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Photo of a Renault Megane

Renault Megane

Family hatch, Nürburgring hunter: the 2019 Trophy-R ran the full 20.832 km in 7:45.389.123

Researched October 23, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0150300
65–300 hpPower
01020
5.7–17.8 s0–100 km/h
0150300
158–255 km/hTop speed
0250500
124–420 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,095–1,625 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1101214151617

Layout
Combustion Mégane: front engine, front-wheel drive1
Built at
Mk1: Douai, France / Palencia, Spain; E-Tech: ElectriCity, Douai, France113
Units built
Mégane I: more than 5 million, all versions4

The story

Created in 1995 to replace the Renault 19, the Mégane expanded into seven forms, including a four-seat coupe and an MPV. Its 150 hp 2.0 16V coupe borrowed the Clio Williams engine.4

1995: Frankfurt debut replaces the Renault 1919952002: Five stars and the 2003 European crown20022008: R26.R: two seats and 123 kg less20082014: 275 Trophy-R: 7:54.36 at the Nürburgring20142019: 7:40.100 on the 20.6 km Nordschleife20192020: Facelift brings a 160 hp plug-in hybrid20202021: eVision becomes E-Tech Electric20212023: R.S. Ultime signs off with 1,976 cars20232025: One Pedal and bidirectional charging2025 Renault 19 (X53): 1988–2001X53Renault Mégane I (X64): 1995–2009X64Renault Mégane II (X84): 2002–2012X84Renault Mégane III: 2008–2016Renault Mégane IIIRenault Mégane IV: Launched 2015Renault Mégane IVRenault Mégane E-Tech Electric: From 2022 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones149101114151626
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1988–2001Renault 19 (X53)
1995–2009Renault Mégane I (X64)
2002–2012Renault Mégane II (X84)
2008–2016Renault Mégane III
Launched 2015Renault Mégane IV
From 2022Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
1995Frankfurt debut replaces the Renault 19
2002Five stars and the 2003 European crown
2008R26.R: two seats and 123 kg less
2014275 Trophy-R: 7:54.36 at the Nürburgring
20197:40.100 on the 20.6 km Nordschleife
2020Facelift brings a 160 hp plug-in hybrid
2021eVision becomes E-Tech Electric
2023R.S. Ultime signs off with 1,976 cars
2025One Pedal and bidirectional charging
  1. 1995

    Frankfurt debut replaces the Renault 19

    The Mégane launches a family that grows into seven forms: hatchback, sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, MPV and 4x4.14

  2. 2002

    Five stars and the 2003 European crown

    Mégane II becomes the first small family car with five Euro NCAP stars and is voted European Car of the Year 2003.15

  3. 2008

    R26.R: two seats and 123 kg less

    The two-seat R26.R sheds 123 kg versus the F1 Team R26 and sets an 8:17 front-wheel-drive Nürburgring lap record.678

  4. 2014

    275 Trophy-R: 7:54.36 at the Nürburgring

    Laurent Hurgon makes the 275 Trophy-R the first front-wheel-drive car to lap the Nürburgring in under eight minutes.7

  5. 2019

    7:40.100 on the 20.6 km Nordschleife

    The R.S. Trophy-R sets a front-drive production record at 7:40.100 over 20.6 km, with a separate 7:45.389 reference over the full 20.832 km.23

  6. 2020

    Facelift brings a 160 hp plug-in hybrid

    The facelift introduces R.S. Line and a 160 hp E-Tech Plug-in: 9.8 kWh buys up to 50 km of mixed-cycle WLTP electric driving.910

  7. 2021

    eVision becomes E-Tech Electric

    Previewed by 2020's Mégane eVision, E-Tech Electric makes its world debut at Munich's IAA Mobility on the CMF-EV platform.11

  8. 2023

    R.S. Ultime signs off with 1,976 cars

    The final Mégane R.S. and last Renault Sport-badged model is a numbered, Trophy-based edition signed by development driver Laurent Hurgon.12

  9. 2025

    One Pedal and bidirectional charging

    E-Tech Electric gains One Pedal and standard 11 kW bidirectional charging; the 220 hp line-up offers up to 468 km WLTP range.13

Every generation

  • Renault 19
    X531988–2001
  • Renault Mégane I
    X641995–2009
  • Renault Mégane II
    X842002–2012
  • Renault Mégane III
    Renault Mégane III2008–2016
  • Renault Mégane IV
    Renault Mégane IVLaunched 2015
  • Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
    Renault Mégane E-Tech ElectricFrom 2022

Power over the years

From 150 hp to 300 hp in 25 years.

