New Renault Megane - very 3 series

[Ultimax]

  On 8/2/2017 at 2:45 AM, Dannnn said:

Hows ur clio doing? So far so good? Haha

 

So far I'm very happy with it. Just sent it for 6 month servicing.

 

But of course at this point the only thing can comment on is performance and looks. Reliability too soon to tell, but my philosophy about that is "heng-suay." Plus got 5 year warranty so the main concern is down-time if parts are not in stock.

 

For performance, can't complain. Only 90 HP but diesel engine has high torque so can pick up quite fast. Plus in Singapore how fast can one go. Or how much acceleration do you need. One full tank of 45 litres gets me about 850km. I don't watch how heavy footed I'm at. At Cnergy, a full tank is about $35 now. Even with additional diesel car road tax, I'm still saving about $30-40 a month than an equiv petrol car. Had I not recently moved house closer to my workplace, I'd be saving like $100-$150 a month!

 

Looks wise, I feel it's the best looking hot hatch in its class. This of course is personal preference. But the rear shape is very clever. Makes it look like a 3 door coupe when it's actually a 5 door. There are minor things about the design I didn't like but I feel these exist for all cars. No such thing as a perfect car. And these could be quite easily addressed. Eg. I didn't like the glossy piano fishing on the interior, so just spend a little money and get a shop to vinyl wrap those parts. Very happy now haha. 

 

There's also an option for you to change the sound and volume of the engine heard inside the car. It's a gimmick lah coz it's just sound from your speakers, not your actual engine. From outside it sounds like a diesel. But to be honest, it's quite shiok coz it mimicks the revs very accurately. I've got it set as "Clio Cup" which is their rally car so it's deep and throaty. I set the volume just enough to mask the diesel sound (which isn't very loud in the first place) and I quite like that. Some may laugh (my friends sometimes make fun of it), and it's not a big deal, but small things like that can make a difference haha.

 

I also happened to get the Clio at a very good end-of-year price last year. So that was a big sweetener. Clio wasn't even on my radar until I happened to pop by the showroom since I was in the area.

 

I wouldn't recommend the petrol Clio which they've now brought in, though. Although the front lights are sportier, it generally looks a lot more entry level. The rims are only 16" and 195 wide (as opposed to my 17" and 205 wide), the rear windows are manual (WTF, when was the last time you saw that in a new car) and the media console looks cheaper. I'm not even sure it comes with GPS (mine did). It's priced slightly cheaper than the diesel version but I wouldn't bite.

 

I realise rims and wheel size can make a big difference to how a car appears. Didn't realise till the petrol and diesel Clios were side by side. The new VW Polo has wide and sporty rims for it class and it does make the car look a lot more sportier even though it's still quite a traditional boxy design.

One silly "regret" is not having been in the market for the $101K Megane GT-Line Diesel that was on offer a few weeks ago. I'd have gotten that if it was available when I was buying the car, even though it was a few K more. With the freebies thrown in then, the gap wouldn't have been that much.

 

BUT that's silly thinking because these things are about timing, and who would have known. That version wasn't available then. That's also how your backside becomes itchy. So I'm still thankful for the Clio I got, when I got it heh.

[Dannnn]

  On 8/2/2017 at 3:40 AM, Ultimax said:

So far I'm very happy with it. Just sent it for 6 month servicing.

 

But of course at this point the only thing can comment on is performance and looks. Reliability too soon to tell, but my philosophy about that is "heng-suay." Plus got 5 year warranty so the main concern is down-time if parts are not in stock.

 

For performance, can't complain. Only 90 HP but diesel engine has high torque so can pick up quite fast. Plus in Singapore how fast can one go. Or how much acceleration do you need. One full tank of 45 litres gets me about 850km. I don't watch how heavy footed I'm at. At Cnergy, a full tank is about $35 now. Even with additional diesel car road tax, I'm still saving about $30-40 a month than an equiv petrol car. Had I not recently moved house closer to my workplace, I'd be saving like $100-$150 a month!

