2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Even in the compact class, variable and spacious doesn't always have to mean a van. The best example is the Renault Megane Grand Tour. The latest revisions are hard to see. If you look closely, you can see a great family friend.
By Stefan Grundhoff The
facelift has had a surprisingly cautious effect on the latest Megane generation. Even Renault fans have to look twice to discover the newcomer. Station wagon, diesel and automatic - these have been compatible for a long time, especially in the volume class. So how about a variable Megane Grand Tour with 130 diesel hp, plenty of torque and a relaxing automatic? There are from 23,800 euros in the medium equipment variant Dynamique.
Five diesel variants
The range of diesel variants for the Megane is significantly larger than the petrol arrangement with five versions. There are just three models. If you are interested in a diesel station wagon, you can hardly avoid the 130 PS variant. Sure, the father of the house would also like to have a few horses under the hood when he rushes through the Bavarian Forest with his children. 130 HP, the standard particle filter and 300 Nm at 2,000 revs are without a doubt the best combination.
Four-speed automatic only
A look at the surcharge list is surprising. Surprise number one: The only diesel available is the 1.9-liter 130 hp engine. Surprise number two: the automatic costs only 1,200 euros extra, but it is an old four-speed version. Where else is there such a thing? After all, there is a manual switching level. Let's see how the compact station wagon performs with this engine-transmission combination.
Before the first kilometers are put under the tires, the 4.50 meter long Megane Grandtour scores with its spacious interior. There is good space at the front and back. One reason is the six centimeters longer wheelbase than the hatchback version. Unfortunately, the thigh support and side bolsters of the seats are far from sufficient. As is typical for Renault, there are easy-to-read instruments and a confusing pitman arm. On the left, you feel not only for the indicators and headlights, but also for the not unimportant fog lights. The angular control satellite for the sound system is just as unconvincing at the bottom right. Operation, appearance and speed of the optional navigation system are at best mediocre.
Lots of space in the rear
On the other hand, the space in the rear is more pleasant. It only becomes uncomfortable when three people are traveling in the back. If you open the tailgate, which swings open slightly, the luggage compartment releases 520 liters of storage space - impressive and easy to load. The rear seat can easily be folded down in a 40:60 ratio. You can get up to 1,600 liters as you like.
Even when you are on the road laden, the performance is impressive. The 130-hp diesel is pleasantly encapsulated and is pleasantly restrained except for speed orgies. 10.7 seconds to 100 km / h and the top speed of just under 200 km / h guarantee that you can get from A to B in a flux on a clear road. Besides human needs, you don't have to stop too often along the way. Renault promises an average consumption of around 6.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. With a fuel tank of 60 liters, long-distance stages are also possible.
Engine works fine
It is also unusual that the 1.4-ton Grand Tour only weighs around 50 kilograms more than the three-door sedan. Everything sounds pretty neat. It is only the automatic system that cannot convince. What use is the best engine if the automatic seems to come from another decade? It quickly becomes apparent that at least one switching step is missing. The engine revs too high at high speed on the motorway. During brisk overtaking maneuvers, the four-stage system switches back and forth annoyingly before you finally overtake the truck with a loud roar at over 4,000 revolutions.
A shame, because the impression that the 1.4 ton Renault Megane Grandtour makes on the road is otherwise impressive. The electric power steering works precisely and smoothly; the brakes are tight and the chassis is well tuned. Even when fully loaded (500 kg) you can still trust it a lot. Especially the twist beam axle at the rear can convince even on brisk journeys. If the going gets tough, ABS and the standard ESP can help. The Renault Megane 1.9 dCi Grandtour Dynamique also has 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and an on-board computer ex works. Fog lights, rain / light sensors and electric mirrors provide additional safety. All in all, a fair package for a spacious family station wagon. Only the four-speed automatic can be safely saved and the money saved can be spent on the small navigation system (1,100 euros).
