Renault will be launching the new Megane hatchback this week at the Paris Motor Show. The new model will be available in 11 versions across three trim levels: Expression, Dynamique and Privilège.

Renault will be unveiling its new Megane hatchback model at the Paris Show this week with a host of safety improvements. Expect competitive pricing.

The standard specification for the new Megane includes air conditioning, ESP with ASR (Anti-Skid Regulation) and CSV understeer control, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors and front and rear electric windows.

Renault has taken safety to the next level on new Megane. The car comes with ESP with ASR (Anti-Skid Regulation) and CSV understeer control as standard on every model, along with six airbags. The driver and front passenger are now two-stage auto-adaptive, allowing them to work in harmony with the size and weight of both occupants.

New larger lateral airbags are also incorporated into the new five-door's design to protect the thorax region, along with Renault's latest generation headrests. For the latter, the fixation rods slide within the headrest and no longer within the upper part of the seatback and ensure enhanced protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of impact from the rear. In addition, since the rods no longer form a rigid element in the seatback, Renault claims that the occupant's back can sink into the seatback until their head comes into contact with the headrest, resulting in less movement of the head and thorax.

Looking at the three trim levels in detail, the entry-level Expression offers: 4x15W RDS radio CD, air conditioning, Brake Assist, electric heated body coloured door mirrors, height adjustable driver's seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Keyless car with Renault card and trip computer.

Moving up the range to the likely best-seller, Dynamique, the comprehensive equipment tally takes account of a sportier angle, adding: 16" 'Sport' alloy wheels (17" for 2.0 TCe 180), 4x15W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth and multi-function TunePoint, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, Hands free Renault card, height adjustable passenger seat, leather steering wheel and front fog lights.

In terms of engines, as the sport-oriented model in the range, Dynamique trim gains the new 2.0 TCe 180 engine and the highest power diesel at launch, 1.9 dCi 130. In keeping with the current trend of more fuel efficient petrol-engines based on the use of small turbos, the latest Renault TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) engine builds on the success of the current 1.2 TCe 100, offering improved performance and refinement, with low emissions and high fuel economy.

The 2.0 TCe 180 delivers torque of 300Nm at 2,250rpm and CO2 emissions of 178g/km. Later in the model's life, New Megane will receive the 1.4 TCe 130 engine to complete the new petrol engine family to emulate the success of the company's dCi diesel range.

Elsewhere in the range, the 1.6 VVT 100 5-speed is reserved for Expression only, while all three of the diesel engines (86, 106 and 130hp) are eco-friendly, forming part of Renault's eco² range. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the Expression 1.6 VVT 100 and 1.5 dCi 86 which are five-speed. Automatic versions follow in Spring 2009.

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