 

Looks wise, I feel it's the best looking hot hatch in its class. This of course is personal preference. But the rear shape is very clever. Makes it look like a 3 door coupe when it's actually a 5 door. There are minor things about the design I didn't like but I feel these exist for all cars. No such thing as a perfect car. And these could be quite easily addressed. Eg. I didn't like the glossy piano fishing on the interior, so just spend a little money and get a shop to vinyl wrap those parts. Very happy now haha.

 

There's also an option for you to change the sound and volume of the engine heard inside the car. It's a gimmick lah coz it's just sound from your speakers, not your actual engine. From outside it sounds like a diesel. But to be honest, it's quite shiok coz it mimicks the revs very accurately. I've got it set as "Clio Cup" which is their rally car so it's deep and throaty. I set the volume just enough to mask the diesel sound (which isn't very loud in the first place) and I quite like that. Some may laugh (my friends sometimes make fun of it), and it's not a big deal, but small things like that can make a difference haha.

 

I also happened to get the Clio at a very good end-of-year price last year. So that was a big sweetener. Clio wasn't even on my radar until I happened to pop by the showroom since I was in the area.

 

I wouldn't recommend the petrol Clio which they've now brought in, though. Although the front lights are sportier, it generally looks a lot more entry level. The rims are only 16" and 195 wide (as opposed to my 17" and 205 wide), the rear windows are manual (WTF, when was the last time you saw that in a new car) and the media console looks cheaper. I'm not even sure it comes with GPS (mine did). It's priced slightly cheaper than the diesel version but I wouldn't bite.

 

I realise rims and wheel size can make a big difference to how a car appears. Didn't realise till the petrol and diesel Clios were side by side. The new VW Polo has wide and sporty rims for it class and it does make the car look a lot more sportier even though it's still quite a traditional boxy design.

One silly "regret" is not having been in the market for the $101K Megane GT-Line Diesel that was on offer a few weeks ago. I'd have gotten that if it was available when I was buying the car, even though it was a few K more. With the freebies thrown in then, the gap wouldn't have been that much.

 

BUT that's silly thinking because these things are about timing, and who would have known. That version wasn't available then. That's also how your backside becomes itchy. So I'm still thankful for the Clio I got, when I got it heh.

Woah haha glad u like it. So for the servicing, it is 10k/20k etc? Service every 10k interval? That was what im told. First 3 yr or 60k. Dont need to pay a single cent. However warrenty wise might need pay labour, which they might charge higher to "compensate", u think so?

And also, where u wrap ur interior? Do they wrap the mirror? Feel like wrapping carbon fibre stickers on mirror, and spray the caliper red.. lol

Last year end when u getting the clio, gt line is not out for sale yet?

Edited August 2, 2017 by Dannnn

[Rolanto]

so nice some have 1yr free road tax.. didnt get that :(

 

any megane sedan user here? do you have carplay/android auto on your Rlink2?

 

global announcement is, make from April2017 will have it, although i collected my right July, the car doesnt have this function.. haiz

 

sianz... dunnoe bring it back to workshop upgrade the software will have this feature anot

[Dannnn]

  On 8/2/2017 at 5:00 AM, Rolanto said:

so nice some have 1yr free road tax.. didnt get that :(

 

any megane sedan user here? do you have carplay/android auto on your Rlink2?

 

global announcement is, make from April2017 will have it, although i collected my right July, the car doesnt have this function.. haiz

 

sianz... dunnoe bring it back to workshop upgrade the software will have this feature anot

Dont have, i havent collect my Ride but alr ask the se, renault sg is slow in getting update. Doubt will be available... Anyway apple carplay useful is for google map nia, nth much ba? Or the most in future if got update, can DIY if you know how.

 

Yours a 1.2t or 1.5d?

