Renault Megane Expression launches from $19,990 driveaway

The sharp pricing applies to the new Megane Expression manual, which is normally priced from $20,990 before on-road costs – representing a saving of at least $3000.

The driveaway pricing offer – which applies to vehicles ordered between today and November 15 – puts the Megane on par with the likes of the Nissan Pulsar ST, though $1000 dearer than the Ford Focus Ambiente, currently being offered for $18,990 driveaway.

The new Expression manual arrives a little over a month after Renault Australia launched its updated Megane range with new variants and revised prices and specifications.

The Renault Megane Expression is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 97kW at 5500rpm and 205Nm at 2000rpm. It is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and is also equipped with stop-start technology as standard, helping achieve combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100km.

The Megane Expression features 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, and a five-star ANCAP-rated safety package that includes six airbags and electronic stability control.

Like the rest of the Megane range, the Expression is covered by a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped-price servicing, which fixes the cost of the first three services at $299 (12-month/15,000km intervals).

The facelifted Megane that debuted at last month's Frankfurt motor show is expected to reach Australia by the second quarter of 2014.