Renault is a fairly popular brand in Russia. This manufacturer produces reliable and inexpensive crossovers, as well as passenger cars. So, one of the most popular models in the Renault line is the Megan of the second generation. The machine is widely used not only in the European market, but also in the CIS. For the first time this car was presented to the public in 2002, it was mass-produced "Megan-2" until 2008. Then it was replaced by the third generation. However, Megan-2 is still in high demand in the secondary market. Should I buy it? Features, characteristics and disadvantages of the car - further in our article.
Design
Initially, the car was produced in the back of a five-door hatchback. However, a few years later, Renault expanded the range of bodies.
So, "Megan-2" became available in the performance of a sedan, wagon and even a coupe. Their appearance was the same: slanting lensed headlights, a wide front molding and a streamlined bumper with an integrated grille. Depending on the configuration, the car came with stamped or alloy wheels. By the way, the spare tire was always of the first type, even in luxury versions. The car has a nice silhouette, but there are no exquisite forms. The only exception is the hatchback body. Behind this car looks very extraordinary.
The French used an unusual trunk lid with almost vertically located glass. By the way, the contours of the rear lights are the same as on the Renault Megane 2 sedan. The station wagon is equipped with vertical lights, which in their shape resemble Kalinowski ones.
Quality of metal and paintwork
According to reviews, Renault Megane 2 is well protected against corrosion. The machine is not afraid of exposure to water, moisture and reagents. However, the quality of the paint leaves much to be desired. According to reviews, the Renault Megane 2 for three to five years of operation formed a lot of chips. This is especially true of the front bumper. He is literally showered with small dots. Polishing will not return the former look to the paintwork. You have to put up with this. Vulnerable edges of the wheel arch and sills are also considered vulnerabilities. In these places, the body is particularly susceptible to sandblasting.
Sizes, clearance
Depending on the type of bodywork, the car has a length of 4.2-4.6 meters, a width of 1.69 meters and a height of 1.36-1.42 meters. Renault Megane II also varies in ground clearance. Its size is from 13 to 16 cm. This is quite small, given our road conditions. This is especially felt on the long-base station wagon "Renault Megan 2". The springs on this car are pretty soft. According to reviews, Renault Megane 2 can sag for three to four centimeters in a loaded state.
Salon
Interior design is typical of the 2000s: flowing shapes and rounded lines are found everywhere. Interestingly, there is an armrest between the front seats. However, it is not regulated. The panel is modestly decorated. On the center console is a simple CD radio and a round “dial” of climate. By the way, the stove on the "Renault Megane 2" works well, not to say about the air conditioner. The latter may fail due to a lack of refrigerant or failed sensors.
The main disadvantage, which is noted by the reviews in Renault Megane 2, is the sound insulation. In motion, the sound of the engine, as well as the rustling of tires, is clearly audible. In addition, the sedan "Renault Megan 2" does not shine with the quality of finishing materials. Plastic is mostly hard and eventually starts to creak and vibrate annoyingly. Another problem that owners of Renault Megane II are faced with is the water in the cabin. How does she get here? Everything is simple: the drainage system in the area of the wipers is gradually polluted. As a result, moisture begins to penetrate into the car.
Among the advantages of the car "Renault Megan 2" reviews note comfortable seats. They can be fabric or leatherette. Sitting in them is quite comfortable. For long trips, this car does not cause fatigue. In this regard, the French really tried.
Trunk
If we talk about the hatchback, the amount of luggage here is small. It is only 330 liters, but it can be expanded to 1190 liters by folding the back of the rear seats. The second row is also being transformed in the Renault Megan 2 station wagon.
In a five-seater version, it is able to accommodate 560 liters of cargo, and in a two-seater - as much as 1600. As for the sedan, the seats here are not transformed. The owner will have to be content with a stable 510 liters of free volume.
Renault Megane 2: technical specifications
The car was supplied to the Russian market exclusively with gasoline engines. If Renault Megane 2 diesel is on sale, this is an imported model from Europe.