0100200300 1995200020052010201520202025 hp 1995 · 150 hp · I Coupé 2.0 16V (F7R)2002 · 80 hp · II 1.5 dCi2002 · 136 hp · II 2.0 petrol2004 · 222 hp · R.S. 2252009 · 247 hp · R.S. 250 Cup2011 · 261 hp · R.S. 265 Trophy2015 · 271 hp · III R.S. 2752016 · 202 hp · GT 1.6, 7-speed DCT, 4CONTROL2018 · 276 hp · R.S. 280 1.8 turbo2020 · 160 hp · E-Tech Plug-in, clutchless gearbox2020 · 300 hp · R.S. 1.8 turbo, 4CONTROL2025 · 220 hp · E-Tech Electric, revised line-up 300 hp R.S. 1.8 turbo, 4CONTROL 150 hp I Coupé 2.0 16V (F7R)
147910131618192021
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1995150I Coupé 2.0 16V (F7R)
200280II 1.5 dCi
2002136II 2.0 petrol
2004222R.S. 225
2009247R.S. 250 Cup
2011261R.S. 265 Trophy
2015271III R.S. 275
2016202GT 1.6, 7-speed DCT, 4CONTROL
2018276R.S. 280 1.8 turbo
2020160E-Tech Plug-in, clutchless gearbox
2020300R.S. 1.8 turbo, 4CONTROL
2025220E-Tech Electric, revised line-up

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • RT/RXE, Authentique, Expression and Privilège

    Standard

    RT/RXE, Authentique, Expression and Privilège

  • Standard

    R.S. Line

    2020

  • Performance

    GT 220

    2015

    220 hp
  • R.S. 225

    Performance

    R.S. 225

    2004–2008

    222 hp
  • F1 Team R26

    Special

    F1 Team R26

    2007–2009

    227 hp
  • Coupé-Cabriolet Floride

    Special

    Coupé-Cabriolet Floride

    2011

  • Red Bull Racing RB7/RB8

    Limited

    Red Bull Racing RB7/RB8

    2012–2013

  • R.S. Trophy-R

    Limited

    R.S. Trophy-R

    2019

    300 hp

  • Limited

    Coupé 16V Monte Carlo

    1998

    150 hp
  • R26.R

    Limited

    R26.R

    2008–2009

    227 hp

    450 built

  • R.S. 275 Trophy-R

    Limited

    R.S. 275 Trophy-R

    2014

    271 hp

    322 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Mk1 hatch: rounded bodywork, elliptical rear-door outlines and an early bird-beak grille.115
  • Mégane II hatch: a distinctive bustle-back tail.67
  • Mégane III R.S.: swollen haunches, an F1-style front blade and a central exhaust.7
  • Mk4: a diamond nose badge, C-shaped running lights and LED taillights spanning almost the entire tailgate.9
  • E-Tech Electric: crossover-style body, Nouvel'R logo and a rooster silhouette in the windshield.111

Year by year

  1. 1999 (Mégane I)

    Mk1 gained revised lights and a new grille; the cabin layout largely carried over.15

  2. 2006 (Mégane II)

    Mk2 gained a new bumper, headlights and grille extending into the lamps; rear lamp internals changed, with white instrument lighting inside.14

  3. 2012 (Mégane III)

    Mk3 added LED lights below the headlights on the hatchback, Coupé and Estate; the Coupé-Cabriolet skipped this update.16

  4. 2014 (Mégane III)

    Mk3 gained a new front-end identity; the R.S. received new lights, grille and a much larger Renault diamond.1620

  5. 2020 (Mk4)

    Mk4: LED lights, scrolling rear indicators and new bumpers; R.S. Line replaced GT Line and gained a 10-inch digital dash.910

  6. 2025 (E-Tech Electric)

    E-Tech Electric added Esprit Alpine trim: matte gray splitters, dark 20-inch wheels and a badge on the front left fender.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Renault Megane
    Megane
    Photo of a Mégane GT Line / R.S. Line
    Mégane GT Line / R.S. Line

    Mégane GT Line / R.S. Line

    GT Line became R.S. Line. On R.S. Ultime, look for widened fenders, side vents and a central exhaust.1012

  • Photo of a Renault Megane
    Megane
    Photo of a Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy
    Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy

    Mégane R.S. 300 Trophy

    Against the regular R.S., larger 19-inch wheels are one of few visible clues; most Trophy upgrades sit underneath.25

  • Mégane R.S. F1 Team

    Earlier F1 Team cars: blue paint and black wheels. R26: checkerboard graphics on the roof, sides and bumpers.14

Against its rivals

  • Golf GTI (five-door)

    Megane vs Golf GTI (five-door)

