2016 Geneva Motor Show: Renault Megane Estate revealed

THE 2017 Renault Megane Estate wagon has surfaced at the Geneva Motor Show, wearing a Sport Tourer name and featuring a class-first all-wheel steering option on the upper-spec GT.

Based on the BFB fourth-generation hatch of the same name due in Australia later this year, the KFB Megane Estate (as it’s likely to be known as in Australia) is pencilled in for a mid-to-late 2017 release – just in time to take on the still-secret Mk8 Volkswagen Golf.

Building on the current Renault Clio’s lauded design language created by former Mazda designer Laurens van den Acker, the French load lugger is longer, wider, and lower than the existing K95 version sold in Australia since 2013.

Sitting on the same CMF Common Modular platform underpinning a number of Renault-Nissan Alliance models, such as the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, the 2712mm wheelbase is shared with the Megane hatch. In contrast, the current Golf sits on a 2620mm wheelbase.

While the 580-litre cargo capacity is the same as today’s model (and 25 litres shy of the German equivalent), a rear overhang extension and folding front passenger seat allows flat-pack furniture as long as 2.27 metres to be accommodated. With the seats folded down and the false floor in the boot dropped, volume is more than 1600 litres.

Renault is also making noise about comfort, with improved legroom, better ergonomics, and more naturally raked rear seatbacks.

Powertrain choices will mirror those for the hatch, including a range of 1.2- and 1.6-litre TCe turbo petrol and 1.6-litre DCi turbo-diesel engines, with a mix of either a six-speed manual or EDC dual-clutch transmission.