Test drive by Renault Megane sedan 2006 - 2009 sedan

French "extremal"

You know, I’ll say right away: Renault Megane Extreme a car, pleasant in many respects. But the last definition in its name is no more than for a red word. In fact, Extreme means a special version with the optimal set of equipment, according to the automaker itself. I will say more, Megane Extreme is available only with a 1.6-lobel gasoline engine that develops 115 hp, which can be combined with a 5-speed manual transmission and with a 4-speed automatic.
 
In general, when the new generation of Renault Megane debuted in 2002, representatives of the French company stated that they were trying to create the most extravagant cars. And Megano applies to such without any doubt. Which, nevertheless, allowed the models to firmly settle in the C-class, where the Germans and the Japanese traditionally rule the ball. Last year, the update of Megane has not changed the indemnity of the fundamental. The bumper was slightly awarded, replaced lighting equipment and installed a new radiator grille so that the model corresponded to the modern Renault style to a greater extent. Moreover, the correction of the figure was clearly the benefit of the model. Changes seem to be not so significant, but they were enough for rejuvenation. For example, lighting equipment. In front, it looks quite modern, I would say technologically advanced thanks to separate light elements collected under a continuous cap. An enlarged air intake and fog lights spaced on the sides added a sense of sports, like horizontal lines of the rear lights.
 
Inside is very comfortable. You can choose a convenient landing at the wheel without difficulty thanks to a wide range of adjustments of both the seat and the steering column. Moreover, the version of Extreme, apparently, in order to at least partially justify the incendiary name, differs from the usual Megane with original elements, such as the tissue upholstery of black seats with red decorative inserts. In addition, the list of equipment is also extensive. It includes climate control, heating seats, rain and light sensors, as well as a CD player that is able to play computer mp3 files.
 
True, some complaints remained. For example, a light sensor. Firstly, the Auto button is located in the end of the steering wheel switch, but it is difficult to understand that the system of automatically turning on the headlights works. Moreover, and this is secondly, a sensor with a decent hitch is triggered. For example, I already drove into the tunnel, and the headlights do not burn. And only after 15 seconds, the electronics will understand that it has become darker and turn on the near light. During this time, I managed to press the Auto button several times, but this did not lead to tangible results. Although, of course, it is easy to turn on the near light and forced order


Comfort and calm

If we talk about running qualities, then the Extreme version is no different from the usual Megane sedan with a 1.6-liter engine under the hood. The engine allows you to rather argue quite a moment, although the maximum return can be obtained only when the tachometer arrow is higher than 3,500 rpm. Until this moment, the acceleration is obviously sluggish. Therefore, you often have to wield a lever of the manual transmission, but with selectivity there are no problems.
On the other hand, Megane is perfect for the role of a family car, and the aggressiveness in habits seems to be useless. So, the steering wheel is light even at high speeds, although there are no problems with informativeness, oddly enough. Such settings are in handy in the city, where you often have to maneuver in a dense stream.
 
If we talk about suspensions, then the first thing you pay attention to is their energy intensity. It seems that there are no such pits and potholes that would make the shock absorbers work before the end. In addition, all Megane, officially represented in Russia, have an increased road clearance and metal protection of the motor compartment. By the way, I appreciated this during the strong November snowfall in Moscow: the car coped with the bad weather surprisingly easily, and even snowy bulk at the curbs did not particularly embarrass him.
 
The rolls of the body in vihi, of course, are felt, but they are not critical. In addition, Megane is stable in both turns and at high speeds. At the same time, he behaves as an exemplary front -wheel drive car. Therefore, if desired and skill and Megane 1.6, you can go quickly enough.
 

Extreme fee
So, it was said more that the version of Extreme is captivated by the presence of everything you need, including incredibly effective heating of the front seats: in a couple of minutes you feel like in a pan. Moreover, besides the already mentioned, there are also curtains on the rear and side glasses of the rear doors.
The version with the manual transmission, which was tested, will cost 516,000 rubles, a modification with an automatic transmission of 546 950 rubles. As for additional equipment, Megane Extreme can be understaffed by parking sensors (9075 rubles), a kit for connecting a mobile phone (9075), a branded alarm (8475) and a metallic color (8750 rubles).
 

Andrey Osipov
 

 
 

Source: Magazine Automobile Izvestia [November-December 2007]