The Renault Megane III (Phase III), produced from 2014 to 2015, represents a significant refresh of the third-generation Megane compact hatchback. Primarily aimed at the European market, the Megane III competed in the highly contested C-segment, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. The Phase III update brought revised styling, enhanced interior quality, and updated engine options, including the 1.5 dCi diesel engine detailed here. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Megane III provides insight into the European automotive landscape and Renault’s engineering priorities during this period.
Renault Megane III (Phase III) 1.5 dCi: An Overview
The Megane III Phase III 1.5 dCi (95 Hp) FAP is a front-wheel-drive hatchback designed for economy and everyday usability. It was positioned as a mainstream offering, appealing to buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and reasonably priced vehicle. The “FAP” designation indicates the inclusion of a Diesel Particulate Filter, a crucial component for meeting increasingly stringent European emission standards. This model focused on providing a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for commuters and small families.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Megane variant is the 1.5-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated K9K. This engine produces 95 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. The 1.5 dCi engine is known for its relatively frugal fuel consumption, achieving a combined cycle of 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers (58.8 US mpg or 70.6 UK mpg). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.3 seconds, with a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.8 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 5.1 kg/Nm. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 15.2:1, contributing to its efficiency and reduced emissions.
Design & Features
The Renault Megane III Phase III is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. The exterior design received subtle updates in the Phase III revision, including a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper. 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 six-speed manual transmission. The trunk offers 405 liters of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1162 liters when folded down, providing ample cargo capacity for everyday needs. Safety features were a priority, with the inclusion of ABS and driver/passenger airbags as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4295 mm (169.1 in) in length, 1808 mm (71.2 in) in width, and 1471 mm (57.9 in) in height. The vehicle’s curb weight is 1215 kg (2679 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III (Phase III, 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (95 Hp) FAP |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 105 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1801 kg (3970.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 586 kg (1291.91 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) |
| 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 | 11.05 m (36.25 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 Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Renault Megane III Phase III 1.5 dCi FAP represents a practical and efficient option within the European C-segment. Its focus on fuel economy, combined with a reasonable level of comfort and practicality, made it a popular choice for a wide range of drivers. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies the engineering and design philosophies prevalent in European automotive manufacturing during the early 2010s.