[Ultimax]

  On 8/2/2017 at 4:02 AM, Dannnn said:

Woah haha glad u like it. So for the servicing, it is 10k/20k etc? Service every 10k interval? That was what im told. First 3 yr or 60k. Dont need to pay a single cent. However warrenty wise might need pay labour, which they might charge higher to "compensate", u think so?

And also, where u wrap ur interior? Do they wrap the mirror? Feel like wrapping carbon fibre stickers on mirror, and spray the caliper red.. lol

Last year end when u getting the clio, gt line is not out for sale yet?

 

Yes, servicing every 10K or 6 months, whichever comes first. No cost (parts + labour) for first 6 services. Can buy an extended service package for a total of 10, or 5 years, to match the warranty.

 

For warranty, my understanding is for parts deemed not wear-and-tear the replacement is free, including labour. Main issues are usually what constitutes wear-and-tear and whether it's covered by warranty. For things like brake pads it's clear cut. But for suspension or even gearbox, sometimes agent will say it's wear-and-tear so no FOC replacement even if it's within 5 years.

 

This seems to be common for all authorised dealers, though. Hear a lot of stories of having to argue with the AD over what's covered by warranty, especially from the second year onwards.

 

I wrapped parts of the interior at Keizo Customs in Woodlands. To be honest I just google search, looked at their FB, seemed OK, and the owner was very responsive over WhatsApp. They can wrap the mirror, no problem. They even wrapped an entire car in chrome (yes, the whole car!). Their wraps are from 3M. What's popular it seems are the brushed metal finishes and carbon fibre.

 

I purchased the Clio third week of December. Seems all car dealership have sales then. They want to boost their annual sales figures, I think. The old GT-Line Megane Diesel was available then, not the new one. I had a look but its interior looked a bit dated. I think they only brought into the new version in Feb this year.

[Dannnn]

  On 8/2/2017 at 6:01 AM, Ultimax said:

Yes, servicing every 10K or 6 months, whichever comes first. No cost (parts + labour) for first 6 services. Can buy an extended service package for a total of 10, or 5 years, to match the warranty.

 

For warranty, my understanding is for parts deemed not wear-and-tear the replacement is free, including labour. Main issues are usually what constitutes wear-and-tear and whether it's covered by warranty. For things like brake pads it's clear cut. But for suspension or even gearbox, sometimes agent will say it's wear-and-tear so no FOC replacement even if it's within 5 years.

 

This seems to be common for all authorised dealers, though. Hear a lot of stories of having to argue with the AD over what's covered by warranty, especially from the second year onwards.

 

I wrapped parts of the interior at Keizo Customs in Woodlands. To be honest I just google search, looked at their FB, seemed OK, and the owner was very responsive over WhatsApp. They can wrap the mirror, no problem. They even wrapped an entire car in chrome (yes, the whole car!). Their wraps are from 3M. What's popular it seems are the brushed metal finishes and carbon fibre.

 

I purchased the Clio third week of December. Seems all car dealership have sales then. They want to boost their annual sales figures, I think. The old GT-Line Megane Diesel was available then, not the new one. I had a look but its interior looked a bit dated. I think they only brought into the new version in Feb this year.

Ahh thanks, will take a look at keizo customs.

So for servicing even nv hit 10k, 6months ltr still go? I asked about the battery warrenty, 2yrs, if will charged labour for that, the se cant answer me say maybe will charge, that makes no diff if change outside

 

The old gt line is it the eye is round one? Without the 8.7inc HU etc?

[Ultimax]

  On 8/2/2017 at 5:20 AM, Dannnn said:

Dont have, i havent collect my Ride but alr ask the se, renault sg is slow in getting update. Doubt will be available... Anyway apple carplay useful is for google map nia, nth much ba? Or the most in future if got update, can DIY if you know how.

 

Yours a 1.2t or 1.5d?

 

I had a Pioneer headunit in my previous car with Apple Carplay. 

