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 option, producing 100 horsepower, was a popular choice for buyers prioritizing fuel economy and reasonable performance. This version of the Megane targeted drivers seeking a versatile, everyday vehicle for commuting and family use.
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 848. This naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power output of 100 horsepower at 5500 rpm, and 148 Nm (109.16 lb-ft) of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 9.8:1. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.9 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.4 seconds. The Megane III 1.6 16V has a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-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 provides 405 liters (14.3 cu ft) of trunk space 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 Phase II models benefited from improvements in build quality and refinement, addressing earlier criticisms of the Megane III. Standard equipment typically included power steering, air conditioning, and an audio system. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III (Phase II, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 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 | 12.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 4250 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4M 848 |
| 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 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 1205 kg (2656.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1743 kg (3842.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 538 kg (1186.09 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 | 635 kg (1399.94 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 | 5 |
| 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 |
