News Source: topspeed.com

The fourth-generation Renault Megane  made its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.  It shares the same mid-sized car platform as the 2015 Nissan Pulsar,  but unlike its Japanese cousin, the French hatchback is quite exciting to look at thanks to the brand’s new design DNA, which debuted on the Talisman  midsize sedan.  The new Megane  also received a new GT version,  which is not as powerful as the RS, but features a sportier body kit and a dual-clutch gearbox. With the entire hatchback lineup already in dealerships, Renault  has announced that the Megane Estate will make its public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. 

Essentially a longer version of the hatch with extra legroom for rear-seat passengers and a bigger trunk, the Megane Estate will look to give wagon  versions of the Volkswagen Golf  and Ford Focus a run for their money. Renault has yet to reveal too much information or actual specs for the C-segment wagon, but all the details will become available on March 1st, when the Megane Estate breaks cover at the Geneva Motor Show.

Until then, let’s have a closer look at what we already know about the fourth-generation Megane, as most of the hatchback’  s features will also be found in the longer wagon version.

Having already seen the Megane hatchback, we knew what to expect from the wagon since it debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The preliminary photos Renault has published ahead of Geneva come to confirm that the two are almost identical from nose toward the C-pillar. The most noticeable difference is the longer rear overhang, which allows for a rear quarter window and a bigger trunk. Naturally, the roof was equipped with long rails for extra hauling capability during long trips.

The rear section also received a makeover below the new taillights. The tailgate is larger and incorporates the license plate recess, which on the hatch was placed in the bumper. The Estate’s bumper is also slimmer and features a crossover-like belly pan. Although the rear section is a bit boxier than the hatchback’s, the wagon retains the sporty design of its smaller sibling.

The really big news here is that the Renault Estate also received the GT package and all the appearance goodies that come with it. Additions include side scoops for the front lower air intake, side mirrors finished in metallic paint, special 18-inch wheels, and the Iron Blue exterior.

Note: Renault Megane hatchback pictured here.

Renault had nothing to say about the interior, and there’s aren’t any photos to run by, but that’s not to say that the Estate’s cabin is a mystery. Expect this section to be identical to the hatchback’s and feature the same Talisman-inspired features we’ve seen in the shorter Megane. Look for a massive touchscreen display atop the center console, large A/C vents on the dashboard, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, and a significantly improved fit and finish compared to the previous model.

Convenience features should include a full-color heads-up display, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, and a portrait-format, 8.7-inch touchscreen. Needless to say, you find most of these features on many vehicle in this class.

Soft-touch materials have become the norm in the new Megane. The entry-level model will be far from fancy, but the more expensive trim levels should come with full-grain Nappa leather and chrome detailing. Heated, Alcantara-wrapped seats with lumbar adjustment should also be offered in the range-topping model. Look for the optional Bose audio system with nine speakers and a subwoofer to be available for the wagon version as well.

The GT model will also sport bolstered seats in one of three upholstery options. Customers will get to choose between fabric, Alcantara with blue stripes, and Alcantara with black stripes.

Note: Renault Megane hatchback pictured here.

Engine data is not available as of this writing, but it’s safe to assume that the drivetrains will be carried over from the hatch. Thus the Estate should come with six small-displacement, three- and four-cylinder engines at launch. There will be three diesels generating 90, 110, and 130 PS (89, 108, and 128 horsepower), and three gasoline units rated at 100, 130, and 205 PS (99, 128, and 202 horses). All powerplants will mate to a six-speed manual as standard, but the 110-PS diesel and the 130-PS gas model will get optional six-speed and seven-speed automatics, respectively.

In 2016, Renault will roll out a 165-PS (163-horsepower) diesel mill linked to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. A "Hybrid Assist" version will also be launched for the hatch in 2017 and it’s safe to assume that the wagon will get it as well.

Finally, the Estate GT should use a four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 205 PS (202 horses). The dual-clutch gearbox will be standard and will come with launch control. Renault has confirmed that the Estate GT will also get the hatchback’s four-wheel steering system (4Control), a first for this segment. The previous Megane wasn’t the safest vehicle out there, getting only three stars in Euro NCAP testing. This may change with the fourth-generation model, which includes numerous safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure, safe distance and speed limit warnings, traffic sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring. A reverse camera, hands-free parking, and front, rear, and side parking aids are also available. All of the above have been announced for the hatch, but will most likely be offered with the Estate as well. Pricing for the new Megane Estate is still a mystery, but given that the current model retails from £18,570 (about $26,290) in the U.K., the redesigned wagon should have a starting price between £19,000 and £20,000 (around $26,900 to $28,300).