Renault Megane E-Tech

FORECOURT RENAULT MEGANE E-TECH

The Megane E-Tech comes with a choice of two powertrains, producing 129 or 215bhp.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Renault Megane E-Tech Electric

Price (as tested): £TBC Engine: Single electric motor

Power: 215bhp

Torque: 300Nm

Max speed:

93mph

O-60mph: 7.2 seconds

Range:

292 miles

Emissions:

N/A

The Megane E-Tech arrives with a load of new technology as well as a cutting-edge platform. Jack Evans put one through its paces in Spain.

WHAT IS IT?

The Megane E-Tech Electric is the first in a whole new generation of Renault EVs. It’s also the first vehicle to be made entirely at Renault’s new ‘industrial hub’ in the north of France.

WHAT’S NEW?

Crucial to the new Megane E-Tech Electric is the CMF-EV platform. Dedicated to electric cars rather than being adapted from an existing layout, it should make the E-Tech Electric as good to drive as possible, since the batteries are fitted under the floor, improving the centre of gravity and giving better handling and improved cornering responses.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The Megane E-Tech Electric comes with two powertrains. Both use the same electric motor but offer 129 or 215bhp, while the option of a 40kWh or 60kWh battery brings respective ranges of 186 or 292 miles. In terms of performance, we’re looking at 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds for the less powerful version or 7.2 seconds in the tip-top version. Renault also covers the battery with an eight-year warranty and it’ll replace it should the battery drop below 70 per cent of its nominal capacity. Drivers can check this through a dedicated app.

It can accept a charge of up to 130kW, which means that 186 miles of range could be added in 30 minutes to the smaller battery option when hooked up to a rapid charger. A full charge via a 7.4kW home wallbox will take just over six hours for the smaller battery version or just over nine for the larger.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

We were in the most powerful version of the Megane E-Tech, which brings a good slug of power and brisk acceleration as and when you need it. There’s a decent amount of pace away from a standing start, but at moderate speeds the Megane feels pretty normal – and that’s no bad thing. Renault has quickened the steering on the E-Tech too and although this is a help around town, it can mean it feels a little light at greater speeds.

The roads on our Spanish test route were wonderfully smooth – so we’ll have to reserve final judgement on the Megane’s ride until we have it in the UK – but through fast, flowing bends it felt composed and settled. It’s also fantastically quiet and refined, with the vast majority of exterior road and wind noise isolated from entering the cabin.

Looks

The E-Tech’s design includes some interesting features and futuristic touches, including a lightbar at the rear.

Up front the driver and passenger are well catered for with regard to space but it’s restricted in the back.

Interior TARGET BUYERS:

Those who want to get the cutting-edge Megane model.

THE RIVALS:

Volkswagen ID.3 Kia e-Niro Skoda Enyaq iV

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Decent driving experience. 2. Good in-car tech. 3. Striking looks.

DEAL CLINCHER:

The new Megane E-Tech shows that cars don’t have to become boring in a switch to EV.

The Megane E-Tech Electric is a progressive step forward for Renault.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

It’s a great-looking design in the metal, with loads of interesting features and futuristic touches. The design of the car actually makes it seem a little bigger than it is in reality, too, while round the back we’ve got the now ever-present lightbar and quite a high bootline.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Headroom and legroom are both quite tight for those in the back, while the letterbox-sized rear screen means visibility there is pretty restricted. Sitting up front, you’ve got a nice view of the road ahead, with passenger and driver well catered for in terms of space. When it comes to the boot, there are 440 litres accessed via a very high load lip that drops into a deep area. Renault has also created an under-boot floor space for the cables.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Megane E-Tech adopts a new, twin-screen wraparound setup that really does look the business. The main infotainment screen is detailed but easy to operate, with clear graphics and plenty of information. It also adopts Google’s technology – a smart move since features such as Maps or Spotify are now very well integrated and will be second nature to most.

We just wish Renault had cleaned up the stalks at the side of the wheel. There are now three on the right-hand side and this just feels like too many. Jump in the car, grab a gear and it feels as though it wouldn’t be too hard to set the indicators off by mistake.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Top Gear said: ‘A desirable family hatch that just happens to be electric. Fantastic interior, too.’ Autocar said: ‘More fun than most electric family hatches, yet also efficient and comfortable, the Megane E-Tech Electric is comprehensive and compelling.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The Megane E-Tech Electric is a progressive step forward for Renault. It looks great, will have more than enough performance (in this most powerful version at least) for most drivers and has a good rate of charge. It falters in some areas – namely practicality – but there’s a good chance that Renault will expand on the platform underpinning the Megane and deliver a car for those who need more space. But as the first push into a new age of electric Renaults, the Megane is a very exciting prospect.