The Renault Megane III (Phase II), produced from 2012 to 2013, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation Megane, a compact hatchback designed for the European market. This iteration focused on refining the existing design and improving efficiency. Notably, the 1.6 16V (110 Hp) Ethanol version offered a flexible-fuel powertrain, allowing operation on gasoline or E85 ethanol blend, catering to markets with incentives for bio-fuel usage. The Megane III competed directly with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308, offering a blend of practicality, style, and affordability.
Renault Megane III (Phase II): Overview
The Megane III Phase II built upon the success of its predecessor, introducing subtle styling updates, enhanced interior materials, and revised engine options. The 1.6 16V Ethanol variant was particularly significant, providing an alternative fuel option in regions promoting sustainable transportation. While not officially sold in the United States, the Megane III was a popular choice in Europe, known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively low running costs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Megane III (Phase II) 1.6 16V Ethanol is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated the K4M 866. This naturally aspirated engine produces 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 151 Nm (111.37 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine’s flexible-fuel capability allows it to run on gasoline, E85 ethanol, or any blend thereof. This provides drivers with the option to take advantage of potentially lower fuel costs and reduced emissions when using ethanol. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. 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 10.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Renault Megane III Phase II maintains the hatchback body style of the previous generation, offering a practical and versatile layout. The five-door configuration provides easy access to the cabin, while the five-seat arrangement offers comfortable accommodation for passengers. The Phase II updates included revised front and rear styling, with a more prominent Renault logo and updated headlight designs. Inside, the cabin benefited from improved material quality and a redesigned dashboard. Key features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a McPherson independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. Trunk space is a useful 405 liters (14.3 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1162 liters (41.04 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4295 mm (169.09 in.) in length, 1808 mm (71.18 in.) in width, and 1471 mm (57.91 in.) in height. The curb weight is 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1762 kg (3884.55 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III (Phase II, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V (110 Hp) Ethanol |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg, 30.4 UK mpg, 10.8 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 | 158 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| 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 866 |
| 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.) |
| Drive wheel | 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 Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 91H |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
The Renault Megane III Phase II 1.6 16V Ethanol offered a compelling package for European drivers seeking a practical, efficient, and versatile compact hatchback. Its flexible-fuel capability and refined design contributed to its popularity in a competitive market segment.
