Renault Megane E-tech (2022 Review)
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
We were teased with this one for some time but now thankfully Renault have brought the Megane E-Tech to fruition and we are ready to experience this all new generation of EV built on the advanced CMF-EV platform shared with Nissan. With driving range of up to 450km this new Megane E-Tech electric is brimming full of tech with a 12.3-inch dashboard display, 9-inch multimedia display, and Android Automotive OS with integrated Google services. It looks stunning also with the proportions just spot on! Here in Ireland buyers will have a choice of six colours to include Ceramic Grey, Shadow Grey, Glacier White, Diamond Black, Flame Red, and Midnight Blue. You can opt for a contrasting roof design in either Diamond Black, Shadow Grey, depending on model or spec chosen. Let us take you through the options so you know what to expect when you walk into your local Renault showroom.
Features
There are three well-equipped trim levels kicking off with Equilibre and Techno, which are available with a choice of EV40 or EV60 powertrain. The range-topping Launch Edition available exclusively with the EV60 powertrain is also currently for sale in Ireland. All specs are decent with the Equilibre offering 18-inch Oston alloy wheels, full LED headlights, black fabric upholstery including a fabric-covered upper dashboard, ambient lighting, air conditioning, one-touch electric windows, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rear park assist, rear view camera, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 9-inch infotainment display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Even connected services such as over-the-air software updates, 4-speaker Arkamys audio system and two front USB-C ports are available on this entry model.
The Techno takes things up a notch with 20-inch Soren alloy wheels, full adaptive LED headlights with automatic high/low beam, front and rear signature lighting with dynamic turn signals, contrasting door mirrors, and a shark fin antenna. The interior is also more stylish with grey and black leather style upholstery, tinted rear windows, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and multi-sense customised driving modes with 48-colour interior ambient lighting. In addition you get automatic dual-zone climate control, automatic windscreen wipers, height and electric lumbar adjustment for both driver and front passenger seats. The upgraded Arkamys audio system now has six speakers, and two rear-mounted USB-C ports to keep the little ones devices charged.
Sitting at the top of the range, a special Launch Edition stands out with 20-inch Enos alloy wheels and a gold F1 blade, while the interior now has a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, smart rear-view mirror, and around view 3D camera system. This model shares the addition of adaptive cruise control with speed limiter and lane centring, traffic sign recognition with overspeed prevention, blind spot recognition and intervention, rear cross traffic alert with rear automatic braking, and both front and rear park assist with the Techno model.
Power
The EV40 version packs a 130hp motor with 250 Nm of torque or you can opt for the 220hp motor with 300 Nm of torque found in the EV60 versions. all new Megane E-Tech electric takes the joy of driving an electric vehicle to new heights. The compact new motor weighs just 145 kg which is actually 10% less than the previous generation motor found in the Zoe. The battery is just as innovative measuring 110 mm making it the thinnest on the market. This keeps the centre of gravity is lower and you can feel it in the cars agility on back roads. The Megane E-Tech electric is capable of up to 300km EV40 versions on a single charge or 450km for the EV60 model. Recharging can be achieved in a variety of ways including a simple domestic socket, a 7.4 kW Wallbox, public charging stations up to 22 kW, or the DC fast-chargers up to 85 kW (130kW on EV60 versions). If you like a little more performance the EV60 is probably the one to have. The 0-100km/h sprint comes up in just 7.5 seconds and it feels engaging to drive.
Safety
The new Megane E-tech has already garnered a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. There is a comprehensive array of safety and driver assistance systems including distance warning alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking with junction assist including pedestrian and cyclist alerts, cruise control with speed limiter, driver drowsiness alert, emergency lane keeping assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection, hill start assist, and emergency e-call. Techno and above models also have an adaptive cruise control function that works in conjunction with traffic sign recognition to ensure the vehicle can automatically adjust its speed to match the legal speed limit. The range-topping Launch Edition is equipped with a smart rear-view mirror that uses a camera located at the top of the rear window to display a view of the road behind, giving an entirely unobstructed view regardless of passengers or cargo.
Costs
Prices for Irish customers, including the €5,000 SEAI grant, start at €37,495 for EV40 versions and €41,995 for the longer-range EV60 versions. All have various PCP and finance options available through the trusted Renault dealer network. Buyers can also take advantage of a Mobilize Charge Pass which allows access to charge points throughout Ireland, Europe and the UK without the need for multiple charging accounts. The locations of these charging points can be accessed via the OpenR Link or the My Renault app, which shows additional real-time availability, charging capabilities and pricing which is very handy!
Summary
Renault has moved with the times with the new Megane, and the switch to full-electric power makes it easily one of the most desirable electric vehicles currently for sale in Ireland. Living with it for a few days was a pleasure not just in a practical sense for daily usability but also for a more engaging drive than we anticipated. The chassis is refined and softly sprung, but the dampers are just stiff enough to keep the body flat through twisty back roads. It somehow makes light-work of potholes and uneven surfaces even rolling on 20-inch rims! Body roll is minimal also no doubt helped by having the concentrated mass of the battery pack so low down. This is not a car you or your passengers will feel motion sickness in, regardless of the route you take. It feels surefooted and planted at all times and a quality drive whatever the weather. Would we have it over the ID.3 or Cupra Born right now? Well it’s a big question but initial impressions would have us leaning more towards the Renault. The minimalist interior design of the VW products falls short of the Renault but will it manage battery power as good? Well, only time will tell because our three day test drive was short lived and we received the car with a full charge. Watch this space for a week long review where we will be able to draw more comparisons no doubt! Renault’s electric revolution is well and truly under way. The big question is, will you be apart of it?
For
Styling
Interior
440 Litre Boot Space
Against
Not a lot really!
To see our video review of the Renault Megane E-Tech please click here.
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