2008 Renault Megane uncovered!!

Updated: 22/06/08:

Renault is readying one of their most important models in the line-up. With the Peugeot 308, KIA Cee'd, FIAT Bravo, Ford Focus and Nissan Qashqai selling in excess of 100,000 units, Renault is losing money fast. The Megane is expected to be revealed at the upcoming Paris motorshow but you won't have to wait that long because images of the new model have surfaced onto the net.

Spied undisguised in both 3dr and 5dr form, the new Megane's head turning style is influenced by the latest Laguna. Detailing from the Mégane Coupé concept displayed at the Geneva motorshow in March is clearly seen on the hatchbacks. The five-door has a more conventional front, plus a larger glass area and bigger tailgate to improve practicality. The tail-lights are different as is the rear bumper. The addition of a pair of back doors has altered the roofline to provide greater headroom for rear seat passengers. 5dr variants will have a distinctive panoramic glass roof. Inside, flagship versions of both models get an upmarket interior which includes silver trimmed instruments, keyless go and satellite navigation. The three-door will have an even sportier appearance, with a sharply rising window line and a sloping roofline. Renault promises class-leading levels of equipment and refinement too.

An advanced airbag system is expected to complement a range of safety features that includes traction and stability control. The engine line-up will be slightly tweaked compared to the current model with all the diesel engines emitting less than 120g/km. A 230bhp turbocharged Renaultsport version is on thw way, which is designed to replace the performance oriented R26.

Prices for the newcomer are yet to be announced by the company. However, as both models will mark a major step forward in both design and engineering, a small increase is likely. Entry level models should start from around £13,000.

The launch of the Mégane will not affect the recently revised Scenic and Grand Scenic compact MPVs, both of which will continue until at least 2010.

The new Mégane will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October with UK sales starting in 2009, however, Renault has hinted that a convertible Mégane could be on the cards to replace the current metal roofed CC. An estate, saloon and possible SUV variants are also due to join the line-up at a later date.

Related link:

2010 Renault SportMegane?

Via: Autoexpress > Renault Megane scooped

Vauxhall/Opel Corsa heads for the hills

In the latest craze to produce low-emitting SUV's, Vauxhall/Opel doesn't want to be left out. Rivalling the likes of the upcoming Toyota Urban Crusier, Dacia Sandero SUV, Mazda2 SUV/Ford Fiesta SUV, Honda Jazz SUV, Peugeot 207 SUV and wannabe mini-SUV's; Volkswagen Polo Dune and Ford Fusion Pursuit, the new model will follow in the footsteps of the Antara and will go on sale by 2010.

More expensive grades will be using part-time 4WD while cheaper variants will be given 2WD. The newcomer is expect to use rugged bumpers, body armour, under-body protection along with a unique alloy wheel design. Vauxhall/Opels insiders have revealed that engineers and designers want the car to deliver genuine off-road ability with a proper 4x4 gearbox.

First prototypes have been spied in Spain on a transporter in prepearation of hot-weather testing in coming months. The mules have higher ride height, visable testing equipment and are slight wider than the normal Corsa's to ensure greater off-road ability without ruining the standard car’s nimble, secure road manners.

Don't expect it to be cheap, the new vehicle will sit alongside the current flagship trim levels. Like Toyota, bosses are willingly to point out that this is a low-emitting and fragul SUV. Powering this will be the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTi diesels which will be tuned for low-down torque and refinement. If you're a fan of petrol, a range of low-capacity, high-economy turbo engines will be available. Whats more, a potential hybrid could be in the works using stop-start facility with regenerative braking and a small electric engine but a spokesperson hinted that sister brand, Chevrolet will also use the set-up, in a 4x4 model based on the T2X concept.

Meanwhile, GM bosses have revealed that both the Corsa and Chevrolet could be built in the manufacturer’s state-of-the-art factory in Antwerp, Belgium. They have also said that buyers should expect a glimpse of the Vauxhall model at a major motor show in 2009, before sales start 12 months later. The vehicle should soon become a familiar sight on UK roads, as it is thought GM would like to sell 120,000 units annually.

Via: Autoexpress > Vauxhall Corsa 4x4 shapes up