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
(WLTP) |
CO2 EMISSIONS (g/km) |
| E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto | Petrol: 90 Motor: 65 Total: 160 |
Petrol: 148 @ 5,600rpm
Motors: 205 @ 2,283rpm |
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.
GRADE WALK
New Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid Iconic:
Safety and driving
- ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Emergency Brake Assist
- Electronic parking brake
- Hill Start Assist
- Eco mode
- Gear shift indicator
- Airbags – Curtain front and rear
- Airbags – Deactivation of front passenger (for use with child seats)
- Airbags – Driver’s two stage auto -adaptive
- Airbags – Front lateral
- Airbags – Front passenger’s two stage adaptive airbag
- Indicators with side repetitions
- Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers
- Cruise control with speed limiter
- ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with ASR (Anti-Skid Regulation) and UCL (understeer logic control)
- Visio System (lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high/low beam)
- Front Fog lights
- Front and rear towing rings
- Signature C-shaped LED daytime running lights
- Full LED headlights
- ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on rear outer seats
- Power assisted steering
- Front and Rear Parking sensors
- Seats – height adjustable front seatbelts with double pretensioners
- Side impact protection bars
- Tyre Inflation Kit
- Tyre Pressure Monitor
- Anti-drill door locks and ignition barrel
- R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti Intruder Device) auto closure >6mph
- Superlocking
- Insurance approved (Category 1) alarm system and immobiliser
Exterior
- 16-inch IMPULSE diamond cut alloy wheels
- Door mirrors – Body coloured shell
- Door mirrors – Electrically adjustable, heated and folding
- Door handles – Body coloured
Interior
- EV mode button
- Heated rear screen
- Electric front and rear windows
- Extra tinted rear windows and tailgate with heating function
- ICONIC Black cloth upholstery
- Height and lumbar adjustable driver seat
- Fully adjustable front and rear headrests
- Height adjustable front seat belts
- 3-point inertia reel seatbelts
- 3-seat rear bench with 60:40 split folding seats
- Front centre armrest with storage
- Glovebox
- 10-inch TFT driver information display
- Adjustable dashboard illumination
- Low fuel level warning light
- Oil level gauge
- Exterior temperature indicator
- Rear seat belt undone audible alert
- Driver and passenger seat belt undone warning audible alert
- Door / Boot open warning light
- Frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Keycard – hands free
- Automatic Dual Zone climate control with air recirculation facility and pollen filter
- Heating ducts to the feet of the rear passengers
- MULTI-SENSE: 3 driving modes and 8 ambient lighting colours
- Interior courtesy light controlled by all 4 doors
- Driver and front passenger reading lights
- Rear courtesy lights
- Illuminated luggage compartment (on opening of boot)
- Leather steering wheel, Rake and reach adjustable
- Sun visor with mirror with light
Entertainment
- Fingertip audio system remote control
- 2 x USB Slots at the rear
- 4 x 35W speakers with 3D sound
- 7-inch EASY LINK touchscreen with Navigation: 4x20W amplifier +FM DAB double tuner, sound auditorium, 2 x USB, 1 x Jack / Bluetooth, smartphone integration plus: Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
New Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid R.S. Line (in addition to Iconic):
Safety and driving
- Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS)
- Rear parking camera
- Hands free parking
Exterior
- 17-inch MONTHLERY diamond cut alloy wheels
- Front body coloured R.S. Line bumper
- Rear body coloured R.S. Line bumper
Interior
- R.S. Line Black fabric upholstery with red stitching
- R.S. Badging
- R.S. Line Dashboard and Trim
- Chrome door sill plates – ‘R.S. Line’
- R.S. Leather steering wheel
Entertainment
- 9.3-inch EASY LINK touchscreen with Navigation: 4x20W amplifier +FM DAB double turner, sound auditorium, 2 x USB, 1 x Jack / Bluetooth, smartphone integration plus: Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
