Once a while, I look through my ever-growing archives and struggle to think of what to post next. After some thought, I decided on this rather unique 2004 Renault Mégane II wagon, which I had never seen before until then (and also not any time soon...)!
The Mégane II series, introduced in 2002, marked a dramatic departure from its predecessor’s conservative looks. Designed by Patrick Le Quément, the Mégane II embraced sharp angles, a unique rear end, and a higher beltline. The Grandtour wagon variant (known as the Sport Tourer in Singapore), took this avant-garde styling and stretched it into a longer, more versatile format without losing its visual appeal. It maintained the hatchback's quirky charm while offering a more practical rear cargo area, making it a solid choice for drivers who wanted utility without resorting to a bulky SUV. Interestingly, the wagon was sold in RHD for the first time.
The interior of the Mégane II wagon was thoughtfully laid out, if not luxurious. High-quality plastics, digital instrument clusters (on some trims), and well-contoured seats helped create a pleasant environment. Cargo capacity was an impressive 520 liters of boot space with the rear seats up, and more than 1,600 liters with them folded down. Safety was a standout trait for the Mégane II range, with multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control contributing to its strong Euro NCAP crash ratings
Renault offered the Mégane II wagon with a range of petrol and diesel engines. This automatic unit was powered by a 1598 cc K4M i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 180 km/h with an acceleration of 13.2 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4500 mm long and weighed 1260 kg, with a fuel consumption of 7.7 litres/100 km.
Production of the Mégane II ended in 2008, though it continued to be manufactured in Brazil and Iran until 2012. The Sport Tourer was sold in Singapore in 2005 by Exklusiv Auto Services, where it retailed at $83,888 with COE. Local reviews noted its ride comfort and large boot space, but the transmission was noticeably jerky.
Seeing this unit was entirely accidental: I had headed to the market for groceries when I saw this curious-looking car coming from the other direction. It took me a while to register it as a Mégane wagon for I had never come across one until that day. Fortunately, the driver had parked it a bit further away and I was able to marvel at this unique specimen. No more Mégane II wagons still exist here to the best of my knowledge. While it might not have stood out, it stands as a testament to Renault's willingness to innovate in the compact car segment. Hopefully you would be able to see another one of this rarity on our roads some day!
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