Renault Mégane. The history of the diamond compact since 1995

Mégane: by choosing in extremis to give this name to a small electric crossover, Luca de Meo is bringing a real revolution to a long line of compact sedans. But even before this radical turn, the Mégane was already not a follower of continuity. It is difficult to find common points between the first generation, with typical curves of “bio design”, and its successor, with a very angular and baroque style. Likewise, if the third and fourth version revive more classic lines, they do not display the same silhouette at all. Argus traces the saga of this French anti-Volkswagen Golf, which has already sold more than 10 million copies.

>> Find the Renault Mégane saga in pictures <<

Renault Mégane 1 (1995-2003)

In fact, the Mégane saga began at the 1988 Paris Motor Show, when Renault presented a concept bearing this name. But when the production model comes out, seven years later, it retains almost nothing of this study. When we told you that this Frenchwoman was really not a follower of continuity! Finally, only a certain tendency to curves remains. Unlike its rival Peugeot 306, released two years before, the successor to the Renault 19 thus respects the principles of “bio design”. First and foremost defended by Japanese manufacturers, this stylistic trend was in vogue at the time and claimed to be inspired by Mother Nature.

After the launch of the sedan and a coupe with a stubby stern, at the end of 1995, the range will rapidly expand. with a station wagon, a convertible with a canvas top, a classic four-door and even a minivan. Yes, at that time, the Scénic was still called Mégane Scénic! It is also largely thanks to this pioneer, then without a competitor, that the Mégane 1 will often be among the best-selling new cars in Europe, all categories combined.

Renault Mégane 2 (2002-2009)

The Mégane 2 does not stop at swapping curves for sharp angles. It surprises above all by its very original stern, which may make you think of the Avantime “coupéspace” or the Vel road Satis. But, unlike its big sisters, this compact will experience real commercial success. Voted Car of the Year in 2003, it also received five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test, a rating then unusual, while offering a remarkable compromise between comfort and behavior. It will also help to democratize certain equipment such as the hands-free card … at the cost of some annoying electronic glitches at the start.

As for the range, even if the Scénic is emancipated, it remains quite wide. In addition to the five-door, there is indeed a three-door, which is no longer really a coupe, the four-door and a new coupé-cabriolet. For the first time, the Mégane is even available as a Renault Sport variant, which forms a true lineage in the lineage! With, as a farewell gift, the very exclusive R26.R lightened to the extreme, which will offer the Nürburgring lap record for traction.

TO HAVE. Renault Mégane RS: the saga in more than 40 images

Renault Mégane 3 (2008-2016)

Fashion is an eternal restart. With its third generation, the Mégane finds smoother and more curved lines. To the point of being considered too bland by some, especially since it dispenses with a real grille until its second restyling, carried out in 2014. The range however returns to a real coupe, with a stern and a much more dynamic profile than on the five-door. It was he who was to serve as the basis for the RS, which was quickly considered to be the benchmark in its category thanks to its exceptional efficiency. The station wagon and the coupé-cabriolet also remain relevant, unlike the classic four-door sedan. Renault preferred to transform it into a full-fledged model, the Fluence, without much success … at least in Western Europe. But the Mégane 3 will especially suffer from the arrival of the second Peugeot 308 of the name, in 2013, which will give it a big blow of old inside and out.

TO READ. Coupés-convertibles: a look back at an endangered species

Renault Mégane 4 (since 2015)

The reaction of the Losange to the arrival of the compact lion was not long in coming. But maybe she was too shy: the Mégane 4 has never managed to regain the lead in sales on a lasting basis in its category in France. Side look, however, difficult to blame him. Without shining through its originality, it applies with care a recipe that had worked very well on the small Clio 4. It is undoubtedly more the passenger compartment which sinned, with an improved quality of manufacture and a very agreed presentation. The chassis is rather successful, but less brilliant than that of the 308.

Even the RS version, despite its evil rear-wheel steering, will be less talked about than before. On the other hand, even if we can regret the disappearance of the coupe and the convertible, difficult to reproach Renault too much on this point: almost all of the competitors made the same choice. Note also that the four-door Mégane has made a comeback in some still demanding markets and that a plug-in hybrid version appeared during restyling in 2020, first on the station wagon and then on the five-door sedan.

Renault Mégane 5 (launch in 2022)

After partial electrification, it’s time for 100% electric with the Mégane 5. But, as mentioned in the preamble, this crossover almost did not take this name. Initially, the project was about a city SUV. It was upon his arrival at the head of the Renault group, in July 2020, that Luca de Meo will turn it into an anti-Volkswagen ID.3 weapon, with a silhouette always raised and dimensions always much more compact than those of the Mégane 4. In a way, it is not really the direct replacement, and the two models will also cohabit for some time. But the retirement of the thermal compact is scheduled for 2024, and a renewal is not on the program. We will therefore have to get used quickly to this profound change, which will still have some positive effects: it allows in particular a return to production in France, in Douai, while the assembly of the model had moved to Spain, to Palencia. , since the third version.