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2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric review: First time driving


The most predictable thing about Renault always its unpredictability, but this fifth generation Megane takes it to the next level as it not only ditches the internal combustion engine for two electric powertrains, but it really doesn’t differ from the old model beyond its badge.

Megane’s four previous incarnations were all quite different, from the commuter hatch to the convertible to the engraved RS Cup on the Nurburgring, but this is by far its biggest deviation.

The new one Megane E-Tech Electric using the CMF-V platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance will also be available in Nissan Ariya, as well as a high-performance Alpine crossover coupe. Each type will have many distinct features to make a difference.

Battery technology also differs from Ariya and possibly Alpine, with Korean company LG Chem offering the thinnest battery in the business: just 110mm tall, compared to 140mm for most others and 170mm for Renault Zoe. This makes it 60mm lower than the Zoe at 1.5m tall with a wheelbase of 2.7m.

How much does Renault Megane E-Tech Electric cost?

The Megane E-Tech Electric will be here sometime in 2023although Renault Australia is still working on exact local times, prices and specifications.

It will be aimed at VW’s ID.3 globally, as Renault moves closer to becoming an EV-only company in Europe, at least by 2030. Other competitors include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV.

It is believed that the Megane E-Tech Electric will drop the price from about $55,000 to $60,000 before shipping costs.

You get what?

The local Renault distributor is still locking down the specs for our market.

With that in mind, European models will offer a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 12-inch vertically oriented central infotainment touchscreen, while “recycled and unusual materials “will take inspiration from home interiors.

A wide range of upholstery fabrics and trims is offered in Europe depending on the variant, including textiles, Alcantara and imitation leather. In midsize and midsize cars in the European market, the seat covers are made from 100% recycled materials.

There will also be ‘Nuo’ wooden inserts in the premium models, made from real wood. Thin lime wood planks are bonded to a cotton woven backing using an eco-friendly adhesive, then laser irradiated. This is the first time this material has been used in a production vehicle.

The LED headlights and taillights stand out on the outside, with an interesting sequence of starting when the owner approaches with the key. Dynamic indicators will also be provided.

Finally, a full suite of active safety and driver assistance systems will be available, and we expect most if not all to come as standard.

Is Renault Megane E-Tech Electric safe?

Although not currently rated by ANCAP, Megane E-Tech was recently awarded Euro NCAP five-star safety rating with data mark 2022.

The electric crossover scored 85% on adult protection, 88% on child protection, 65% on vulnerable road users and 79% on safety assistance.

Euro NCAP notes “improved body and safety systems, as well as strong performance from advanced driver assistance systems such as AEB” by Megane E-Tech.

Given the full Euro NCAP scorecards are in place, we expect ANCAP to implement these ratings when Megane E-Tech lands in local showrooms.

What’s inside the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric?

Immediately upon opening the door, you are amazed by the smart, welcoming interior space, which sets a new standard for the French automaker.

Despite having a 12-inch Android-based infotainment screen in portrait orientation, it doesn’t feel dominated by finger-marked glass panels as there are also lots of old-fashioned physical buttons.

Yes, it’s an Android-based interface, but the dual-screen layout integrates Apple CarPlay, and Renault is the first mainstream manufacturer to use Google’s Automotive operating system, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Play, making Almost every function becomes instantly familiar. Polestar and Volvo have already implemented this software in the premium segments.

As you would expect for a measured vehicle 4199mm with one 2685mm In terms of wheelbase, it’s generously helped by placing the air conditioning unit out the front allowing the dashboard to be moved further forward.

And, while the slim battery offers more valuable interior space, it still fits snugly in the back and makes it hard to slip your foot under the front seats.

Space needs to be considered carefully compared to other EVs, as while there’s no ‘frunk’, it does have a huge rear trunk with trunk for cables and loads of space between the front seats. That said, Renault has yet to release official launch metrics.

What’s under the bonnet?

More than most other EVs – here’s the bottom line – because everything is front-loaded, which means no storage space as the entire powertrain includes the motor, 12V battery, system cooling and air conditioning, all located under the bonnet.

The Renault-built electrically excited synchronous motor uses no magnets to improve smoothness during acceleration, while also cutting down on the use of rare metals.

The two powertrains include a 96kW / 250Nm mating pattern with a 40kWh Battery and model tested are 165kW / 300Nm optionally with a 60kWh the battery.

Renault says the battery units are all 30% smaller than the unit in the Zoe and 10% lighter at 145kg. It is yet to be confirmed whether Australia will get both or just the more powerful 60kWh version.

The smaller of the two will return 300 km range, with 60kWh tested here providing 470km scope and a 7.4 seconds 0-100 time. Top speed for high spec powertrains tuned 160km/h.

LG Chem used nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide but managed to reduce the amount of cobalt needed, using more nickel for the liquid-cooled device instead.

Both batteries are spread on a single layer with the smaller unit housing eight modules of 24 cells each, while the larger 60kWh pack crams in 12 modules with 24 cells each. Renault says the setup is about 40% smaller than comparable batteries, allowing for a lower ride height and reduced body roll.

While there are still plenty of boxes to tick when it comes to Australian specs, Renault offers an eight-year warranty on the battery, which it will replace free of charge if its usable capacity falls below 70%.

The 60kWh battery can be charged with a 130kW DC fast charge, giving you over 300km of range (WLTP) in 30 minutes, while the 7.4kW home charger can do the job in just over 9 hours .

How does the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric drive?

With the magnetless motor, you enjoy smoother acceleration with carpet-like departures, aided by some excellent sound insulation that cancels out virtually any road noise despite the 20-inch rims on our test car.

Like the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona and a few others, the Megane E-Tech offers single-pedal steering with maximum regeneration when you hit the gas, almost bringing the car to a complete stop.

The gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel adjust regenerative braking through four stages, and after a bit of testing, it almost behaves like using conventional gears.

I kept it on max regen for city slogs, but found myself switching between modes on my way back into the countryside as a gearbox to increase regen into brake areas to slow down. degrees and drip energy back to the battery, then drain the regen in a straight line to fly faster.

At 1624kg for the 60kWh model and just 1550kg for the lower-spec version, the Megane E-Tech is lighter than 2050kg for the VW ID.4 and 2000kg for the Tesla Y, so it works. like a regular ICE in the corners.

Its center of gravity is 90mm closer to the ground, keeping the car flat in corners, thanks to the help of a multi-link rear suspension.

Our drive had rain, which caused a negative in getting 300Nm of torque going through the front wheels.

The traction devices worked overtime, and even on a straight up hill, the front wheels rotated up over the dents while generating force from tight angles that required a feather-like technique.

Click on the image to see the entire gallery

THAN: Everything Renault Megane





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