Young target for Megane

Renault reckons its new Megane sedan will lure younger buyers to the French nameplate.

The sedan has been launched in New Zealand, about five months after the second-generation hatchback arrived here.

It is 228mm longer than the hatch, with 61mm more in the wheelbase. The extra length overall adds about 230mm more kneeroom in the back seats.

Renault says the sedan offers a slightly softer ride in a suspension system carried over from the hatch.

The car is powered by a 2-litre engine producing 98kW (136bhp) at 5500rpm and 191Nm of torque at 3750rpm, and mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode.

It offers 44 litres of storage space in the cabin, including cubbyholes in the floor. The 520-litre boot is the largest in its class, says the company.

The rear seats also have more rake than those in the five-door hatch.

The Megane sedan is built in Bursa, Turkey, and comes typically well-equipped, with six airbags as standard. Renault has been a safety leader for some time.

The standard model costs $37,990, the Plus with its bigger 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery and in-dash CD stacker is $40,990.