thickness (28mm at the front, 11mm at the rear). The front discs are also equipped with four-piston calipers.

The 18” alloy wheels run 225/40R18 tyres

The electronically variable power steering has been set up specifically to suit the car’s weight distribution.

Renault Safety

In terms of active safety, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is fitted as standard with a dynamic electronic stability programme (ESP) which has also been set up to suit the car’s particular characteristics. Passive safety features are the same as those on any other Mégane – a five-star performer in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Styling

Externally, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is identical to the petrol version (without the rear spoiler) and is only available in five-door form.

Inside, the mood is distinctly sporting thanks to the aluminium pedals, leather steering wheel and seats with increased lateral support.

Dieppe’s sporting know-how

Mégane Renault Sport dCi is built on Renault’s Dieppe assembly line, using shells delivered from the company’s Palencia plant, in Spain. The production system has been modified to the particular requirements of this high-performance diesel and quality control standards are a match for the very best. The Dieppe factory oversees production of all sporting models developed by Renault Sport Technologies.