Renault Megan - french car, one often compared to the Kia Rio. Cars in the same class and price segment have similar characteristics, but when choosing a model, some of the parameters have a decisive effect. Consider the model of the French manufacturer in comparison with Rio.
Design
The design of Renault Megane is very stylish, modern, like the Kia Rio, it has sporty notes and compliance with the latest fashion trends. The forms of the car are very harmonious, the model attracts attention in the stream of brothers. LEDs running lights make it expressive, bright, dynamic. When creating a car, high-quality materials are used, special stylish notes - like glossy lining and shiny chrome parts.
Engine and dynamics
Renault Megan and Kia Rio are available with both petrol and diesel engines. The French model is offered with motors:
- diesel, 1.5 l;
- petrol 1.6 l.
The gearbox of the petrol version is continuously variable, the diesel one is a dual-clutch robotic transmission.
Thanks to a special variator, at any speed, acceleration is smooth, linear, so that ride comfort is practically independent of the speed limit. The gear changes very quickly, which ensures good dynamics during acceleration.
Equipment
Buying a Renault Megan, the car owner receives:
- dual-zone climate control;
- modern audio system with excellent sound;
- front and rear parking sensors;
- digital speedometer providing an innovative look to the panel;
- chrome elements in the cabin;
- excellent seat upholstery.
Reviews about Renault Megane
The owners of the French model, first of all, complain about the traditional shortcomings inherent in almost all Renault models - inconvenience in access to some functions, unusual side mirrors. You need to get used to the features of the machine, it may be necessary additional installation parking sensors due to insufficient sense of dimensions.
The reliability of the car compared to Rio is much lower. Given the difficulties in repairing and maintaining a French car, this drawback is significant. Some parts wear out too quickly - for example, the timing belt needs to be changed every 60,000 miles.
Kia Rio has more room for rear passengers, despite the fact that the Korean is slightly smaller than Reno. Due to the low ground clearance on Megan, this car simply will not pass on the dirt roads of the domestic outback, this option can only be considered if it is calculated solely on driving on a flat surface. Not the best suspension for our own conditions.
Comparison table of characteristics
The main characteristics of KIA Rio Hatchback and Renault Megane Hatchback
| Characteristics | KIA Rio Hatchback | Renault Megane hatchback |
| Wheel base, mm | 2570 | 2603 |
| Length, mm | 4120 | 4295 |
| Width, mm | 1700 | 1808 |
| Height, mm | 1470 | 2641 |
| Front wheel track, mm | 1495 | |
| Track rear wheels, mm | 1502 | |
| Working volume, cu. cm | 1591 | 1598 |
| Max. power, hp at rpm | 123 / 6300 | 110 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 188 | 180 |
| Acceleration time, 0-100 km/h, s | 11.1 | 13.9 |
| Fuel consumption in the urban cycle, l / 100 km | 7.9 | 9.2 |
Car comparison
A worthy car, the "true Frenchman" Renault Megan in its price segment is in the forefront in terms of design, interior comfort, and handling. Frequent modifications have only made it better and more attractive. New modern car, quite compact, but roomy - a good choice for urban conditions. Most of the characteristics are comparable to the Kia Rio Hatchback, but the most important of them are at a significant loss - in particular, the power of the car.
There is a prejudice among our motorists against French cars due to insufficient convenience, the unusualness of truly French solutions in the model. Unless you're going to reject a car just because it's French, the Megan is a must-have.
However, any person interested in cars will say that against the backdrop of the huge popularity of the Rio Megan, it turns out to be inconspicuous. What is the reason?
In addition to the shortcomings of the model already presented, which, with a strong desire, you can get used to, but more significant problems that arise during the maintenance and repair of Renault Megan, scare many. For the "Korean" the necessary spare parts and quality service are much easier to find. An experienced motorist will not choose a car for the repair of which it takes a long time to look for the necessary spare parts and the corresponding car service.
Fuel consumption
Another major advantage of the Kia Rio over its French counterpart is fuel consumption. As can be seen from the comparative table of characteristics, Renault loses this indicator a lot. During the operation of the car, such an important expense item becomes even more significant due to the market situation. Fuel costs will be 30% higher. Given that these funds need to be invested in the car all the time, most buyers, even if they have no complaints about the French model in all other respects, will prefer the more economical Korean.
Used car sales price
When buying a car, any motorist should take into account the possibility of further selling the car when they want to buy another model or simply get significant funds. And in this regard, Rio outperforms Megan by a lot. It is very difficult to sell a Renault model with us, while there is always a buyer for a Kia. Even with a significant price reduction, Megan owners have been waiting a long time for someone to finally choose their car.
The reasons for this low demand are described above. This is a dislike for French models, inconvenient maintenance, difficulties in repair, high flow fuel, poor adaptation to domestic driving conditions. And this is also one of the weighty reasons why, choosing between the two models under consideration, in most cases preference will be given to Kia Rio.
