since 1976
since 1976
From Renault Press Release
The New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid expands the choice of electrified versions in the model range, complementing the existing Sports Tourer version that is available with the advanced powertrain.
The new arrival combines superior efficiency with responsive performance. The New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid achieves highly impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions without any impact on acceleration or drivability.
When combined with the other hybrid and 100 per cent electric vehicles in the Renault passenger car range, the addition of the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid means Renault now offers an electrified option to suit everyone.
Customers will be able to choose from two well-equipped trim levels – the Iconic E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid 160 Auto and the sporty R.S. Line E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid 160 Auto. The extensive standard specification includes the addition of the EASY LINK navigation and infotainment system, plus a host of advanced driver assistance systems and features that enhance convenience and safety.
The New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid is priced from £29,495 on the road.
EXTERIOR
With its distinctive signature LED lighting, clean lines and defined features, the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid is a highly attractive proposition in every sense.
Whether customers opt for the elegant Iconic or the sporty R.S. Line specification, the new hybrid truly stands out amongst its rivals.
The sophisticated appearance of the Iconic is generated by such standard features as its C-shaped LED daytime running lights, 16-inch ‘Impulse’ diamond-cut alloy wheels finished in subtle Slate Grey, chrome detailing on the door handles and tinted windows. The glass of the rear doors and tailgate is even darker for optimum style and comfort.
The R.S. Line version provides the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid with a distinctive look that hints at its responsive performance. It sets off the smooth five-door hatchback design with exclusive body-coloured R.S. Line bumpers and 17-inch ‘MONTHLERY’ diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Both versions also highlight their efficiency-enhancing hybrid drivetrain with the addition of discreet E-Tech badging on the B-pillar and tailgate.
As with the rest of the Megane range, the new hybrid version features a handsfree key card that unlocks the vehicle on approach, and automatically locks when the driver leaves the vehicle, with no need to touch the door handle.
Customers can choose from 10 different body colours, including Flame Red, Iron Blue and Titanium Grey.
INTERIOR
Inside, the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid offers a unique space and cockpit that combines refinement, sophistication and technology, while also offering all the space that a family requires to travel in complete comfort.
In addition to seating for five, the interior offers 308 litres of boot space (extending to over 1,200 litres when the standard 60:40 split rear seat is fully lowered). Occupants also enjoy the convenience of front and rear electric windows, the EASY LINK infotainment system and a choice of eight ambient lighting colours via the standard MULTI-SENSE system.
There’s also no missing the new hybrid’s all-electric capability thanks to the addition of the EV mode button on the dashboard and E-Tech badge on the flying centre console with e-shifter gear selector.
The Iconic has a leather steering wheel, brushed aluminium finish on the instrument panel and door panels and Black Velvet trim.
The R.S. Line adds extra sportiness to the elegant interior. The R.S. Line specification includes the R.S leather steering wheel, gear lever gaiter with red-top stitching and R.S Line dashboard and trim, while the front seats are Sport items with built-in headrests. All the seats are covered in R.S. Line Black fabric upholstery with distinctive red stitching.
Together with the EASY LINK infotainment and navigation system, comfort is further enhanced with both versions also benefiting from automatic dual zone climate control as part of the standard specification.
POWERTRAINS AND DRIVING
Renault’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain technology has been developed using knowledge gained from the company’s long and storied participation in Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motorsport. The subject of more than 150 patents, the technology now forms the backbone of Renault’s comprehensive electrification strategy.
In the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid, the technology uses an efficient, naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors. The main e-motor produces 65hp while a smaller secondary motor serves as a high-voltage starter and generator, together delivering an extra 205Nm of torque when required.
The system switches imperceptibly between petrol and electric power as road conditions dictate, and with the hybrid technology automatically selecting the most efficient use of power, the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is able to achieve fuel economy of up to 235.4mpg (WLTP) while emitting only 28g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
ENGINE |
POWER (hp) |
TORQUE (Nm) |
TOP SPEED (mph) |
0-62mph (secs) |
MPG |
CO2 EMISSIONS (g/km) |
E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto
|
Petrol: 90 |
Petrol: 148 @ 5,600rpm |
109 |
9.4 |
235.4 |
28 |
However, this efficiency is not delivered at the cost of performance. Should the driver demand it, the hybrid powertrain can deliver a combined output of 160hp, making it more powerful than the previous diesel and petrol-only variants, and capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in just 9.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 109mph.
The powertrain’s responsiveness, delivered in part thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque characteristics, are maintained by an innovative six-speed automatic gearbox with a ‘dog-clutch’ mechanism that seamlessly transitions between electric and petrol hybrid power, while preserving the smooth driving experience expected of an automatic transmission.
The hybrid system starts out in electric mode, ensuring not only a smoother, more refined start to the journey but also maximising efficiency while driving in an urban environment. Drivers can switch between hybrid and pure electric power via the EV mode button on the dashboard.
