Renault Megane• Improved fuel economy from new downsized engines
• Revised styling inside and out
• ‘Visio System’ driver aid now available

Renault has unveiled a raft of revisions to its Megane range for 2012, making it safer, cleaner and more fuel efficient.

Three new engines are available. The first, the TCe 115, is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit which replaces the older 1.6-litre unit. Claimed to make the Megane the most fuel efficient petrol car in its segment, it returns 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and emits 119g/km of CO2. Power is also improved over the larger engine (now 115bhp) thanks to direct fuel injection, a first for a Renault engine.

Of the two available diesel engines, the 1.5-litre dCi 110 is the most fuel efficient. It returns 80.7mpg and emits just 90g/km CO2, meaning it is exempt from road tax.

The larger 1.6-litre dCi 130 engine is more performance oriented, developing 130bhp and 236lb/ft of pulling power. Despite this it returns a combined fuel consumption of 70.6mpg, a 20 per cent improvement over the outgoing 1.9-litre unit. CO2 emissions are 104g/km.

All engines incorporate stop and start and brake regeneration technology to maximise fuel efficiency.

The exterior styling has been refreshed to keep the Megane looking cutting edge. A new gloss black bumper houses chrome head lights and the now ubiquitous day time running lights. A choice of two new alloy wheel designs is also available, as are two new colours: Azzurro Blue and Arctic White.

Inside, a new two-tone leather pack is now available in a choice of finishes. Choose the GT-Line specification and you will be treated to exposed, red upholstery stitching, a sports steering wheel and Renault Sport stamped door sills and dashboard trim.

Renault’s Visio System is now available for the first time on the Megane. Utilising a front-facing camera, mounted in the rear view mirror, the system not only monitors light levels and switches between full and dipped beam accordingly, but also warns the driver in the case of an unintentional lane departure.

Hill Start Assist and a rear parking camera are also available as options.

Prices for the 2012 Megane will be announced closer to the model’s launch in April, but are expected to be similar to the current Megane, which costs from £15,690 to £22,095. It will be available in hatchback, coupe, coupe-cabriolet and estate forms.

By Daljinder Nagra