Mégane Renault Sport dCi, Renault Sport Technologies' first venture into the high-performance diesel hatchback segment, is aimed at drivers who both relish the pleasures of everyday driving and appreciate reasonable running costs. Its 175hp 2.0-litre dCi engine and six-speed transmission deliver high performance while keeping combined cycle fuel consumption down to only 6.3 litres/100 km. The chassis on Mégane Renault Sport dCi is exactly the same as that used on Mégane Renault Sport, ensuring that it handles like a sports car while providing a level of comfort that customers will appreciate for everyday driving. Mégane Renault Sport dCi is also available with the Cup chassis for those who prefer an even more focused drive.

Diesel can mean high-performance

Renault Sport Technologies has packed its first-ever dCi-based vehicle with all the latest diesel technology to make this 2.0-litre dCi one of the finest in its category: variable geometry turbo, common rail injection pressure set to 1,600 bar and piezo-electric injectors capable of operating at up to five times per cycle. The results are impressive: 175hp generated at 3,750rpm and torque reaching 360Nm as low down as 2,000rpm. The six-speed manual gearbox makes it possible to explore the car's sporting potential to the full.

Over and above pure performance, RST's in-house engineers have worked to enhance the sporting character of the vehicle. Acceleration response time has been optimized and the operational power band of the engine, which remains flexible at low speeds while still being able to deliver some punch at high revs, is similar to that of a turbo-charged petrol engine.

Thanks to its additive-free periodic regeneration particle filter, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is proof that a sports car does not necessarily have to be at odds with its environment and there is no certainly no sign of black fumes from its twin chrome exhausts, even at full throttle. Its combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km makes it one of the best performers in its category for diesel sports cars with a similar power rating, while CO2 emissions are kept down to just 165g/km.

Last, but not least for a sports vehicle, noise and vibration levels are kept to a minimum, especially thanks to the twin balancer shafts and careful engine encapsulation.

Two proven chassis

For the first time ever, a diesel engine is being offered with a choice of Renault Sport's tried-and-tested chassis. Renault Sport Technologies' patented independent steering-axis front suspension system guarantees excellent traction and precise steering under any conditions. The rear suspension, based on a programmed deflection torsion beam, is taken from the Mégane Renault F1 Team R26.

The suspension has been tuned to suit Mégane Renault Sport dCi’s character and weight distribution. The Brembo braking system is identical to that used on petrol versions and features four discs that are impressive in terms of both diameter (312mm and ventilated at the front, 300mm at the rear) and thickness (28mm at the front, 11mm at the rear). The front discs are also equipped with four-piston calipers. Lastly, the alloy wheels run on Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres, either 225/45R17 (for the Confort trim level) or 225/40R18 (Luxe).

As with the petrol version, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is available with a choice of two different chassis:
- The standard Renault Sport chassis, blends dynamic handling characteristics with the kind of comfort everyday driving demands.
- The optional Cup chassis will allow committed driving enthusiasts to explore the full potential of this powerful Mégane diesel. For those who want to take the car out on track, the ESP may also be completely inhibited.

The electronically variable power steering has been set up specifically to suit the car’s weight distribution. 

Externally, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is almost identical to the petrol version, although the rear spoiler has been removed. Inside, the mood is distinctly sporting thanks to the aluminium pedals, leather steering wheel and seats with increased lateral support.

Dieppe’s sporting know-how

Like all sports cars from Renault Sport Technologies, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is built on the Dieppe assembly line. Available in both 3 and 5 door versions, Mégane Renault Sport dCi will be on sale from April 2007.