2012-2013 Renault Megane III (Phase II ) 1.4 TCe (130 Hp)

The Renault Megane III Phase II (2012) 1.4 TCe represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation Megane, a compact hatchback designed for the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Megane series has been a significant competitor in the C-segment, battling vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308. The Phase II update brought styling revisions, improved interior quality, and updated engine options, aiming to enhance the Megane’s appeal and competitiveness. This particular variant, powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 130 horsepower, focused on balancing performance with fuel efficiency, a key consideration for European consumers.

Renault Megane III (Phase II) 1.4 TCe: Overview

The Megane III, launched in 2008, aimed to elevate Renault’s presence in the competitive compact car segment. The Phase II revision in 2012 addressed criticisms of the original model, particularly regarding interior materials and perceived quality. The 1.4 TCe engine was a key component of this strategy, offering a downsized, turbocharged option that delivered respectable performance while adhering to increasingly stringent European emissions standards. The Megane’s five-door hatchback body style provided practicality and versatility, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 2012 Renault Megane III 1.4 TCe is the H4J 700 engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. This configuration allows the engine to produce 130 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 190 Nm (140.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2250 rpm. The turbocharging system provides a noticeable boost in power delivery, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 93.1 hp/l. Coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the Megane 1.4 TCe achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 9.7 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 9.2 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 200 km/h (124.27 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 145 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.

Design & Features

The Renault Megane III Phase II maintains the overall silhouette of the third-generation model, but incorporates revised front and rear styling elements. The front fascia features a redesigned grille, headlights, and bumper, giving the car a more modern and assertive appearance. Inside, the Phase II update focused on improving the perceived quality of the interior. Revised dashboard materials, updated switchgear, and improved seat upholstery contribute to a more refined cabin environment. The hatchback body style offers a practical cargo capacity of 405 liters (14.3 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1162 liters (41.04 cu. ft.) when the seats are folded down. Standard safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), while other features like air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system were typically included. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1205 kg (2656.57 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1781 kg (3926.43 lbs).

Technical Specifications