The base for the "Megan" is a 1.4-liter gasoline unit. Its power is 82 horsepower. According to reviews, this power is clearly not enough for a normal ride around the city and beyond. The best choice would be a 1.6-liter engine. Its power is 115 horsepower, which allows overtaking more confidently. Well, the flagship in the line is a two-liter naturally aspirated engine with 136 forces and 191 Nm of torque. It is quite rare. As a rule, two-liter “Meganes” are only available in luxury trim levels.
What problems with the engine on the Renault Megane 2 arise? Many owners complain about the failure of the ignition coil. This is accompanied by increased fuel consumption and jerks when trying to gain speed. Nozzles are also often contaminated. After 50 thousand kilometers, a dense coating forms on them. To 100 thousand the phase regulator can fail. As a result, the engine starts to work like a diesel engine. Along with this, oil and fuel consumption increases markedly.
Technical characteristics of Renault Megane 2 2006-2008
After 2006, the French manufacturer made changes to the power unit. So, in Megan the engine range was updated. Each motor has a distributed fuel injection. The youngest with a volume of 1.4 liters began to develop 100 horsepower.
An average 1.6-liter unit develops 110 horsepower, and the flagship engine remains unchanged. It still delivers the same power and torque. According to reviews, power plants are less likely to fail. Fuel consumption also decreased. On average, it is from 6.8 to 8.5 liters per hundred in the combined cycle.
Engine disadvantages
Often, owners of Renault Megan cars faced the problem of a difficult cold start. The reason for this is a dirty fuel pump grid or a coating on the fuel injectors themselves. The throttle gasket also wears out over time. The damper of the crankshaft pulley fails. As for the timing mechanism, it is belt-driven on all engines. It is recommended to replace the belt every 60 thousand kilometers. However, it is better to entrust the replacement to specialists, since Megan engines have a keyless landing of the pulley. If the bolt is tightened, the pulley may turn. As a result, the pistons meet with the valves. Another problem is the exhaust catalyst. It clogs after 100 thousand kilometers. A new one costs about 30 thousand rubles, so many simply cut it out and install a new firmware. At the same run, the engine mount often comes out. Because of it, the motor starts to work unstably and vibrate at idle.
Transmission
The car was equipped with three gearboxes. It was a mechanic in five or six steps, as well as a four-speed automatic. According to reviews, automatic transmission has a rather small resource. Even with the timely replacement of ATP-fluid, the box begins to kick after 150 thousand kilometers. In addition, this transmission contributed to a significant increase in fuel consumption. It was 3-4 liters more compared to the mechanics.
The automatic box on the Renault Megane is very afraid of overheating. This especially happens when driving in traffic. As for the mechanics, the problem here is with the clutch disc. He wears out unevenly, and the clutch begins to slip. This happens with a mileage of 80,000 kilometers. By this time, the clutch release bearing also wears out.
Chassis
The front of the car has a double wishbone suspension with MacPherson struts. At the back there is a spring system with trailing arms and a beam. From the point of view of smoothness of the suspension, the Renault Megane suspension of the second generation does not cause complaints from the owners. But the resource of some suspension elements is sometimes small. So, after 30 thousand kilometers, the stabilizer bar bushings fail. After 50 thousand, the thrust bearings of the front struts and steering tips wear out. Elements such as shock absorbers, wheel bearings and ball bearings go quite a long time - about 90 thousand kilometers. The silent blocks of levers have a resource of 150 thousand.
Steering - a rack with the hydraulic booster. During operation, owners are faced with wear of the plastic sleeves of the rack and pinion mechanism, however this occurs at a mileage of 150-200 thousand kilometers.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the “Renault Megane” of the second generation is. As you can see, the car has its pitfalls. However, in terms of cost, it has no competitors. If you consider the purchase option, then it is worth buying versions on the mechanics released after 2006. A car with a manual transmission will delight you with low fuel consumption. As for engine size, the 1.6-liter unit is the best choice. Two-liter versions are rare, and if they are sold, then for a very serious amount.