    UK starting price lower is better

    Megane25,500 £
    Golf GTI (five-door)29,870 £
    21
  • Honda Civic Type R

    Megane vs Honda Civic Type R

    Power

    Megane276 hp
    Honda Civic Type R316 hp
    27
  • Volkswagen Golf R

    Megane vs Volkswagen Golf R

    Power

    Megane276 hp
    Volkswagen Golf R306 hp
    27

Prices

Value today $7.8K–$26.0K33

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $7,800–$26,000 1998 · $26,000 · France Monte Carlo; approx. FF5.9/$2011 · $41,930 · Germany Floride; EUR1~$1.402015 · $35,565 · UK GT 220 hatch; GBP1~$1.532015 · $37,072 · UK GT 220 coupe; GBP1~$1.532015 · $37,095 · UK GT 220 Sport Tourer; GBP1~$1.532016 · $22,410 · UK Expression+ TCe 130; GBP1~$1.352016 · $27,810 · UK Dynamique Nav diesel; GBP1~$1.352016 · $34,425 · UK GT Nav; GBP1~$1.352018 · $36,450 · France R.S. 280 base 2023 · $50,536 · 2009 RS R26.R, Artcurial2024 · $33,795 · 2009 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars2024 · $38,184 · 2008 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars2024 · $27,175 · 2009 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars2025 · $28,594 · 2008 R26.R, Iconic Auctioneers2025 · $28,150 · 2009 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars2026 · $31,946 · 2009 RS R26.R, Artcurial $50.5K Artcurial, 2023
172123243234
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1998Price when new$26,000France Monte Carlo; approx. FF5.9/$
2011Price when new$41,930Germany Floride; EUR1~$1.40
2015Price when new$35,565UK GT 220 hatch; GBP1~$1.53
2015Price when new$37,072UK GT 220 coupe; GBP1~$1.53
2015Price when new$37,095UK GT 220 Sport Tourer; GBP1~$1.53
2016Price when new$22,410UK Expression+ TCe 130; GBP1~$1.35
2016Price when new$27,810UK Dynamique Nav diesel; GBP1~$1.35
2016Price when new$34,425UK GT Nav; GBP1~$1.35
2018Price when new$36,450France R.S. 280 base
2023Auction sale$50,5362009 RS R26.R, Artcurial
2024Auction sale$33,7952009 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars
2024Auction sale$38,1842008 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars
2024Auction sale$27,1752009 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars
2025Auction sale$28,5942008 R26.R, Iconic Auctioneers
2025Auction sale$28,1502009 Renaultsport R26.R, Collecting Cars
2026Auction sale$31,9462009 RS R26.R, Artcurial
2026Value today$7,800–$26,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “From 8:17 to a sub-eight-minute Trophy-R”
    • “One Trophy-R, two different Nürburgring laps”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Renault Mégane - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. New MEGANE R.S TROPHY-R: record at the Nürburgring for the best-performing model ever marketed by Renault - Alpine global media website media.alpinecars.com
  3. NEW RENAULT MÉGANE R.S. TROPHY-R: EXCLUSIVELY PERFORMANCE - Site media global de Alpine media.alpinecars.com
  4. Mégane Coupé - The Originals Museum theoriginals.renault.com
  5. Mégane II et Vel Satis rejoignent Laguna II au club très fermé des « 5 étoiles à Euro NCAP » - Site Presse Suisse media.renault.ch
  6. Renault Sport Megane R26.R review (2009): prices, history and specs | evo evo.co.uk
  7. La saga Megane R.S. : Retour sur deux générations de la compacte sportive de référence - Site media global de Alpine media.alpinecars.com
  8. 2009 Renault Mégane RS R26.R No reserve artcurial.com
  9. Used Renault Megane (Mk4, 2016-2022) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. Renault unveils New MEGANE and MEGANE E-TECH Plug-in: ever more technology to enhance driving pleasure - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  11. The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric – high-tech, high sensations - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  12. Megane R.S. Ultime, a limited edition to celebrate a flagship model in Renault Sport’s history - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  13. New Megane E-Tech electric line-up including a new Esprit Alpine trim, One Pedal and bidirectionnal charger - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  14. Renault Mégane II — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  15. Renault Mégane I — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  16. Renault Mégane III — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  17. Renault Megane Coupé 16V Monte Carlo | Guide des GTI.fr guide-des-gti.fr
  18. Car of the Year 2003: Renault Mégane caroftheyear.org
  19. RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  20. Used Renault Mégane RS (Mk3, 2009 – 2016) review – the beloved French Golf GTI rival | evo evo.co.uk
  21. Renault Megane (2016) review - prices, specs and 0-60 time | | evo evo.co.uk
  22. Renault Mégane 2 : ses pannes les plus fréquentes autoplus.fr
  23. Sporty new Renault Megane revealed | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  24. Hommage an eine Cabriolet-Legende - Renault Deutschland Presse-Service presse.renault.de
  25. Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy: long-term test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  26. Renault 19 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  27. Renault Megane RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R - Supertest review | evo evo.co.uk
  28. Entretien avec Patrick Le Quement, directeur du design industriel chez Renault : "Le succès ne se mesure vraiment qu'en fin de vie d'un modèle" - Journal Auto journalauto.com
  29. A look back at Renault Sport's iconic models renaultgroup.com
  30. We Drive Back to Europe with the Return of European Automotive forza.net
  31. Game Update: Hot Hatches ea.com
  32. The Renault Mégane R.S. 280 - A French Hot Hatch caranddriver.com
  33. Used Renault Megane Price Guide | Mobeo mobeo.co.uk
  34. Renault Megane R26.R For Sale & Price Guide | TCV theclassicvaluer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.alpinecars.com
  • theoriginals.renault.com
  • media.renault.ch
  • evo.co.uk
  • artcurial.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • media.renault.com
  • fr.wikipedia.org
  • guide-des-gti.fr
  • caroftheyear.org
  • octane-magazine.com
  • autoplus.fr
  • carbuyer.co.uk

Photo credits

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