Especificaciones y análisis del Renault Mégane
Power
120HP
Torque
300Nm
Consumption
5.4l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
10.5s
Top Speed
196km/h
Weight
1325kg
Price
19,345€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Manual 6v
FWD
5 / 3 doors
330 L
60 L
88 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Renault Megane 3p 1.9 dCi 120 CV Extreme (2005)
General description
The 2003 Renault Mégane 3-door 1.9 dCi 120 CV Extreme is a compact car that, despite its age, still evokes an era of bold design and functionality. With its 120 HP diesel engine, it promised a balance between performance and efficiency, ideal for daily use and occasional getaways. Its three-door configuration gave it a sportier and more youthful silhouette, differentiating it from its five-door siblings.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel, this Mégane offered a solid and predictable driving experience. The 120 HP 1.9 dCi engine, with its generous torque of 300 Nm at 2000 rpm, provided a strong response from low revolutions, making overtakes safe and highway driving relaxed. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds was not blistering, but sufficient for most situations. The top speed of 196 km/h confirmed its ability to maintain good cruising speeds. The combined consumption of 5.4 l/100km was one of its strong points, allowing considerable autonomy thanks to its 60-liter tank. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and trailing arm with torsional element at the rear, offered a good compromise between comfort and stability, absorbing road irregularities without sacrificing the feeling of control. The rack-and-pinion steering, although without variable assistance, transmitted enough information to the driver.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 2003 Mégane was, without a doubt, one of its most revolutionary and polarizing aspects. The 3-door version, in particular, accentuated its coupé silhouette with a distinctive rear and a more dynamic profile. The angular lines and the almost vertical tailgate gave it a unique character that made it stand out on the road. The 17-inch wheels with 205/50 R17 tires, standard on the Extreme trim, enhanced its sporty image. Inside, the design was functional and modern for its time, with a well-organized dashboard and materials that, although not luxurious, were durable. The habitability was adequate for four occupants, although access to the rear seats in the three-door version required some agility. The 330-liter trunk was suitable for the segment.
Technology and features
In terms of technology, the Mégane 1.9 dCi 120 CV Extreme incorporated advanced solutions for its time. The direct injection common rail diesel engine, variable geometry turbo with intercooler, was a benchmark in efficiency and performance. The 6-speed manual gearbox allowed maximum use of the engine's torque curve and contributed to reducing consumption on the highway. In terms of safety, it had 280 mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 240 mm discs at the rear, ensuring effective braking. Although not all assistance systems are specified, Renault already opted for elements such as ABS and multiple airbags in its models of this category. Power steering, although not variable, facilitated maneuvers in the city.
Competition
In its segment and era, the Renault Mégane 3-door 1.9 dCi 120 CV Extreme faced tough competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI, the Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi, the Opel Astra 1.9 CDTI, and the Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi. Each offered its own virtues, from the solidity of the Golf to the agility of the Focus or the comfort of the 307. The Mégane stood out for its bold design, its good balance between performance and consumption, and competitive equipment for its price of 19,345 euros in 2005.
Conclusion
The 2003 Renault Mégane 3-door 1.9 dCi 120 CV Extreme was a car that marked an era for Renault, daring with a groundbreaking design and offering a very competent mechanical package. Its diesel engine was an example of efficiency and good performance, and its dynamic behavior made it pleasant to drive. Although the passage of time has brought new technologies and designs, this Mégane remains a testament to Renault's audacity and engineering, a car that, for many, left an indelible mark for its personality and its ability to combine the practical with the emotional.