The new Megane has a tough job.

Renault may be asking too much of its new entry in Europe's biggest car segment. It expects the new Megane to increase its share of the lower-medium market against rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

Renault Chairman Louis Schweitzer said he wants the Megane to take 14 percent of the market in its category in Europe, compared with 12.4 percent for the outgoing model.

That means selling 5.5 million units during the Megane's life cycle, half a million more than its predecessor. Production of the current Megane stops at the end of July.

"The challenge is ...