Since the first Renault Megane was introduced in 1995, seven million cars over four different generations have been sold worldwide. More than just a model, Megane has become an entire line.
Now, Renault has updated its entire Megane range: Hatchback, Estate, R.S. Line, R.S. and R.S. TROPHY, with ever more technology and the first plug-in hybrid variant – the Megane E-TECH Plug-in.
The New Megane offers a renewed and modernized cockpit. It features new 9.3-inch multimedia screens and 10.2-inch dashboard screens and benefits from all the features of the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system. This system, whose operation is inspired by smartphone use, is designed to be ergonomic and more functional, for ease of use.
To enhance safety and comfort for all, new driving aids are available. These include the Motorway and Traffic Assistant, an autonomous level 2 system that offers comfort and peace of mind behind the wheel.
The New Megane gains in elegance and refinement, notably introducing new Pure Vision LED headlamps to improve visibility and comfort during journeys. The New Megane thus reinforces its design and the dynamic lines that have made it such a success.
The updated Megane range will go on sale in the summer.
The New MEGANE E-TECH Plug-in
The New Megane’s engine portfolio is expanding with the E-TECH Plug-in hybrid technology. It provides optimum versatility and a new electric-vehicle experience while reducing CO2 emissions and limiting fuel consumption, even over long distances.
The core-market plug-in hybrid technology
Renault, a leader and expert in electric mobility, brings its expertise to the New Megane with the 160 hp E-TECH Plug-in hybrid engine, a unique energy-recovery technology that draws directly on our Formula 1 expertise to offer a unique driving experience.
This core-market offering aims to address customer expectations. With various trim levels starting at the intermediate level, it will give most drivers an opportunity to experience electric driving and the pleasure associated with it. Available on launch on the New Megane Estate, the E-TECH Plug-in engine will subsequently also be offered on the hatchback version.
F1 experience and electric expertise
The E-TECH Plug-in technology was developed by Renault’s Engineering Department and has 150 patents. It uses components designed by the Alliance, like the latest four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and an innovative multi-mode clutch-less gearbox transmission which optimises gearshifting.
The design draws on the experience of the Renault F1 Team, which shared its energy-management expertise (energy recovered during deceleration and braking is used to recharge the battery outside charging cycles) so that the E-TECH Plug-in engine offers maximum energy efficiency. Paired with a braking system developed by Renault’s electric vehicle experts, the New Megane features optimum electric efficiency on the road: systematically starting in electric mode, it offers noiseless comfort when driving, immediate dynamic responsiveness for unique driving pleasure and minimised energy loss.
Versatility and fuel economy
The E-TECH Plug-in engine with its 9.8 kWh (400V) battery means that the New Megane can run on full-electric mode for 30 miles (50 km) up to a top speed of 85 mph (135 km/h) in mixed cycle (WLTP) and 40 miles (65 km) in urban cycle (WLTP City).
The New Megane E-TECH Plug-in is versatile. It can run without using fuel on regular trips, then take you on longer weekend or holiday journeys without having to worry about the distance. Regardless of the state of charge of the battery the New Megane E-TECH Plug-in engine benefits from the key advantages of the E-TECH hybrid system – systematic start in electric mode and lower consumption – even when the battery is discharged.
In mixed cycle, the New Megane E-TECH Plug-In emits less than 40 grams of CO2/km (WLTP figure pending final approval).
Custom settings
The New Megane E-TECH Plug-in features specific Multi-Sense settings with three driving modes:
– Pure: available in the on-screen settings or by pushing a special button on the dashboard, it switches to full-electric mode provided there is enough power;
– MySense: it optimises the hybrid mode for lower running costs. Its “E-Save” feature helps to save battery power (at least 40%) so that it can switch to full-electric mode when required for driving in city centres, for example;
– Sport: it allows drivers to take advantage of maximum performance by combining the power of the three engines.
Finally, although part of the boot is dedicated to cable storage, the New Megane E-TECH Plug-in retains all its modularity features and a storage volume ranging from 434 to 1,247 litres.
