The Renault Megane III Grandtour (Phase III, 2014) 1.2 Energy TCe (115 Hp) ECO2 Start&Stop represents a significant iteration in the third generation of Renault’s popular compact family car, specifically tailored for the European market. Launched in 2014 as part of a mid-cycle refresh (Phase III) for the Megane III lineup, this model emphasized efficiency, practicality, and modern powertrain technology. As a station wagon, or “Grandtour” in Renault’s nomenclature, it catered to families and individuals prioritizing spaciousness and versatility over outright sportiness, yet still offered a refined driving experience typical of the C-segment in Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, its design and engineering philosophies reflect global trends in automotive development, focusing on downsized turbocharged engines, advanced fuel-saving technologies, and comprehensive safety features to meet stringent European regulations and consumer demands.
Engine and Performance of the Renault Megane III Grandtour
At the heart of this particular Renault Megane III Grandtour variant lies the 1.2 Energy TCe (Turbo Control efficiency) engine, a modern, downsized gasoline (petrol) unit designed to deliver a compelling blend of performance and fuel economy. This inline four-cylinder engine, designated H5FT, boasts a modest displacement of 1197 cubic centimeters (73.05 cu. in. or 1.2 liters), yet it generates a respectable 115 horsepower at 4500 rpm. Its power output per liter stands at 96.1 Hp/l, indicative of its advanced design featuring a turbocharger and intercooler for optimized air induction and efficiency. Torque delivery is particularly impressive for an engine of this size, peaking at 140.14 lb.-ft. (190 Nm) at a low 2000 rpm, ensuring brisk acceleration from a standstill and flexible in-gear performance, crucial for a family-oriented vehicle.
The powertrain architecture features a front, transverse engine layout, driving the front wheels through a precise 6-speed manual transmission. This combination contributes to the vehicle’s engaging driving dynamics and efficiency. Performance figures reflect its practical orientation: the Megane III Grandtour with this engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 10.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds) and achieves a maximum speed of 114.95 mph (185 km/h). These figures are more than adequate for daily commuting and highway cruising across Europe.
Fuel efficiency is a cornerstone of the 1.2 Energy TCe’s design, underscored by its ECO2 branding and standard Start&Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it upon clutch engagement. The combined fuel economy is rated at an impressive 44.4 US mpg (5.3 l/100 km), with urban consumption at 36.2 US mpg (6.5 l/100 km) and extra-urban at 50 US mpg (4.7 l/100 km). These figures, combined with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km, qualify the vehicle for the Euro 5 emission standard, highlighting Renault’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold injection system and has a compression ratio of 10:1, further optimizing combustion efficiency. With an engine oil capacity of 4.86 US quarts, maintenance is straightforward for this dependable powerplant.
Design and Practicality
The Renault Megane III Grandtour, in its Phase III (2014) guise, presented a sleek and functional design, typical of European station wagons. Its body type, a 5-door, 5-seat station wagon (or estate), was engineered for maximum utility without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Measuring 179.49 inches (4559 mm) in length, 71.02 inches (1804 mm) in width (80.2 inches or 2037 mm including mirrors), and 59.96 inches (1523 mm) in height, the Grandtour offered a substantial footprint for comfortable passenger accommodation and generous cargo capacity. The wheelbase of 106.42 inches (2703 mm) provided a stable ride and contributed significantly to the interior spaciousness, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
One of the primary selling points of the Grandtour was its versatile cargo area. With the rear seats in place, it offered a minimum trunk (boot) space of 18.5 cubic feet (524 liters). Folding down the rear seats expanded this volume dramatically to an impressive 56.33 cubic feet (1595 liters), making it highly capable for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or larger items. The maximum load capacity stood at 1227.97 lbs (557 kg), with a permissible roof load of 176.37 lbs (80 kg). Furthermore, its towing capabilities were robust, allowing for a trailer load with brakes (12%) of up to 3306.93 lbs (1500 kg), and 1410.96 lbs (640 kg) without brakes, underscoring its utility as a family and lifestyle vehicle.
