Renault Megane II Coupe 1.6 16V (112 Hp) Automatic

The Renault Megane II Coupe 1.6 16V (112 Hp) Automatic: A Distinctive European Compact

The Renault Megane II Coupe 1.6 16V (112 Hp) Automatic represents a specific variant of the second-generation Renault Megane, a pivotal model for the French automaker in the highly competitive European C-segment (compact car) market. Produced between 2005 and 2006, this particular iteration combined a lively 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an automatic transmission, offering a blend of accessible performance and convenience. While the Renault Megane lineage has never officially been sold in the United States, it enjoyed immense popularity and critical acclaim across Europe and other international markets, recognized for its innovative design, focus on safety, and comfortable ride quality. The Megane II, in particular, was lauded for its departure from conventional styling, setting new trends in automotive design during its tenure.

Engine and Performance of the Renault Megane II Coupe

At the heart of the Renault Megane II Coupe 1.6 16V (112 Hp) Automatic lies Renault’s proven K4M engine, a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter (1598 cm³ or 97.52 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder unit. This powerplant, featuring a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with 4 valves per cylinder, was designed for efficiency and smooth power delivery in everyday driving scenarios. It generates a respectable 112 horsepower at 6000 rpm, translating to a power-per-liter figure of 70.1 Hp/l, which was competitive for its segment at the time. Torque output stands at 152 Nm (112.11 lb.-ft.) available at 4200 rpm, ensuring adequate pulling power for city driving and highway cruising.

Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission, a common configuration for compact cars seeking ease of use in urban environments. This setup contributes to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 12.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 12.8 seconds), which positions the vehicle as a comfortable cruiser rather than a performance-oriented coupe. The top speed is rated at 113.09 mph (182 km/h). Fuel economy figures for this automatic variant are 22 US mpg in urban conditions, 39.2 US mpg on the extra-urban cycle, and a combined average of 30.5 US mpg. These figures, alongside its Euro 4 emission standard compliance and CO2 emissions of 184 g/km, reflected a reasonable balance between performance and environmental considerations for its production era.

Design and Features of the Renault Megane II Coupe

The Renault Megane II, launched in 2002, was a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing a bold and often polarizing design language, particularly evident in its distinctive “bustle-back” rear styling for the hatchback models. The Coupe variant, a 3-door body type, carried over much of this avant-garde aesthetic while offering a sportier silhouette. With seating for five, the coupe maintained a degree of practicality, though access to the rear seats was naturally more constrained than in a five-door hatchback.

Dimensionally, the Megane II Coupe measured 165.71 inches (4209 mm) in length, 69.96 inches (1777 mm) in width, and 57.4 inches (1458 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 103.35 inches (2625 mm). Its compact footprint made it agile in European cityscapes, further aided by a minimum turning circle of 34.45 feet (10.5 m) and an electric power steering system. The car featured a robust chassis with an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, a common and cost-effective setup providing a good balance of comfort and handling.

Safety was a paramount concern for Renault, and the Megane II was one of the first cars in its class to achieve a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, a testament to its strong body structure and comprehensive passive safety features (though specific airbag count is not provided in the data, multiple airbags were standard for European models of this caliber). Active safety was supported by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), paired with ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The vehicle rode on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6.5J x 15-inch wheels, providing a comfortable ride and predictable grip.

Technical Specifications: Renault Megane II Coupe 1.6 16V (112 Hp) Automatic

Legacy and Market Impact of the Renault Megane II Coupe

The Renault Megane II was a highly influential model for Renault, embodying the brand’s commitment to bold design and advanced safety. Its distinct styling, particularly the rear end, polarized opinions but undeniably made the car stand out in a crowded market segment. This design ethos helped Renault establish a strong identity and capture a significant share of the European compact car market during the mid-2000s.

In its primary European market, the Megane II Coupe competed against formidable rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, and Peugeot 307. While it may not have offered the same level of dynamic driving as some competitors, it carved out a niche for itself by emphasizing comfort, innovative features (like keyless entry and start, which was quite advanced for its time on higher trims), and its class-leading safety record. The 1.6 16V Automatic variant, while not the most powerful or sportiest, catered to a broad audience seeking a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-drive daily vehicle with a touch of coupe flair.

The Megane II’s reputation for safety, combined with its distinctive aesthetics and practical interior (considering its coupe form factor), contributed to its sustained success. It demonstrated Renault’s ability to innovate not just mechanically but also in terms of design and consumer focus. Although never officially imported to the United States, the Megane II’s impact on global automotive design and its role in shaping Renault’s brand image in Europe remain significant. It stands as a testament to a period when European manufacturers were pushing boundaries in compact car design and technology, establishing benchmarks for safety and style that resonated with millions of customers across the continent.