The new Renault Mégane hatchback has broken cover. Our spies have caught the French family favourite undergoing on-road testing. We’ve already previewed the coupé version’s stunning look, but this is the first time we’ve seen the new five-door hatch.Under the heavy disguise is a smooth shape that does away with the present car’s sharp lines and creases. As our exclusive image shows, the Mégane takes its influence from the new Laguna instead.The hatchback has a distinctive swooping roofline that will include panoramic glass on range-topping models. At the rear, a conventionally shaped hatch will replace the controversial rump of the existing car. As with its predecessor, there will be a choice of three and five-door layouts, a Sport Touring estate and a new C-C folding hard-top, as well as the coupé.Renault is likely to carry over the engine line-up unchanged. That means a range of petrol motors from 1.6 litres up to a 2.0-litre 225bhp turbo in the hot Renaultsport version. However, the entry-level 1.4-litre normally aspirated unit will be replaced by the 98bhp 1.2-litre TCE turbo from the Clio. Diesel fans will get the familiar 1.5-litre and 1.9-litre dCi powerplants.The third-generation Mégane is due to be unveiled at the Paris Show in September, with cars arriving in UK showrooms in early 2009.
