The Renault Megane III (Phase II), specifically the 1.6 16V variant produced from 2012 to 2013, represents a significant refinement of Renault’s popular compact hatchback. Positioned within the competitive C-segment, the Megane III aimed to deliver a balance of practicality, comfort, and efficiency. The Phase II update brought styling revisions, improved interior quality, and enhancements to the engine lineup. While not initially a major seller in the United States due to Renault’s limited presence in the North American market, the Megane III was a key model for Renault in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308.
Renault Megane III (Phase II): Overview
The Megane III, launched in 2008, was Renault’s attempt to move upmarket and offer a more sophisticated competitor in the compact class. The Phase II revision, introduced in 2012, addressed some criticisms of the original model, focusing on perceived quality and refinement. The 1.6 16V engine, producing 110 horsepower, was a mainstay of the range, offering a good compromise between performance and fuel economy for everyday driving. This version of the Megane was primarily sold in Europe, where its compact size and relatively affordable price point made it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2012-2013 Renault Megane III 1.6 16V is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K4M 858. This naturally aspirated engine produces 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 151 Nm (111.37 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for typical commuting and highway driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.5 seconds, and the car has a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 8 kg/Nm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Renault Megane III Phase II is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. The exterior design received subtle updates in the Phase II revision, including revised headlights, a new front grille, and updated bumpers. The interior was also improved, with higher-quality materials and a more modern dashboard layout. The Megane III offers seating for five passengers and a trunk (boot) space of 405 liters (14.3 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1162 liters (41.04 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down.
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The car’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear. Steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. The standard tire size is 195/65 R15, mounted on 6.5J x 15 inch wheels. The Phase II update focused on improving the overall driving experience and perceived quality, making the Megane III a more competitive offering in the compact hatchback segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III (Phase II, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 151 Nm @ 4250 rpm (111.37 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4M 858 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1762 kg (3884.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 547 kg (1205.93 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 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 91H |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
