SPONSORED BY
Before it launched in Australia, the product was completely new Renault Megane electronic technology has been hailed by peers in the UK and Europe as being superior to its competitors.
After more than a week of living with it amidst the hustle and bustle of Sydney, it’s easy to see why this little electric vehicle (in proportion) has received so much applause and praise from enthusiasts. .
In terms of design, it has a strong French style.
With the influx of Chinese electric brands and a slew of Teslas (also made in China) flooding our streets, the Renault Megane E-Tech Techno EV60 – the full model name denoting the battery size – remains one of the few European cars in this segment, alongside the Cupra was born.
Its hatchback-style body and compact proportions are deceiving. That’s why Renault calls the Megane E-Tech a crossover SUV, because both labels seem right here.
There’s plenty of space inside thanks to a flat floor in the second row and a large trunk in the back. There’s no trunk up front (under the hood storage), but there is a separate under-floor compartment for charging cables that’s larger than expected.
The Megane E-Tech is a battery-powered car that boasts sound engineering prowess, especially in terms of ride, handling and driving.
Reassuringly, it’s built on the same dedicated EV platform that underpins Renault’s Alpine performance electric vehicle brand. It rides and handles great, not to mention comfortable to ride over all kinds of bumps and rough roads.
While the styling at both ends exudes an avant-garde look with its low windows and large wheels, the Megane E-Tech also has a fairly conventional look with its hatchback body.
That’s a good thing for anyone looking to make the switch from a traditional combustion engine car to 100% electric mobility for the first time.
Along with the long list of standard kit, there are also some key aesthetic features that I like, including eye-catching lights combined with LED displays (front and rear) when you get close to the car and lights Animated turn signal.
This product also boasts the best auto-extending door handle in the industry thanks to its innovative yet practical design, incorporating a hook at one end to ensure a secure grip.
And for those who subscribe to the ‘there’s no planet B’ book when it comes to climate change, you’ll be pleased to know the Megane E-Tech is over 90% recyclable and includes no less than 28kg of recycled plastic and fabric on the dashboard, centre console and headrests.
This may not seem like a big deal to some, but it is actually a genuine effort to do the right thing, however small it may seem in climate change initiatives.
Climb into the Megane E-Tech and you’ll find one of the more interesting and higher-quality cabins in this relatively affordable electric vehicle category, including recycled fabrics and plastics. For example, the leather-wrapped and contoured steering wheel reminds me of the surprisingly expensive Aston Martin DB12.
It is flattened on both ends but is also tactile and feels good to the touch. There is a manual shift lever, but not for changing gears. Instead, these levers provide four levels of regenerative braking. They can also have an up and down effect like gear ratios if you want more rider involvement.
The combination of stylish leather upholstery with recycled fabric and contrast stitching looks modern and stylish, and the seats are well bolstered but don’t hinder overall comfort in either row.
Kudos to the ergonomics experts who have managed to combine an advanced infotainment system with traditional buttons and switches to make things simple and intuitive for those who First time using an electric car.
This factor alone could be a game changer for some buyers. There’s plenty of good tech, including a large 12.3-inch digital display combined with a 9.0-inch touchscreen with clear and responsive graphics.
And while the previously mentioned ergonomics are on point, there’s also mirroring and wireless (and wired) smartphone charging to help make the user experience stress-free.
The Megane E-Tech also features a multi-sensory system, which allows the driver to set one of four experiences (modes). There’s ambient lighting with a palette of 48 colours to choose from that can be programmed to change colour throughout the day – Renault calls this feature ‘Living Lights’.
Renault has equipped the Megane E-Tech with a long list of luxury features, including 20-inch Soren wheels, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beam function, key card with keyless entry function. ‘walk-away’ key and lock, and a smart rearview mirror that allows the driver to switch between a standard rear view and a wide-angle camera-based view.
Audiophiles will love the Arkamys sound system; Don’t bother with the six speakers because it sounds better than many 12-speaker systems I’ve heard in more expensive cars.
There are also front, rear and side parking sensors, adaptive cruise and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) ensuring a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Before getting into the driver’s seat to experience the powerful takeoff capabilities of electric vehicles, it’s worth noting the ecological sensitivity of manufacturing operations outside the cabin.
Measuring just 110mm, its 60kWh battery is one of the world’s thinnest and is again 99% recyclable.
This same ultra-low profile battery also gives the car a lower center of gravity for flat cornering and good body control, as well as a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
Has excellent adaptability to absorb the harshest shocks without compromising its dexterous handling. This is the standard for this segment.
What’s more, this is one of the lightest electric vehicles we’ve seen in this segment. Constructed mainly of aluminium, it weighs just 1642kg – lighter than its nearest competitor and a key factor in why it’s such a proficient handler.
That’s not something you can say about most electric cars, as most are surprisingly heavy.
Even better, the car manufacturing process has direct environmental benefits. After stamping and cutting the lightweight body panels, all the aluminum scrap is sent back to the supplier for recycling.
Renault calls this a “closed loop” approach to the circular economy in automobile manufacturing.
Dynamically, it’s ahead of the game, performing like its regular petrol-engined Megane predecessors when it comes to power delivery, braking and steering.
Up to that point, the car was capable of driving very quickly with only 2.3 turns of the steering wheel from one lock position to another.
That’s standard supercar spec, and another factor that enhances the driving experience. Not only will the cat-like agility of the car put a smile on your face, but the 10.4m turning radius makes common manoeuvres like three-point turns and U-turns a breeze.
Then there’s the electric motor. It weighs only 145kg and does not contain any rare earth metals. You can’t say that Renault isn’t trying to reduce its environmental impact.
It has enough capabilities. The Megane E-Tech not only accelerates quickly, but it’s also not too fast like many other electric vehicles.
This is possibly the most linear electric bike in its class, offering a more natural pedaling feel with its power delivery, as well as its braking and steering control.
Range is claimed to be 454km on the WLTP test cycle in more economical driving mode, although the 60kWh battery is relatively small.
AC charging at home is suitable for up to 7.4kW while up to 130kW DC can be reached at fast charging stations, so boosting from 15 to 80% capacity takes around 35 minutes and adds around 300km of range.
With prices starting from $54,990 on-roads, the Renault Megane E-Tech is an attractive proposition as one of the most user-friendly EV crossovers in the big city – a car that exudes Stylish yet with precise handling, great steering feel and ease of maneuvering in the tightest of places.
And in fact, nothing evokes Parisian style more than this funky electric multi-purpose vehicle with lots of great technology, making it the ideal vehicle for everyday commuting.
Click on the image to see the full gallery
THAN: Buy a Renault Megane E-Tech
THAN: Everything about Renault Megane E-Tech
