Refined and economical diesel hatch with impressive new dual-clutch transmission

What is it?

The third generation of Renault’s Mégane is coming up to its third birthday, and it’s hardly controversial to say that during that time it hasn’t really set the new car market on fire.

This very mainstream five-door hatchback lacks the dramatic looks of the three-door, and it rolls on standard-issue MacPherson struts and a beam axle. Renault isn’t selling the car on the strength of its dynamic performance or looks, however. This Mégane has been endowed with some considerable practical strengths instead – not least a EuroNCAP crash test score of 37 points out of 37 and a comprehensive list of safety kit.

What's it like?

Inside, the interior is nicely sculpted, there’s lots of finely detailed switchgear and excellent, supportive seats.

However, the main reason for our return to the Mégane is the introduction of Renault’s all-new EDC dual-clutch transmission, mated to the familiar 1.5-litre diesel engine (a new version of the EDC will be needed to deal with the extra torque generated by the firm’s next-generation 1.6-litre diesel). The EDC works in the same way as established DSG gearboxes, with one clutch for odd-numbered ratios and one for evens. Renault claims a shift time of 290 milliseconds and combined fuel economy down 4.5mpg on that of the same engine with a manual ’box.

Despite our best efforts to catch out the EDC, it remained slick and smooth. It also worked well with this motor – something that can’t always be taken for granted in a small-capacity diesel. This engine is, by the way, pleasingly refined, flexible and most undiesel-like.

Should I buy one?

The main message, though, is that the new EDC drivetrain is impressive.

Renault Megane 1.5 DCI EDC

Price as tested with EDC: £19,995; Top speed: 118mph; 0-62mph: 11.7sec; Economy: 64.2mpg (combined); CO2: 114g/km; Kerb weight: 1215kg; Engine: 4 cyls, 1461cc, turbodiesel; Power: 109bhp at 4000rpm; Torque: 177lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd dual-clutch auto

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Comments
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mahir 2 October 2012

EDC problem

hi everyone, I have a brand new megane sport tourer EDC which is now at 5000 km.I noticed this problem when it was at 1500 km.after a lot of effort, i learned that renault doesnt even know a solution to this serious problem.following are the links to my videos. you can watch or tell your friends who are thinking to buy an EDC car. spreading the word will save many.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUU6JmJqnv8&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGFHDZDEzXo&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNNZiB0nk6s&feature=youtu.be

 

Adrian987 18 June 2011

Re: Renault Megane 1.5 dCi EDC

Broughster wrote:
slow initial getaway

Broughster wrote:
Is that just a Renault problem?

My experience of VW Group is that the 7 speed DSG has a very quick getaway (1st gear is quite low too), but the 6 speed DSG is much slower to respond to a prod. This makes the 7 speed better for smart entry into busy roads/roundabouts, you see the gap and go, no hesitation at all.

Maxycat 18 June 2011

Re: Renault Megane 1.5 dCi EDC

Broughster wrote:
We are strapping more and more kit to smaller and smaller engines (whether petrol or diesel), the aim of which is for them to perform better in the government tests. All this leads to is customer disappointment as they find it so difficult to meet the combined cycle mpg

Since I bought a 2009 Honda Civic Diesel in May I have obtained 55mpg per tankful in local use and 63.9 mpg per tankful when used for longer trips. The average mpg of 63.9 achieved by keeping the speed down to below 60 on the motorway and 50 on single carriageways on journeys of over 200 miles each way. My sister has a "simple" BMW 116 auto that averages only 28 mpg, although that is used in built up areas all the time.