 

I too thought it would be very useful but I ended up not really using it for several reasons.

 

First, it seemed there was a lag in the initial connection. Took a while to boot up and be ready.

 

Second, at least for the Pioneer headunit, could only access car play by USB cable, not bluetooth. So must physically plug your phone in.

 

Third, there were only limited apps with car play functionality. In real life, not very useful. I think it can read out SMS messages but then who uses SMS these days haha. 

 

Finally, and this was the big issue, it only worked with Apple maps, NOT Google Maps. I feel Google Maps are still the gold standard for GPS. Some will say car play can use Google Maps. This is NOT true. Even a Peugeot sales agent told my friend that. I had to step in to correct him.

 

That said, my experience is from July 2016. Maybe with the new firmware this has changed. So best to look at recent reviews to determine if car play is really that useful. Don't assume. It's easy to assume that Apple products are well thought out and very useful, but I found this not to be case with car play last year. I personally was quite disappointed.

 

As for Android Auto, sorry, no experience with that. But I heard it's more usable!

[Ultimax]

  On 8/2/2017 at 6:07 AM, Dannnn said:

Ahh thanks, will take a look at keizo customs.

So for servicing even nv hit 10k, 6months ltr still go? I asked about the battery warrenty, 2yrs, if will charged labour for that, the se cant answer me say maybe will charge, that makes no diff if change outside

 

The old gt line is it the eye is round one? Without the 8.7inc HU etc?

 

Yes by right it's 6 months or 10K, which ever comes first. Usually they give some leeway. For example, I just sent my car in for servicing and it was 6.5 months and just over 10K.

 

Battery warranty is 2 years. Should include labour. It's not that difficult to install a battery. But I also donno if they'll charge labour. At least got 2 years warranty. Previously battery was not usually covered by warranty. My previous car (bought new) had its battery died after only 11 months!

 

Yes the old GT Line has round eyes, no 8.7" headunit. The head unit looked quite small. Donno if it was a popup. It was mounted on the dashboard.

[Dannnn]

  On 8/2/2017 at 6:49 AM, Ultimax said:

Yes by right it's 6 months or 10K, which ever comes first. Usually they give some leeway. For example, I just sent my car in for servicing and it was 6.5 months and just over 10K.

 

Battery warranty is 2 years. Should include labour. It's not that difficult to install a battery. But I also donno if they'll charge labour. At least got 2 years warranty. Previously battery was not usually covered by warranty. My previous car (bought new) had its battery died after only 11 months!

 

Yes the old GT Line has round eyes, no 8.7" headunit. The head unit looked quite small. Donno if it was a popup. It was mounted on the dashboard.

So far your experience with them is good? Did u book for slot ??

N how long they took for ur 10k servicing. Just change oil nia ah?

[Rolanto]

  On 8/2/2017 at 5:20 AM, Dannnn said:

Dont have, i havent collect my Ride but alr ask the se, renault sg is slow in getting update. Doubt will be available... Anyway apple carplay useful is for google map nia, nth much ba? Or the most in future if got update, can DIY if you know how.

 

Yours a 1.2t or 1.5d?

 

1.2 petrol.

 

you got yourself a GT line or sedan?

anyway i going to book a service to their workshop to get the software updated, not sure if it helps.. anyway it is free during warranty period.

[Ultimax]

  On 8/2/2017 at 7:31 AM, Dannnn said:

So far your experience with them is good? Did u book for slot ??

N how long they took for ur 10k servicing. Just change oil nia ah?

 

Ah based on my one and only time servicing with Wearnes, I must say I was quite happy with the service for several reasons.

 

First, easy to book appointment. Can either email them or call. I called them and right away someone answered. I was expecting to only be able to come in in 1+ weeks time, but I got a slot a few days away.

 

Second, they were very fast. They told me I think 3 hours to be safe but in reality took maybe just over an hour? No doubt this was the first servicing so only oil change, filter change + usual general inspection + wash car. By right all this can be done in 30 minute or less but still 1hr+ for AD not bad I feel.

