The Renault Megane III (Phase II), specifically the 1.2 Energy TCe (115 Hp) variant produced between 2012 and 2013, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation Megane. Positioned as a compact hatchback, the Megane competed in the highly contested C-segment of the European automotive market. This iteration focused on improving fuel efficiency and refining the existing design, offering a practical and relatively affordable option for families and individuals alike. While not officially sold in the United States, the Megane was a significant model for Renault, contributing to their sales volume and brand image in Europe.
Renault Megane III Phase II: An Overview
The Megane III, launched in 2008, aimed to elevate Renault’s presence in the compact class. The Phase II update, introduced in 2012, brought styling revisions, enhanced interior quality, and crucially, a new range of downsized, turbocharged engines – the “Energy” series. The 1.2 Energy TCe 115 Hp model was a key offering, designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing fuel economy without sacrificing acceptable performance. This model aimed to balance cost-effectiveness with modern features and a comfortable driving experience.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Megane III 1.2 Energy TCe is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, designated H5F 408. This engine produces 115 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 190 Nm (140.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler contribute to improved power delivery and efficiency. The engine’s specific output is 96 horsepower per liter, demonstrating Renault’s focus on maximizing power from a small displacement. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The 0-60 mph time is calculated at 10.4 seconds. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Renault Megane III Phase II is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. The exterior design received subtle updates compared to the original Megane III, including a revised front fascia with a larger Renault logo, new headlight designs, and updated taillights. The interior benefited from improved material quality and a redesigned dashboard. Key features included standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a McPherson independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. The trunk offers 405 liters (14.3 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1162 liters (41.04 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1205 kg (2656.57 lbs), and it has a maximum permissible weight of 1787 kg (3939.66 lbs). Ride height (ground clearance) is 120 mm (4.72 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III (Phase II, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 Energy TCe (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm (140.14 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H5F 408 |
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm3 (73.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.2 mm (2.84 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.2 mm (2.88 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1205 kg (2656.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1787 kg (3939.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 582 kg (1283.09 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 405 l (14.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1162 l (41.04 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 640 kg (1410.96 lbs.) |
| Length | 4295 mm (169.09 in.) |
| Width | 1808 mm (71.18 in.) |
| Height | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2641 mm (103.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1546 mm (60.87 in.) |
| Rear track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Front overhang | 862 mm (33.94 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 792 mm (31.18 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.95 m (35.93 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 91H |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
The Renault Megane III Phase II 1.2 Energy TCe offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and practical compact hatchback. While never officially available in the US market, it represents a significant example of Renault’s engineering efforts to balance performance, economy, and everyday usability within the competitive C-segment.
