Renault Megane IV Road Spyshots-01

The next-generation Renault Megane IV is set for a Frankfurt show debut next month, and the right-hand drive version will go on sale in the UK early next year. The new model is going for a more matured and premium look, taking after range topping recent models like the Espace crossover and Talisman sedan, Autocar reports.

The sober and premium image Renault is going for is evident in our spyshots, and splits the French brand's range into two, design wise - cars of the Megane's size and up will have this style, while the B-segment and below cars (Clio, Captur, Twingo) will be more funky and stylised in appearance.

The new Megane's cabin is expected to feature higher-quality materials and a sharper design, with top models integrating controls into a large central touchscreen, as seen on the Espace and Talisman. The UK mag says that depending on spec, cars are expected to get either a seven- or nine-inch touchscreen, and driver ergonomics have been given greater focus.

Renault Megane IV Road Spyshots-16

The Megane IV, which will have five-door hatch and wagon bodystyles (three-door 'coupe' as we know the Megane in Malaysia not yet confirmed), sits on the Renault-Nissan CMF platform that also underpins the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar crossovers. Its move upmarket is apt, given that main Euro family car rivals will be the Volkswagen Golf and last year's European Car of the Year Peugeot 308.

Spyshots show a low roofed and wide shape, and it's intentional. "We won't be going back to the shape of the Megane II (the boxy one with the big backside). The low roof gives us something different from the Golf. It makes the Mégane more sporting, more appealing." Renault UK product manager Yann Le Graet told Autocar last year.

Renault Megane IV winter testing