The Renault Megane III, specifically the Phase III iteration produced from 2014 to 2015, represents a significant refinement of Renault’s compact family car. Positioned within the competitive C-segment, the Megane III aimed to deliver 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 Energy dCi diesel engine detailed here. This model was primarily marketed in Europe, where compact hatchbacks are a dominant force, offering a compelling alternative to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the early 2010s.
Renault Megane III (Phase III): A Detailed Overview
The Megane III Phase III built upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, addressing criticisms regarding interior quality and overall refinement. The 2014 update included a redesigned front fascia, updated interior materials, and improved technology features. The 1.5 Energy dCi engine, a key component of the lineup, focused on maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, aligning with increasingly stringent European regulations. This particular variant, producing 110 horsepower, was a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance between performance and economy.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Megane III is the 1.5 Energy dCi engine, a four-cylinder diesel powerplant displacing 1461 cubic centimeters (89.16 cubic inches). This engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 110 horsepower at 4000 rpm, and delivers a torque figure of 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) at 1750 rpm. The engine’s common rail direct fuel injection system and high compression ratio of 15.2:1 contribute to its efficiency. 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 12.1 seconds, and a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The engine’s design prioritizes fuel economy, achieving combined fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers (67.2 US mpg or 80.7 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of just 90 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The inclusion of a Start&Stop system further enhances fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
Design & Features
The Renault Megane III Phase III is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its exterior design features a sculpted silhouette and a relatively compact footprint, measuring 4295 mm (169.09 inches) in length and 1808 mm (71.18 inches) in width. The interior is designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers, with a focus on ergonomics and usability. The Phase III update brought improvements to interior materials, creating a more premium feel. Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a standard infotainment system. The hatchback configuration provides a generous 405 liters (14.3 cubic feet) of trunk space, expandable to 1162 liters (41.04 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs) contributes to its relatively nimble handling characteristics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane III (Phase III, 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Energy dCi (110 Hp) Start&Stop |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.2 l/100 km (73.5 US mpg, 88.3 UK mpg, 31.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg, 80.7 UK mpg, 28.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 90 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp, 90.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 197.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.3 Hp/l |
| 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 | 1813 kg (3996.98 lbs.) |
| Max load | 598 kg (1318.36 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) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 640 kg (1410.96 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 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 (Back) 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 (turning diameter) | 11.05 m (36.25 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