Diesel engines, so popular in Europe, are not suitable for us because of the poor quality of fuel, and more powerful gasoline engines are too expensive for the mass consumer. No wonder, then, that Fluence debuted here with a single 1.6-liter engine; the buyer was free to choose only the transmission suitable for himself: a 5-speed "mechanics" or a 4-speed hydromechanical "automatic". However, just the other day, the Fluence version with a 2-liter engine (138 hp) and a CVT went on sale.
KIA Cerato it is also offered with engines of 1.6 and 2 liters, but the lion's share of sales falls on versions with a younger engine, especially since it stands out against the background of competitors with good performance and develops a maximum power of 126 hp. (against 106 hp in Renault Fluence). The Korean sedan can also be ordered with both "mechanics" and "automatic", and both versions are sold equally well. Unlike hatchbacks of this class, which city dwellers are increasingly buying with an “automatic”, sedan buyers still remain faithful to the “mechanics” - among them are taxi drivers, summer residents and poor residents of remote regions who often do not have enough money for an “automatic”.
In terms of prices and equipment, Cerato and Fluence are very close, but Renault is larger and more representative in appearance, and KIA captivates with a 5-year warranty and more power, so both cars have approximately equal chances of winning.
In the town
The Korean sedan demonstrates peppy accelerating dynamics - the idea that it would be nice to have a more powerful engine paired with the “mechanics” does not even come to mind. There are no comments on the clarity of gear shifting, but it was not possible to get used to the not very informative clutch during the week of the test - there is always a risk of stalling at the most inopportune moment. The suspension is energy-intensive, but quite stiff and noisy, and ground clearance while not the largest - when parking, it is easy to strike the front bumper on the curb.
The Fluence has more ground clearance, and the suspension smooths out bumps in the road better, but is prone to breakdowns on large potholes. The French engine is noticeably weaker than the Korean one, but thanks to good traction on low revs(a characteristic feature of many Renault engines) and a perfectly tuned clutch, city driving is no problem.
Renault has a longer wheelbase, but it’s more comfortable to sit in the back in KIA
In general, KIA seems to be a more lively and maneuverable car in the city than Renault, but the “Frenchman” captivates with a comfortable grip, high ground clearance and good ride, so parity in the city round.
Outside the city
On the broken country roads KIA suspension Cerato will seem harsh to many, but in fact it behaves in the same way as most European cars, designed for smooth autobahns, and not for the 19th century paving stones that our roads sometimes resemble. The advantages of the suspension include energy intensity: it is difficult to bring it to a breakdown. All other features are more likely to be disadvantages: in particular, directional stability on a bad road, not the highest - you have to hold the steering wheel with both hands so that the car stays on the desired trajectory. But enough powerful engine allows you to make safe and fast overtaking, but Renault is not much worse in this sense, although it requires better tactical training from the driver. Steering Fluence is not as informative as that of Cerato, but it is this feature of it that relieves unnecessary stress while driving on a long journey, and good ride and good sound insulation allow passengers to take a nap. Add to that more ground clearance and you can see why long journey in Russia, we would prefer to go to Renault Fluence.
Controllability
The chassis of both cars is made according to the textbook scheme for class C: McPherson struts in the front suspension and a torsion beam in the rear, but the character of the cars is different. KIA Cerato resembles Mazda3 in its behavior - precise and informative steering, fast responses to gas and brake, reckless and even sometimes a little nervous behavior. The Korean sedan provokes recklessness, and there are many drivers who will like it.
Renault Fluence, on the contrary, contributes to a calm and smooth ride. The steering is precise, but not very informative, and there is more roll in corners than that of the opponent, and in general it seems that the chassis lives a life separate from the body. In extreme situations, this can play a cruel joke on the driver, but, on the other hand, those who choose Fluence are unlikely to risk getting into situations where emergency driving skills are required. Nevertheless, ESP should have been included in the basic equipment, but even in expensive Fluence trim levels, it is offered only for an extra charge.
KIA Cerato is equipped with a stabilization system in all trim levels, except for the basic one, and this approach seems more civilized to us. Together with more predictable behavior, this brings the Korean car to victory in this round.
Ergonomics and comfort The interior of the KIA Cerato is finished with rather simple materials that do not pretend to be a premium prefix. The assembly, however, is neat - nothing creaks or rattles on the go, and ergonomics are clearly peeped from the best European cars. Finding a comfortable driving position is not difficult for a driver of any height, all instruments and switches are conveniently located, visibility is good in all directions.
It is quite spacious on the passenger sofa: there is a minimum supply of space in all directions - a long road here is unlikely to seem like torture to anyone, even though the ride is worse than that of an opponent.
