Renault has unveiled the first two cars from the New Mgane II family which will eventually offer seven models by 2004 in a complete renewal of its product line-up in the C segment, the biggest in the European automobile market.

The first two New Mganes, which will go on sale in October, are the Sport Hatch and Hatch - three and five-door - models, bringing individuality to the lower-medium class.

Renault says the car can be summed up in three words: compact, expressive, and dynamic. Its distinctive design gives it plenty of character, while it is a pleasure to drive, a fact suggested by it propulsive styling. It is designed to offer optimum safety to every passenger, offer innovative comfort features and an intelligent approach to travelling pleasure, already available on higher-segment Renault models.

The firm says reliability, quality and durability are class leading and environmental factors have been taken into account from the design right up to the end of the life cycle of the vehicle.

Built on a new platform - jointly developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance - which will account for 25 per cent of all alliance production by 2006 (1.8 million vehicles) - the Mgane II constitutes a major commercial, financial and industrial challenge underpinning Renault's profitable growth strategy.

The Mgane II was devised right from the start as an international programme and will be distributed in 75 countries. In Europe, Renault has its sights set on 14 per cent of the C segment, challenging for the title of Europe's best-selling car.

The distinctive design of Mgane II

Mgane II lends its powerful, expressive design to a three-door Sport Hatch and a five-door Hatch, both of which share the same assertive character. Reminiscent of the innovative design of Avantime and Vel Satis, New Mgane stands out as a distinctive product in a segment of mainly look-alike cars.

A Renault spokesman said: " It appeals to the emotions without sacrificing functionality and practicality. It is an energetic-looking car that makes no secret of its sporty personality, particularly in terms of the cockpit, while actively promoting driving pleasure."

The Mgane II offers customers almost limitless combinations of colour and trim, engines and equipment.

Based on a completely new platform, New Mgane II has new front and rear suspension systems, combining precision with highly effective isolation of noise and vibration. For complete driving control in all circumstances, the road-going behaviour of Mgane II is superior in terms of both roadholding and braking.

In addition to anti-lock brakes, Emergency Brake Assist and the tyre pressure monitoring system, Mgane II is the first model to use a new-generation electronic stability programme (ESP) incorporating understeer control (CSV). In addition xenon headlamp units feature an all-new adaptive beam height control.

Variable assisted electric power steering heightens driving precision with characteristics tailored to every need. Cockpit-style ergonomics have been developed using Touch Design to make the driver feel more part of the car, such as the handbrake lever styled like a aircraft throttle lever.

At launch, Mgane II will be offered with a wide range of frugal, yet powerful petrol and diesel engines together with new-generation transmissions. The petrol engine range at launch comprises three units: 98 horsepower 1.4 16V, 115 horsepower 1.6 16V VVT and 136 horsepower 2.0 16V VVT. The latter two engines are equipped with variable inlet valve timing (VVT) for the benefit of ease of driving and a reduction in fuel consumption. All these petrol engines comply with the Euro 3 (Euro 2000) emission requirements and also meet IF Euro 4 fiscal incentive standards, depending on market.

The Mgane II diesel range will initially consist of the 1.5 dCi 80 and 1.9 dCi 120 common-rail turbodiesel units featuring the latest technology. The manual and automatic transmissions in Mgane II have been developed to unlock all the potential of the engines. A key factor in driving pleasure and travelling comfort, the acoustic treatment of Mgane II has been the focus of numerous studies and innovative features.

Mgane II also majors on simplicity, with a new Renault card providing hands-free entry and ignition, as well as ease of use, such as the fuel filler cap having a built-in cap. Equipped with all the innovations seen in higher segment cars, Mgane II is available with all the latest technology: a Carminat navigation system and cruise control with speed limiter. Sensors to control windscreen wipers and headlights enhance occupant peace of mind and driving comfort.

Renault invested a total of Euro 2.1 billion, with almost half devoted to industrial investment in Palencia, Spain -- readied to produce the hatchback and the Sport Hatch -- as well as at the plant in Douai, France, which will manufacture the hatchback and the new Scnic at a later date. The third plant, in Bursa, Turkey, will produce the Mgane saloon.