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Pros: Classy design, digital cabin, refinement.
Cons: Tight rear headroom, not a cheap car anymore.
Renault Megane E-Tech Design
Renault’s new ‘sensual tech’ design language adds style, flair and desirability to the brand’s new mid-size electric hatchback that replaces old petrol and diesel versions of the long-standing French family car. The front end is particularly striking with slim headlights and dramatic LED daytime running lights. 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard, but the 20-inch design on the mid-range Techno add real concept car presence to the new Megane E-Tech. The wheels are pushed out to the corners with very short overhangs for a purposeful look.
The Megane E-Tech has a few trendy, crossover-inspired cues like a slightly higher ride height than a traditional hatch (though it’s still lower than a Zoe) and black painted wheel arches. The high waistline and hidden handles for the rear doors give a sleek and sporty appearance. The final flourish is a full width light bar across the rear of the car. The Megane E-Tech is easily now one of the most stylish electric hatchbacks you can buy.
Renault Megane E-Tech Interior
According to Renault, the new Megane’s classy cabin has been inspired by the world of fine home furniture. There’s an open, lounge feel to it with lots of interesting materials used like the tweed-style fabric in the dashboard and seat fabric made from recycled materials. It’s a world away from the hard plastics that featured in previous Meganes. The cabin is also crammed with digital tech. There’s a stunning full digital instrument cluster as standard, along with a 9-inch touchscreen that uses an excellent Google operating system in Techno versions and above, with in-built Google services like Google Maps and Google Assistant, as well as over-the-air updates.
The entry level Megane E-Tech Equilibre includes air conditioning, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rear view camera and lots of safety and driver assistance systems.
The Megane is quite practical too with one of the biggest boots in the class at 440 litres – bigger than a Leaf, ID.3 and MG4. The load lip is very high, but there is a clever compartment under the boot floor to store the charging cables. Built on a dedicated electric platform, the Megane E-Tech offers adequate legroom for adults - though headroom is not as generous.
Renault Megane E-Tech Performance & Drive
The Megane E-Tech is available with the choice of two batteries. The EV40 uses a 40kWh battery (300 kilometres WLTP) and the EV60 uses a 60kWh battery (450 kilometres WLTP). The EV60 also has a more powerful 220hp motor. On the road the Megane E-Tech feels very natural to drive with well-weighted controls and agile steering. The cabin is also a very serene and relaxing place to be. Renault has placed a layer of sound absorbing foam between the battery and floor of the car to give premium levels of refinement, as well as thicker door linings. There are four levels of regenerative braking that are easy to adjust from paddles behind the steering wheel.
The new battery is thinner than used in the Zoe and is very efficient too, with official consumption rated at just 16.1kWh per 100 kilometres. 22kW AC charging comes as standard for faster AC charging. DC charging is available up to 130kW in the EV60.
Renault Megane E-Tech Pricing
The Megane is not a cheap car anymore, but pricing is competitive with most rival electric hatchbacks. The EV40 is priced from €37,495, while the EV60 is priced from about €41,995.
Carzone Verdict
The new Renault Megane E-Tech is one of the most stylish and classiest electric hatchbacks you can buy. It offers an excellent digital cabin, class-leading refinement with the added bonus of 22kW AC charging. If you’re in the market for an electric hatchback, the Megane E-Tech is well worth a look.