The climate control, although not separate, conscientiously copes with its duties in the fierce July heat, and its management is intuitive. The sound of the standard audio system is a solid four by the standards of its class and allows you to listen to your favorite musical compositions at a decent volume level without strong frequency distortion. Renault's audio system is good only in the background, but if you turn up the volume, the weakness of the amplifier becomes obvious. The dual-zone climate control pleased with the presence of "soft" and "fast" modes of operation, but it is impossible to control the up and down keys to the touch - you have to take your eyes off the road.
The driving position is no less comfortable than in the KIA, however, not everyone will like the devices tilted forward according to the French tradition, and rearward visibility due to the sloping glass, like that of a coupe, leaves much to be desired. But the quality of finishing materials is almost the highest in the class - inside Fluence does not leave the feeling that its decoration will retain its presentation even after several years of operation.
The wheelbase of Renault is 53 mm longer than that of KIA, but passengers in the back seat are cramped here: a low roof presses on their heads, and their knees practically rest against the backs of the front seats - KIA's linkers clearly did a better job. However, for ergonomics and comfort, rivals receive equal marks: on the side of Fluence - good ride and high-quality finishes, the advantage of Cerato - in the space for rear passengers and slightly better ergonomics of the driver's seat.
Practicality
The luggage compartment of the KIA Cerato is quite roomy by the standards of its class - 415 liters - and is able to satisfy most of the owner's transportation needs, but Renault Fluence claims a record here - 530 liters plus the largest possible opening with the rear seat backs folded down, allowing you to transport quite large lengths.
With a full load, both cars sag noticeably, and the Renault suspension is easier to bring to a breakdown, but if key parameter still consider not the mass, but the volume and ease of loading, then Renault looks better. Moreover, the trunk of the “Frenchman” can be opened using a button on the lid itself, while KIA has only a key fob or a lever from the passenger compartment, which is not very convenient for a driver loaded with string bags.
The review is small, like in a tank, everything rattles, the suspension is like that of Logan, which is not good for. Well what can I say — heartbroken piece of iron! The seats were reminiscent of airport harnesses - hard, uncomfortable, even sit on a suitcase.
Nearby stood quite a red-beautiful Renault Fluence, which still beckoned me to her. Oil change in...
The stroller enters easily and much more. Yes, and you will work on one gasoline
You can, but naked and generally bezovsego?? The first thing that upset me, sitting down the way I needed, I immediately hit my left elbow on the door !!!
I decided to start a test drive with Duster, so that the sensations were more objective.
Renault Fluence after purchase is horror people..and where were your eyes???
Well what can I say — heartbroken piece of iron! The first thing that upset me, sitting down the way I needed, I immediately hit my left elbow on the door !!!
The review is small, like in a tank, everything rattles, the suspension is like Logan's, which is not good for me. It looks big, but it's actually cramped inside.
The seats were reminiscent of airport harnesses - hard, uncomfortable, even sit on a suitcase. On the road, it’s so-so, noisy, and this, with a clearance in mm, seems to be. I think if a person is ready to give almost tons. Yes, a mechanical one has become a significant disadvantage for me personally.
3 reasons to buy Kia Rio
I don’t know if I got it wrong, or didn’t hear the true reason, but there’s no way to drive an automatic transmission Testing the maximum configuration. Returning to the showroom moved to Fluence.
Noticeable difference in seats. In Fluence, everything is so rounded or something, soft plastic trim, good upholstery fabric, interesting fabric on the ceiling.
Answers (9)
Box — CVT, handbrake without clicks: What is important for me — seat height adjustment. I think even the shortest will be pleased with the seat: The first thing I noticed is windshield- very small, square and very large partitions between the windshield and side windows, side mirrors - norms, the central one, again, like in a tank.
Started, the car is light, came into motion without unnecessary emotions, quiet Michelin tires spikes. I felt a significant difference with the electric power steering. I had to quickly leave the auto center on the main road - I spun and ended up in the oncoming lane - I reacted well, but I think it's a matter of habit.
On the mountain to the sales manager, I decided to check the suspension - I immediately drove into bumps: Some swear, others shit, etc.
And no one really can say anything about comparing 2 cars.
Someone says that for you can take. You can, but naked and generally bezovsego?? Yes, and what for such a machine is needed then, such as show-off more and that's it ??
You take for yourself! Here's what I found about prices: Fluence costs rubles - this is the minimum salary for fluence from the official website http: Yes, for this money, it's better for me to buy RIO prestige! Well, this is my personal opinion. For comparison, I got it: Moscow is a city where you can stand in traffic jams for hours and it’s not a fact that YOU look at the Fluence consumption — doesn’t it scare you ???
And then this is only declared, which means that in fact there will be all 19 liters Damn, ZIL "Bull" and then it eats the same amount ..
