Renault Megane Sedan Launches in Saudi Arabia [w/Videos]

May 18, 2017

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend my first proper car launch with Renault. The car in question was the all-new Megane sedan, which replaces the outgoing Fluence. The Fluence has been on sale since 2009, and despite recieving a facelift in 2012, and further enhancements in 2015, so it was about time for its replacement.

This new Megane sedan will be made in Turkey for global markets, unlike the Fluence, which was imported from Korea, for the MENA region, China as well as Mexico. Powered by Renault's 1.6L SCe 115 4-Cylinder engine, the new Megane sedan produces 115bhp @ 5,500rpm and 156nm of torque @ 4,000rpm. A turbocharged 1.6L TCe205 engine will become available later in the year, followed by the Megane GT Line Hatchback early next year. All Megane versions will be fitted with CVT as standard, for the MENA region.

There are 3 trim lines available: PE, SE (PE+), and LE (SE+). A GT Line version will come out later with the aforementioned turbocharged engine.

Base prices start from 52,900SAR and go up to 70,000SAR for the LE (SE+) models.

Base equipment includes:

Central Locking
ESP/ASR with Hill Start Assist
Tyre pressure monitoring system
LED indicators integrated into the door mirrors with highway function (3-flash)
ISOFIX child seat system on rear side seats
Daytime Running Lights with LED light guides and 3D effect
Fog lights
Seatbelt reminder for Driver+front passenger+3 rear passengers
Eco mode
1/3-2/3 folding rear seats
Manual A/C with particle filter and rear air ducts (under front seats)
Front armrest with storage console
One touch electric front and rear windows
4.2" Display, 4 speakers, Bluetooth radio w/voice recognition and USB and AUX inputs
Front and rear 12V sockets
16" alloy wheels with Complea hubcaps
Body colored door-handles
Welcome sequence when opening the vehicle with lighting signature illumination

Also, Rear Parking Sensors, CD Player, and Cruise control are listed as options.

The SE (PE+) model features Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, Rear Parking Sensors and Cruise control as standard, along with Dual Zone Climate Control, Renault Smart Card with walk-away closing, Push Button Start, 16" Silverline alloy rims and Body colored door handles w/Chrome strip. A CD Player, 7" touchscreen with R-Link2, 3D sound by Arkamys, 8 Speakers, 2 USB ports and 1 AUX jack, Navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support are available options.

Step up to the LE(SE+) and you'll get Chest-level Airbags for driver and front passenger, Front and rear curtain head airbags, Blind Spot Warning, Drowziness Alert, Hands-free Parking+flankguard protection+parking slot measurement with visual feedback, Rear-view Camera, Eco-driving Coaching system, Electric demisting and folding door mirrors with puddle lamps, Electric trunk access (foot under bumper), Rear Central Armrest w/2 cupholders, Front and Rear cabin LEDs, Sunvisor illumination, an 8.7" touchscreen with R-Link, 3D sound system by Arkamys, 8-Speakers, 2 USB ports, 1 AUX jack, Navigation with CarPlay and Android Auto support. Other features include a 7" Instrument Cluster with color matrix, front and rear door ambient lighting, mixed velvet and imitation-leather upholstery, 17" Celsium Black Diamond-Cut rims, welcome seuqence. Options include a CD Players, Electric Parking Brake, Full LED Pure Vision Headlights, GRAND TOUR 18" Rims, Electric Sunroof, Auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Height adjustable passenger seat, driver seat with massage function, front height and tilt headrests and Nappa leather steering wheel.

With an overall length of 4,632mm,width of 2,058mm and height of 1,443mm, this Megane sedan is one of the larger ones in it's class, and Renault claims it's more affordable compared to it's rival, the segment benchmarking Toyota Corolla. Renault also claim that the Megane is the only car in it's class to offer 18" rims, giving it a more upmarket feel compared to the Corolla and other segment rivals.

I have to say I didn't spend a lot of time with this new Megane sedan, but since I had the Fluence as a family car for a few days, I can definitely say Renault have a winner on their hands. Renault is the biggest European car brand in Saudi Arabia-and for good reason. Their sales have been going up ever since the launch of the Duster, Koleos and Symbol, and this new Megane sedan will surely make it's way into what is a heavily-contested segment in the GCC automotive industry. The new Megane has a lot to offer at a very competitive price, and while the leather-seats did feel a little too hard for me, it felt a lot more expensive than the Corolla, despite not being much more expensive.

Upon asking, representatives from Renault confirmed that the Kadgar CUV is not on the cards for the GCC, however they did not rule out a possibility of it in the future. As for EVs, I was told that Renault plans to bring it's ZOE EV into the Saudi market, if they get the greenlight. The ZOE and TWIZY EVs are already on sale in the UAE.