 

Third, they offer ride to MRT station (small thing but still nice).

 

I had a different experience with my previous AD. Usually can only get an appointment 1+ week later. Basic servicing will take an entire day. Drop car off at 8.30am will only get the call at 3pm earliest. They also stopped offering rides to MRT station.

[Dannnn]

  On 8/2/2017 at 8:36 AM, Rolanto said:

1.2 petrol.

 

you got yourself a GT line or sedan?

anyway i going to book a service to their workshop to get the software updated, not sure if it helps.. anyway it is free during warranty period.

Yup i book the gt line, it say free two months update but i dont think the new software is out? They say it is usually v slow ... Or u already gotten news about the software update

  On 8/2/2017 at 8:56 AM, Ultimax said:

Ah based on my one and only time servicing with Wearnes, I must say I was quite happy with the service for several reasons.

 

First, easy to book appointment. Can either email them or call. I called them and right away someone answered. I was expecting to only be able to come in in 1+ weeks time, but I got a slot a few days away.

 

Second, they were very fast. They told me I think 3 hours to be safe but in reality took maybe just over an hour? No doubt this was the first servicing so only oil change, filter change + usual general inspection + wash car. By right all this can be done in 30 minute or less but still 1hr+ for AD not bad I feel.

 

Third, they offer ride to MRT station (small thing but still nice).

 

I had a different experience with my previous AD. Usually can only get an appointment 1+ week later. Basic servicing will take an entire day. Drop car off at 8.30am will only get the call at 3pm earliest. They also stopped offering rides to MRT station.

Nice, for 1hr plus maybe can just sit somewhere and wait? Maybe renault customer base is still very small, thus no need the long wait. Got good got bad lol

[Ultimax]

  On 8/2/2017 at 8:59 AM, Dannnn said:

Yup i book the gt line, it say free two months update but i dont think the new software is out? They say it is usually v slow ... Or u already gotten news about the software update

Nice, for 1hr plus maybe can just sit somewhere and wait? Maybe renault customer base is still very small, thus no need the long wait. Got good got bad lol

 

Yeah 1 hr can just wait. The showroom quite comfortable haha.

 

Hopefully this fast turn around isn't one off.

[Dannnn]

  On 8/2/2017 at 2:49 PM, Ultimax said:

Yeah 1 hr can just wait. The showroom quite comfortable haha.

 

Hopefully this fast turn around isn't one off.

Yea hope they got enough customer based but not tol huge like the jap and korea. So WS wont be so busy, and they wont raise price just because they became popular

[Mhajime]

  On 8/2/2017 at 5:00 AM, Rolanto said:

so nice some have 1yr free road tax.. didnt get that :(

 

any megane sedan user here? do you have carplay/android auto on your Rlink2?

 

global announcement is, make from April2017 will have it, although i collected my right July, the car doesnt have this function.. haiz

 

sianz... dunnoe bring it back to workshop upgrade the software will have this feature anot

I am guessing it might be due to licensing issue or Android auto / carplay require some specific hardware, those manufactured before Apr2017 could not be updated.

[Dannnn]

  On 8/3/2017 at 4:21 AM, Mhajime said:

I am guessing it might be due to licensing issue or Android auto / carplay require some specific hardware, those manufactured before Apr2017 could not be updated.

From what i know, existing stock from Wearnes all no carplay .

[JimmyW]

just received my Megane sedan this Monday. so far enjoying the ride.. any other Megan sedan owner here?

[Dannnn]

  On 8/3/2017 at 2:41 PM, JimmyW said:

just received my Megane sedan this Monday. so far enjoying the ride.. any other Megan sedan owner here?

U bought the pri or the lower one? One thing i realised when i test drove, when starting engine the car n steering wheel shake for abt 0.5 sec. Is it normal?