Especificaciones y análisis del Renault Mégane
Power
80HP
Torque
160Nm
Consumption
5.5l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
13.8s
Top Speed
170km/h
Weight
1140kg
Price
16,810€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Manual 5v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
348 L
60 L
59 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Renault Megane Berlina 1.9 dTi Expression · 80 CV (2001-2002)
General description
The 1999 Renault Mégane, in its 1.9 dTi Expression 5-door version, presents itself as a practical and economical option for everyday use. With an 80 hp diesel engine, this French compact promised efficiency and adequate performance for urban and road driving of the time. Its design, although already with some years behind it, maintained a functional and recognizable line within the segment.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel of the Mégane 1.9 dTi, the predominant sensation is that of an honest car without great sporting pretensions. The diesel engine, with its 80 hp and 160 Nm of torque, offers sufficient response to move easily in traffic and overtake with some planning. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.8 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h place it in the average of its category. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and trailing arm with torsional element at the rear, seeks a balance between comfort and stability, absorbing road irregularities well without excessively sacrificing cornering stability. The rack-and-pinion steering is precise, although it lacks the assistance and feel of more modern systems. In general, it is a car that transmits confidence and ease of handling, ideal for those looking for reliable and uncomplicated transport.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 1999 Renault Mégane, in its 5-door body, is a reflection of the automotive aesthetic of the late 90s. Its lines are soft and rounded, with a silhouette that prioritizes functionality and interior space. The front features generously sized headlights and a discreet grille, while the rear is characterized by vertical taillights integrated into the bodywork. Its compact dimensions, with 4129 mm long and 1699 mm wide, make it manageable in urban environments. The interior, although sober, is designed to be practical, with good habitability for five occupants and a 348-liter trunk, sufficient for a small family's luggage. The Expression version, without being the most luxurious, offered adequate equipment for the time, focused on comfort and basic safety.
Technology and features
In the technological section, the 1999 Mégane 1.9 dTi is part of the pre-digital era of automotive. Its 1,870 cc diesel engine incorporates direct injection and turbo, a combination that at the time represented a significant advance in efficiency and performance for diesel engines. The 5-speed manual transmission is robust and smooth-operating. In terms of safety, it had the basic elements of the time, such as ventilated front disc brakes and rear drums, and a body structure designed to absorb impacts. We should not expect large touch screens or advanced driving assistance systems, as its focus was mechanical reliability and essential functionality.
Competition
In its segment and era, the Renault Mégane 1.9 dTi Expression competed with a long list of diesel compacts. Among its main rivals were models such as the Volkswagen Golf TDI, the Opel Astra DTI, the Ford Focus TDDi, the Peugeot 306 HDi, or the Citroën Xsara HDi. Each of them offered its own virtues, whether in terms of finish quality, dynamic behavior, or efficiency. The Mégane positioned itself as a balanced option, with a good compromise between price, equipment, and maintenance costs, standing out for its ride comfort and its proven reliable diesel engine.
Conclusion
The 1999 Renault Mégane 1.9 dTi Expression is a car that, despite the passage of time, remains a testament to the automotive engineering of its era. It is an honest vehicle, without frills, designed to fulfill its transport function efficiently and reliably. Its diesel engine, although not a powerhouse, offers a contained consumption of 5.5 l/100km in combined cycle, which makes it an economical option for everyday use. Its functional design, habitability, and ease of handling make it an ideal companion for those looking for a practical and uncomplicated car. It is a modern classic that can still offer much satisfaction to its owners.