Renault South Africa is expanding its C-segment line-up with the release of the new Renault Mégane ‘Shake It!’. Powered by a 1.6-litre 16-valve engine, the 5-door hatch is now more affordable, but no less stylish.

The new Mégane ‘Shake It!’ features the same practical five-door configuration as the existing Mégane Dynamique hatchback. Despite the ‘entry-level’ positioning, the Mégane ‘Shake It!’ boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and retains the hatchback’s contemporary cabin layout, with upmarket soft-touch finishes and classy, dark charcoal upholstery.

“With the introduction of the ‘Shake it!’ into the range, we’re broadening the Mégane’s appeal to include the more price yet image-conscious end of the C-segment, whilst delivering an unrivalled package as far as both style and substance are concerned.” says Renault SA managing director, Xavier Gobille.

Gobille adds the company is confident that, with a price tag pitched below the crucial R200 000 mark, the Mégane ‘Shake it!’ will appeal to a new group of discerning customers, many of whom may not have considered buying a Renault Mégane before.

As with the existing Mégane models, the ‘Shake It!’ edition’s interior is spacious and comfortable, bolstered by the large 405-litre boot capacity and the added versatility of 60/40 split folding rear seats. Despite its reduced price, there’s been no reduction is safety as the ‘Shake it!’ includes driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags front and rear, and Isofix child seat mountings, as well as ABS brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The car also retains Renault’s key card system for the remote central locking and integrated immobiliser, backed up by an auto door-locking function when in motion.

The ‘Shake It!’ specification includes a single-CD/MP3-compatible/RDS radio linked to satellite controls mounted on the steering wheel column. Bluetooth connectivity is provided, along with connectivity for a MP3-player via a USB adapter, auxiliary audio jack or iPod connection.

Air-conditioning is standard, while added comfort is assured by means of height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with further adjustment extending to the steering wheel (height and reach) and headrests. Electrically operated front windows are provided, including a one-touch control on the driver’s side. In order to keep the pricing as affordable as possible, options are limited to the choice of larger 17-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint.

Renault’s 1.6-litre 16-valve fuel-injected engine, urges the Shake It! along with 83 kW of power at 6 000 r/min combined with a useful 151 Nm of torque at 4 250 r/min. Matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, this enables the hatch to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, before attaining a top speed of 195 km/h.

Appealing to the eco-conscious among us, the ‘Shake it!’ offers good fuel efficiency, with a claimed combined-cycle figure of 6.9 l/100 km and corresponding CO2 emissions of 163 g/km.

At R199 900, the Shake It! is an alluring alternative in this price segment, both in styling and its features list. In addition, the price includes Renault’s 5-year/100 000 km Service Plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty. Plus, if within the first 30-days of ownership you’re not entirely satisfied, for whatever reason, Renault’s “Satisfied or Reimbursed” campaign allows you to return the car for a full refund.

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