Different sisters. Renault launches a second Mégane, the E-Tech, that is completely zero emissions, which apart from the name has nothing in common with the model launched in the mid-90s and of which the fourth generation circulates. The CMF-EV architecture is unprecedented, the same as the Nissan Ariya, which is about forty centimeters longer. It is no coincidence that the proportions of the E-Tech are different from the conventional Mégane: 4.2 meters in length against the 4.35 of the other sedan. And, of course, the price is different, which starts at € 37,100 when the entry level version arrives and orders will be opened in these weeks. Currently the cheapest version starts at 41,700 euros, but already with 450 kilometers of declared autonomy. At least for some time the two models are destined to coexist because electric vehicles are still out of the reach of many motorists, who also want to have guarantees on autonomy. It is no coincidence that in 2023 a Renault with 600 kilometers of mileage will make its debut on the same platform. The one declared for the Mégane E-Tech reaches 470 kilometers in the professional version (which can also be ordered by private individuals), which is narrower than one centimeter and enhances efficiency by mounting the less powerful version of the electric unit (130 Hp) and the battery bigger. Approval in the WLTP cycle starts at 300 kilometers with the 40 kWh accumulator and grows by over 50% with the 60 kWh accumulator.
Raffaele Fusilli, the first Italian to manage the national branch of the transalpine group, speaks of 3,000 expressions of interest in the beautiful country: the number of contracts will however depend on government incentives. More generally, the manager also anticipates a group order book that covers the first four months of 2022.
The other variant of the zero-emission engine is close to 220 hp and in the best of configurations it has an acceleration from 0 to 100 of 7.4 seconds. To optimize space – the trunk starts with 440 liters of capacity – the engineers opted for front-wheel drive, moving everything you need on the same axis. The batteries, “the thinnest on the market”, assures the transalpine manufacturer, are mounted under the floor helping to lower the car’s center of gravity.
The Mégane E-Tech is a sedan inspired by crossovers: it has interesting lines that for Fusilli return to “fall in love” with motorists. The manager adds that this car opens a new era, different from that of the “technocrats and costocrats”.
The double and functional 12 ” screen inserted behind the steering wheel and to the driver’s side (in this case it is 9 ” as standard) in the shape of an inverted “L” is easy to use, just as it is intuitive and simple to use. four-level system for regenerating braking energy. The steering is very direct and precise: by setting the Sport mode, one of the four provided by the Multi-Sense system, the reactions of the car change a lot. Those who focus on the autonomous must choose the Eco option, which anesthetizes the car but allows you to increase its distance. Pleasant to drive and comfortable to live in, it offers good visibility despite a somewhat coupé profile. Those who occupy the rear seats have no problems of habitability, except for the usual central passenger.
After 131 kilometers, with a very lively route and almost no stopping and restarting, 177 of autonomy remain out of an initial total of 345. All in the face of a guide that is almost totally respectful of the environment: just 51% of positivity informs the on-board computer. The battery has a rather reassuring 56% remaining capacity. With a less ripped drive and with the almost “hospital” Eco option you can do much, much better.
The 8-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty also includes roadside assistance in the event of an “energy breakdown” with towing or recharging on site.
RENAULT MÉGANE E-TECH – the factsheet
What is that: it is the first Renault model built on the new platform of the CMF-EV Alliance, ie the one for electric vehicles in the “higher” segment. The architecture makes it possible to develop cars with dimensions between 420 and 480 centimeters. With the fourth generation of the Mégane powered by conventional engines it shares only the name.
Dimensions: length 4.21 meters, width 1.78, height 1.50, pitch 2.68
Rivals: Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Hyundai Kona
Engines: the Mégane E-Tech is front-wheel drive only and is available with a single engine whose powers range from 130 or 218 Hp with torques of 250 and 300 Nm and a maximum speed of 150 and 160 km / h, depending on the size of the battery
Advantages: steering, luggage compartment capacity, ergonomic screens
Defects: sliding seat only manually, internal rear-view mirror with integrated camera (smart rear view mirror), on request
Production: Douai (France)
Prices: starting from 37,100 for the version with the 40 kWh 130 Hp battery and the AC22 + DC85 charging system, orders for which will be opened in these weeks. For the more performance version, the EV60 from 218 AC22 + DC130, you need 4,000 euros more. The set-ups are Equilibre, Techno and Iconic, to which the two professional ones are added. With the Renault Future Value formula, the top of the Techno EV60 range can be had with 300 euros per month and an initial installment of around 20% of the list price.