While we all knew that Renault’s Geneva Show star, the Megane Coupe Concept (Click here for pictures & video) would form the base for a production version, what we didn’t know, is when we’d see it in the market. That will happen much sooner that we thought as, according to Renault’s design director Patrick Le Quement, the production version of the Concept will be launched before the end of the year along with a more conventional five-door model.
The new Megane, which will be revealed in September at the Paris Motor Show, won’t have a traditional 3door hatchback version – instead the range will feature a VW Scirooco-like coupe based on the concept unveiled in
“You have the design before your very eyes,” said Renault design director Patrick Le Quement. He also said that while the new Megane is “a strong design statement”, it will not polarize opinions in the same way as the current model. “Those that didn't like the current model at first never did grow to like it,” said Le Quement. “The new model won't have the upright line at the rear – it will be more acceptable - but it will shake its arse for sure!” –Continued after the jump
The French carmaker will also shorten the timespan of the model renewal program. “The entire Megane range will be renewed by the end of 2009,” said Le Quement. This includes saloon, coupe-cabrio and estate bodystyles, plus “at least one more model”.