In terms of chassis and safety, the Megane III Grandtour was equipped with a well-proven setup. The front suspension featured an independent McPherson type, known for its balance of comfort and handling, while the rear utilized a torsion beam setup, a common and space-efficient choice for front-wheel-drive compact cars. Braking power was provided by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced control during emergency stops. Steering was managed by a rack and pinion system with electric power steering, offering light effort at low speeds for easy maneuvering and firmer feedback at higher speeds. The vehicle could be fitted with various tire sizes, including 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, or 205/50 R17, depending on the trim level, mounted on corresponding 15, 16, or 17-inch wheel rims. A minimum turning circle of 36.25 feet (11.05 meters) made it relatively agile in urban environments.
Technical Specifications for the Renault Megane III Grandtour
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III Grandtour (Phase III, 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 Energy TCe (115 Hp) ECO2 Start&Stop |
| Start of production | 2014 year |
| End of production | 2016 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 114.95 mph (185 km/h) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp, 90.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm, 150 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Power per liter | 96.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 140.14 lb.-ft. (190 Nm) @ 2000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H5FT |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 2.84 in. (72.2 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 2.88 in. (73.2 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.86 US qt (4.6 l) |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 2793.26 lbs. (1267 kg) |
| Max. weight | 4021.23 lbs. (1824 kg) |
| Max load | 1227.97 lbs. (557 kg) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 18.5 cu. ft. (524 l) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 56.33 cu. ft. (1595 l) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.85 US gal (60 l) |
| Max. roof load | 176.37 lbs. (80 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3306.93 lbs. (1500 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 1410.96 lbs. (640 kg) |
| Permitted towbar download | 165.35 lbs. (75 kg) |
| Length | 179.49 in. (4559 mm) |
| Width | 71.02 in. (1804 mm) |
| Width including mirrors | 80.2 in. (2037 mm) |
| Height | 59.96 in. (1523 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 106.42 in. (2703 mm) |
| Front track | 60.87 in. (1546 mm) |
| Rear (Back) track | 60.91 in. (1547 mm) |
| Front overhang | 33.94 in. (862 mm) |
| Rear overhang | 39.13 in. (994 mm) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 4.72 in. (120 mm) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 36.25 ft. (11.05 m) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive. Internal Combustion engine. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 205/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16; 17 |
Legacy and Market Impact of the Renault Megane III Grandtour
The Renault Megane III Grandtour, particularly in its Phase III (2014) iteration, played a crucial role in Renault’s strategy within the fiercely competitive European C-segment. This segment, dominated by compact family vehicles, saw the Grandtour directly competing with established rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf Variant, Ford Focus Estate, Opel Astra Sports Tourer, and Peugeot 308 SW. Its success stemmed from a compelling combination of practical utility, comfortable ride quality, and increasingly sophisticated powertrain technology.
The 1.2 Energy TCe engine, with its ECO2 and Start&Stop systems, was a testament to the industry’s shift towards downsizing and efficiency. This specific variant was highly regarded for its ability to offer gasoline performance comparable to larger, naturally aspirated engines while delivering diesel-like fuel economy and lower emissions. This made it an attractive proposition for European buyers facing rising fuel costs and stricter environmental regulations. The car’s low CO2 emissions of 119 g/km and Euro 5 compliance highlighted its environmental credentials, appealing to ecologically conscious consumers and benefiting from favorable tax regimes in many European countries.
Beyond its powertrain, the Megane III Grandtour’s reputation was built on its inherent practicality. The generous cargo space, both with seats up and folded, along with its respectable towing capacity, cemented its status as a versatile family vehicle. Its comfortable interior, robust build quality, and comprehensive safety features (including standard ABS) ensured a secure and pleasant driving experience. The Phase III update brought subtle styling enhancements and technological refinements, keeping the Megane fresh against newer competitors.
While the Renault Megane III Grandtour was never officially imported to the United States, its design and engineering philosophies had a broader impact. It showcased how European manufacturers were effectively meeting the demands for efficient, practical, and well-equipped compact vehicles. Its legacy in Europe is that of a reliable, cost-effective, and family-friendly station wagon that successfully navigated the evolving landscape of automotive technology and consumer expectations during its production run from 2014 to 2016. It served as a strong contender in its class, embodying Renault’s commitment to innovation and real-world usability for the everyday driver.
