There won’t be a traditional three-door hatchback version of the new Megane – instead the range will gain an exciting coupe based on the concept coupe unveiled at Geneva.


“You have the design before your very eyes,” said Renault design director Patrick Le Quement. He added that the car would be launched before the end of the year along with a more conventional five-door version.


And while the new Megane is “a strong design statement”, Le Quement believes it will not polarise opinions in the same way as the current model.


“Those that didn’t like the current model at first never did grow to like it,” he said. “The new model won’t have the upright line at the rear – it will be more acceptable – but [this is a reference to the launch tv ad campaign for the current model] it will shake its arse for sure!”


Renault will also shorten the timescale of the model renewal programme.

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“The entire Megane range will be renewed by the end of 2009,” said Le Quement. This includes saloon, coupe-cabriolet [convertible] and estate [wagon] body styles, plus “at least one more model”.


The Scenic MPV [small minivan] will remain in its current form for a little longer, however, with the third-generation version due in about 18 months.


Renault also showed the production version of its Koleos SUV for the first time. This is built by Renault Samsung in Korea and is the first of a family of Renault SUVs.


“Koleos is in the middle of three-model range,” said Le Quement.


Next up is a smaller SUV to compete with the Ford Kuga, and a larger 4×4 will follow. There will be 4×2 versions of the Koleos as well, Le Quement confirmed.


Newspress


Dragonfly wings inspire doors

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