PRICING
| MODEL | BIK (2021/2022) | BASIC PRICE | VAT 20% | TOTAL RETAIL PRICE | VED YEAR 1 | DELIVERY CHARGE | REGISTRATION FEE | OTR PRICE |
| Iconic E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto |
11% | £23,995 | £4,800 | £28,795 | £0 | £645 | £55 | £29,495 |
| R.S. Line E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto | 11% | £25,663 | £5,132 | £30,795 | £0 | £645 | £55 | £31,495 |
TECHNICAL DATA
| E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto | |
| Engine type | Petrol Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Maximum power (hp) | Petrol: 90 @ 5,600rpm
Electric: 65 @ 7,000rpm |
| Maximum torque (Nm) | Petrol: 148 @ 5,600rpm
Electric: 205 @ 2,283rpm |
| Gearbox | Six-speed automatic |
| Displacement (cm3) | 1,598 |
| Number of cylinders/valves | 4/16 |
| Tyre dimensions | 205 / 55 R16
205 / 50 R17 225 / 40 R18 |
| Voltage (V) | 400 |
| Capacity (kWh) | 9.8 |
| Top speed (km/h) mph | 175 / 109 |
| 0-62mph (s) | 9.4 |
| Standing kilometre (s) | 30.9 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 28 |
| Combined cycle (mpg) | 235.4 |
| Fuel tank (l) | 39 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1,599 |
| Gross vehicle weight (GVW) (kg) | 2,060 |
| Gross train weight (GTW) (kg) | 2,810 |
| Max. braked towing weight (kg) | 750 |
DIMENSIONS
| DIMENSIONS | Mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 |
| Overall length | 4,358 |
| Interior length | 1,728 |
| Front overhang | 918 |
| Rear overhang | 770 |
| Front / rear bumper angle in degrees unladen | 14/26 |
| Front track | 1,591 |
| Rear track | 1,586 |
| Overall width without/with door mirrors | 1,858/2,058 |
| Unladen height without/with longitudinal roof bars | 1,452 |
| Unladen height with tailgate open | 2,053 |
| Lift in height unladen | 759 |
| Ground clearance unladen | 141 |
| Ground clearance with max. load | 113 |
| Approach angle at max. load | 13 |
| Ramp angle at max. loads | – |
| Departure angle at max. load | 22 |
| Front elbow width | 1,492 |
| Rear elbow width | 1,420 |
| Front shoulder width | 1,441 |
| Rear shoulder width | 1,390 |
| Knee room in 2nd row | 177 |
| Headroom 1st row (front seats) Standard roof/Panoramic roof | 886/854 |
| Headroom 2nd row (rear seats) Standard roof/Panoramic roof | 861/861 |
| DIMENSIONS | Litres |
| Boot volume without extra storage (L) | 292 |
| Minimum boot volume (L) | 308 |
| Maximum boot volume (L) | 1,202 |
| Storage space under floor (L) | 16 |
| Maximum load length on floor level/bottom level, without seats folded down/with seats folded down | 754/1,573 |
| Rear opening height | 544 |
| Rear opening width upper, max., lower | 1,079/904 |
| Interior width between wheel arches | 1,021 |
| Boot height under parcel shelf on floor level/on bottom level | 450 |
| Boot height under liner | 688 |
| Ford depth level (mm) | 400 |
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
All new Renault cars are covered by a five-year warranty. It features an unlimited mileage limit in the first two years and up to 100,000 miles in the remaining three. E-Tech models are covered by an additional eight-year and 100,000-mile traction battery warranty for extra peace of mind.
MANUFACTURING
The Megane is built at Renault’s Palencia plant in Spain – a site that Renault has been building cars at since 1978. The Megane is constructed alongside the popular Kadjar SUV, with 85-90% of the vehicles manufactured exported to more than 50 countries around the world. Palencia is an integral part of Renault’s international reach.
Both Kadjar and Megane models are based on the Alliance CMF architecture. The CMF architecture allows a wide variety of cars of different sizes to be created using a common basket of out-of-view parts, bringing cost reductions which can be passed on to customers in the form of increased content at attractive prices.
MEGANE HISTORY
1995
Launch of the first generation Megane, in hatchback and coupé body styles, replacing the Renault 19.
1996
The Megane range is expanded with the launch of the Scenic and convertible models.
1997
The Megane Classic saloon joins the model line-up, and the Megane Scenic is voted European Car of the Year.
