ANCAP :: Vehicle Crash Report

Renault Megane

Overall: 33.1 out of 37

Variant: 5 Dr Hatch

Kerb Weight: 1180 kg

Year: 2003

Engine: 1.6 Litre

Category: Small Car

Airbags: Dual front + side + curtain airbags

Vehicles tested after 1 January 2008 will require Electronic Stability Control in order achieve a 5 star rating. This vehicle was tested prior to this date and may or may not meet this new requirement.

The left-hand-drive European model was tested by EuroNCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.

The tested model of Renault Megane was introduced in Australia late in 2003.

Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. ABS brake, advanced seat belt reminder and automatic headlights are also standard. The 3 door hatch variant (not tested) has anti-submarining airbags in the front seats.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point seat belt.

The RENAULT MEGANE scored 14.1 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment was extremely stable. There was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver.

The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. A further 2 points were scored in the optional pole test and one point was awarded for the driver's seat belt reminder. With these extra points the Megane became the first small car to earn 5 stars from Euro NCAP.

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4pts, chest 3.32pts, upper legs 3pts, lower legs 3.78pts.

The passenger compartment was held its shape well in the offset crash test. The clutch pedal moved rearwards by 40mm and upwards 22mm. The steering wheel hub moved rearwards 17mm, upwards 7mm and sideways 23mm. The front ("A") pillar moved 29mm rearwards. The driver's doorway shortened by 20mm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. Vehicle components were a potential source of injury for the driver's knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4pts, chest 4pts, abdomen 4pts, pelvis 4pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags and scored four points for the head in the side impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points.


	Offset Crash Test at 64km/h		Side Impact Crash Test at 50km/h
	Driver	Pass.	Driver

HIC	306.7	342	41.47
Acceleration	48.34	43.04	19.44

Shear	0.44	0.43	None
Tension	1.14	1.09	None
Extension	9.69	9.93	None

Acceleration	None	None	None
Compression	26.77	26.56	17.75
Viscous Criterion	0.13	0.18	0.1

Force	None	None	0.62

Force	None	None	1.9

Force Left	0.74	1.21
Force Right	1.49	0.38
Knee Displ. Left	0.05	1.68
Knee Displ. Right	0.01	0.01

Force Left	1.7	1.93
Force Right	1.71	2.12
Index Left (Up/Low)	0.23/0.34	0.34/0.19
Index Right (Up/Low)	0.4/0.45	0.35/0.28