What's the news?
Renault has introduced its 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine to the higher end of the Megane range. The TCe engine develops 130hp and will be available in the Megane in the higher-level trims for the first time. Previously, petrol power was seen as a base-model option, but with customers moving away from diesel, it's now available in glitzier form.
Renault claims that it brings "a new level of refinement and performance to Megane, while offering lower nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions than diesel versions."
The TCe engine will now be available in Megane and Megane Sport Tourer estate models in Expression, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and GT-Line Nav variants. Dynamique Nav models and above come with the R-Link2 multi-media system, which includes Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation.
Prices start at €20,740 for an Expression, €23,240 for a Dynamique Nav, €24,540 for a Dynamique S Navand €25,240 for a GT-Line Nav.
For the Sport Tourer estate, it's €21,740 for an Expression, €24,240 for a Dynamique Nav, €25,540 for a Dynamique S Nav and €26,240 for a GT-Line Nav. Across the board, CO2 emissions stand at 119g/km, so it'll cost €200 a year to tax.
Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Ireland, said: "As the demand for petrol continues to grow, we are delighted to increase our range of petrol cars with the new Mégane Hatch and Sport Tourer TCe 130 in 2018, the most powerful entry-level petrol engine in its class. The Mégane range continues to be our best-selling Renault model, proving its popularity among customers."
The addition of the engine to the broader Megane range is a clear sign that Renault sees customers moving away from diesel power. Diesel's market share in Ireland has fallen to 55 per cent so far this year, down from a high of 75 per cent, thanks largely to continuing bad publicity over public health and air quality.