The new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is revealed as an electric Crossover/Hatch with a familiar name and new electric underpinnings.
This new Megane may say Megane on the boot, but it’s actually an all-new EV using much the same underpinnings as the new Nissan Ariya to deliver an EV that looks like a Crossover but is more a Hatch. And it’s aimed directly at the VW ID.3.
Regular readers may think the Megane E-Tech looks rather familiar, but that’s because we’ve already seen it in concept guise as the Megane eVision Concept, and the production version hasn’t strayed too far from that concept.
Sitting on the Renault-Nissan CMG-EV Platform, the Megane comes with a short bonnet and wheels pushed out to the corners and, despite actually being marginally shorter than the current Megane, offers more interior space.
Despite its crossover looks and big wheels, the Megane Electric is only a couple of inches taller than the ICE Megane thanks to a thin battery pack that comes in two flavours, with the 40kWh pack delivering a 186-mile range and the 60kWh version 292 miles. The battery packs power either a 215bhp motor with 221lb/ft of torque or a less-powerful 129bhp motor with the same torque.
Inside there’s the almost obligatory 12.£ digital dash and 12.3″ infotainment – although with physical buttons for HVAC – with the infotainment running Google Android with all its toys, with lots of recycled materials (although you can have leather), new acoustic isolation for plenty of hush and endless interior lighting options.
Not due to arrive in showrooms for another year, there are no prices yet. But expect the new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric to slightly undercut prices of the equivalent VW ID.3.
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