1998
Launch of the Megane estate. Manufacturing output reaches 3,400 a day and the model becomes Europe’s best-selling car, a position it holds, unchallenged, until 2004.
1999
Megane is awarded a four-star Euro NCAP rating, making it the safest car in its market segment.
2000
Scenic production tops 1,000,000. Scenic captures 80% of segment sales in France, and 65% throughout Europe.
2002
Launch of Megane II hatch and Sport Hatch models. Megane hatch is awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating – the first car in its class to achieve this accolade.
2003
Launch of Scenic II, Grand Scenic, Coupé-Cabriolet, saloon and estate, completing a seven-model line-up. Megane II voted European Car of the Year. Megane production totals 4.725 million between 1995 and 2003, of which some 1.3 million were Scenic versions.
2004
Megane Coupé-Cabriolet becomes the first car in its class to be awarded a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating. Megane II range production surpasses one million after just 20 months on sale. Megane Trophy race car debuts at Paris Motor Show with 3.5-litre V6 320hp engine.
2005
Between 2002 and 2005, some 2.32 million Megane II variants are sold, of which 50% are Scenic II models.
2006
Launch of facelifted Megane II at Brussels Motor Show in January, available in five body types – Hatch, Sport Hatch, Sport Saloon, Sport Tourer and Coupé-Cabriolet. Three new engines added: 1.5 dCi 86, 106 and 2.0 dCi 150. Range expansion continues with launch of GT Sport Hatch and hatch in October, followed by Renaultsport R26 F1 Team 230.
2007
World unveil of Megane Renaultsport dCi 175 range.
2008
The Megane Coupé Concept is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The production version of Megane III hatch and coupé debuts at the Paris Motor Show in October.
2009
All-New Megane Coupé UK sales begin in January. The 1.4 TCe 130 and 2.0 dCi 150 Auto FAP engines are added in June 2009.
2010
Renaultsport-inspired GT and GT-Line versions added to the range in June. The line-up is completed with the introduction in the same month of the Coupé-Cabriolet. At the same time Renault also introduces its all new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission with the 1.5 dCi FAP engine.
Sep 2013
Facelifted Megane III makes world debut at Frankfurt Motor Show.
Dec 2013
Ordering opens for the facelifted Megane III range alongside the introduction of new brand identity, 1.2 TCe 130 EDC engine and R-LINK infotainment system.
2014
Megane 275 Trophy-R sets the Nürburgring lap record for a front wheel drive production car.
Sep 2014
GT 220 models added to the range.
Sep 2015
Megane IV makes its global debut at Frankfurt Motor Show, based on new CMF architecture.
Nov 2015
Megane IV is awarded five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
2016
Megane IV is launched in European markets.
Dec 2016
Megane Sport Tourer introduced.
May 2018
New EasyLife trim levels – Play, Iconic and GT Line – introduced.
2019
Megane R.S. Trophy sets new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car at the famous Nürburgring in Germany.
2020
Facelifted Megane model release as it celebrates 25th anniversary and includes first ever Plug-in Hybrid model with the Megane Sport Tourer.
The New Renault Megane Hatch E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is available to order now, with first deliveriestaking place in September 2021. Prices start from £29,495 OTR.
Related posts
RENAULT TO ELECTRIFY CHRISTMAS WITH #SOSBATTERY
RENAULT ANNOUNCES UK PRICING FOR NEW GENERATION PETROL ENGINE ON SCÉNIC AND GRAND SCÉNIC
2018 MODEL YEAR RENAULT ZOE PRICING AND UK SPECIFICATION ANNOUNCED
HONDA AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: HYBRID, ELECTRIC AND SPORT
RENAULT UNVEILS A NEW GENERATION PETROL ENGINE – TO LAUNCH FIRST ON SCÉNIC AND GRAND SCÉNIC
HOT HATCH CABBIE USES FORD FOCUS RS
READERS VOTE FOR THEIR FAVOURITE HOT HATCH OF ALL TIME AHEAD OF AUTOCAR AWARDS 2018
RENAULT CELEBRATES 120 YEARS OF ‘EASY LIFE’ MOTORING