With a 30-mile (WLTP) electric-only range thanks to its generous 9.8kWh lithium-ion battery, the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is capable of completing most of today’s typical journeys entirely on electric power alone. When convenient, the battery can be recharged from 0% to 100% in only three hours using a Type 2 charger.
During braking and deceleration, the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost is recovered by the generator and returned to the battery, ensuring that the system operates as efficiently as possible and maximises the available level of charge within the battery. Drivers can elect to increase the level of regeneration by engaging B (Brake) Mode via the gear selector, in a similar way that a driver might downshift when descending a hill to increase engine braking.
The New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid benefits from over 10 years of Renault’s experience with electric vehicles, and most notably from the multi-award winning all-electric Zoe. It also comes with the added reassurance of an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
TECHNOLOGY
Complementing the New Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid’s advanced powertrain is an extensive array of cutting-edge driver assistance systems and a state-of-the-art infotainment package.
All New Megane E-Tech models are equipped with an electronic parking brake, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), and Understeer Control Logic (UCL).
Joining this comprehensive line-up of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are features designed to make every day driving easier, including cruise control with speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors, and Renault’s Visio system that incorporates lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam headlights.
R.S. Line models are further equipped with the Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), a rear parking camera, and hands-free parking, assisting drivers into parallel, oblique and bay parking spaces, all as standard.
This impressive specification can be expanded, depending on model, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and Renault’s popular Traffic Jam Companion that includes Stop & Go and Lane Centering.
Rounding out the New Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid’s safety credentials are a full suite of airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors in the outer rear seats.
The New Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid features Renault’s EASY LINK infotainment and navigation system as standard, its crisp display and high-resolution graphics providing access to a wide range of functionality including a choice of driver profiles and various online services. Over-the-air software updates ensure those functions are set to expand over time, all delivered without the need to visit a dealership.
Both models provide two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, accessible through its 7-inch touchscreen display. In the R.S. Line, drivers and passengers can enjoy accessing these features through an even larger 9.3-inch touchscreen.
Iconic and R.S. Line models both benefit from a clear and crisp 10-inch TFT cluster display, enhancing the level of easily accessible information with minimal distraction. Fully customisable to suit the driver’s own preferences, in addition to key vehicle information such as speed and fuel economy, a full-screen 3D navigation mode is also available.
Renault’s MULTI-SENSE, meanwhile, offers the choice of three driving modes, each subtly altering the New Megane’s character and powertrain responses: Pure is the default mode on start-up and favours using the electric motor, engaging the petrol engine at higher speeds or when the battery charge level requires it; MySense optimises hybrid running to achieve lower running costs, switching between petrol and electric power as necessary; Sport mode engages full petrol and electric power to provide the most responsive drive.
A further E-Save setting preserves the current battery level for later use, perhaps when driving in urban areas, for example. Each driving mode adjusts not only the throttle response, steering weight, and driver’s display theme to suit, but also introduces a matching colour theme to the cabin’s ambient lighting.
All of the New Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid models feature full LED headlights, projecting a bright and consistent beam that makes driving at night easier and less tiring on the driver’s eyes, while C-shaped LED daytime running lights offer a distinctive light signature to other road users.
UK SPECIFICATIONS
The New Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is available in two distinct models, each with a high standard specification.
The New Megane E-Tech Iconic is distinguished by its 16-inch IMPULSE alloy wheels with sophisticated diamond-cut finish, while the hands-free key card makes climbing aboard easy.
Once inside, the electronic parking brake offers not just added convenience but frees up cabin space, while the frameless rear-view mirror adds an appealing touch of class as well as a wider field of view. Drivers grip a finely crafted leather steering wheel with fingertip audio controls, while the 10-inch TFT Driver’s Display offers a clear view of the car’s core functions.
All models are equipped with a range of driver assistance systems including front and rear parking sensors, hill start assist, cruise control with speed limiter, and Renault’s Visio system incorporating lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam headlights.
MULTI-SENSE provides drivers with a choice of driving modes, while a dedicated EV mode button gives drivers full control over the responses of the advanced E-Tech plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Renault’s EASY-LINK Navigation and infotainment system delivers DAB reception, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability through its intuitive 7-inch colour touchscreen.
R.S. Line models expand on the Iconic’s already generous standard specification with the addition of a rear parking camera, hands-free parking, and Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS).
From the outside, R.S. Line models stand out thanks to their larger 17-inch MONTHLERY alloy wheels with diamond-cut finish, sporty R.S. Line body-coloured front and rear bumpers, and R.S. Line badging.
Inside, R.S. Line black fabric upholstery with contrasting red stitching complements the R.S. Line dashboard trim, R.S.-badged leather steering wheel, and R.S. Line chrome door sill plates. Black Alcantara and leather seats are also available for the full R.S. experience.
Rounding out the R.S. Line upgrades is a boost to the EASY-LINK infotainment system with a larger 9.3-inch colour touchscreen.
