Renault Megane E-tech Car Review

Share This Article

Get the latest industry news
stories into your inbox!

Say hello to…

…the all-electric Renault Megane E-tech, a mid-size family hatchback with an official range of 280 miles and a maximum charging speed of 130kW. The latest Megane is only available as a battery electric vehicle which has allowed the manufacturer to design the car for this sole powertrain. As a result, the car has a look that’s half-way between a traditional hatch and an SUV allowing the French firm to increase the car’s height to successfully hide the battery pack in the car’s floor.

It has also meant a more aerodynamic look to the front end and flush doorhandles.

Excluding the limited edition Launch Edition trim level, Renault is offering the Megane in three trim levels.

Equilibre
Techno
Iconic

Standard kit on the Equilibre includes a 12-inch digital driver display, USB smartphone integration, 9-inch infotainment screen, four USB-C sockets, over the air updates, driving modes, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keeping, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights, auto wipers, keyless entry, climate control, 18-inch alloys and LED headlights.

Techno adds 20-inch alloys, auto high-beam, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, front parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert and a height adjustable passenger seat.

Iconic specification adds leather steering wheel, customisable interior lighting, auto-tilt door mirrors, heat pump and a smart rearview mirror.

Is The Renault Megane E-tech Suitable For My Fleet

With room for five and a decent 440 litre boot, the Megane E-tech is right in fleet’s heartland. The 130kW maximum charging speed also puts a tick in the fleet box. However, the efficiency on our test which included a mix of roads including motorway was only ‘okay’ at 3.1 miles per kWh. With a useable 60kWh battery that equates to a 186 mile range – someway off the official 280 mile claimed figure.

Fleet drivers may want to consider opting for the top-specification Iconic trim which includes a heat pump that would typically improve range.

Renault, as a brand, has been synonymous with first rate safety levels and the Megane is no exception. All trim levels are well equipped in this respect and scores a five-star rating for Euro NCAP.

Leasing A Renault Megane E-tech

Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the Megane for £496 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles per year. Maintenance costs, according to Gensen Reports, are a very competitive £35 a month, while the Class 1A NIC is £8.57 a month.

Driving A Renault Megane E-tech

With almost all the on-paper fleet boxes ticked for criteria such as boot space, equipment levels and charging capability, it’s great to jump into the Renault Megane E-tech and find that it drives well too.

The Megane’s suspension is set up for the perfect combination of comfort and an engaging driving experience. The car feels more agile on twisty roads than most EVs in this class and yet it remains smooth and compliant at the same time; a particular plus given the state of UK roads.

The hatchback also sits quietly and comfortably on motorway runs thanks to well-designed seats with good support in the right places.

The Megane allows drivers to select the amount of energy regeneration when slowing, but doesn’t go as far as offering full one-pedal operation.

Renault uses a Google-based system for its infotainment navigation system which recognises spoken instructions accurately and means its operation is entirely logical too.

If there’s a negative, beyond the discrepancy between official and real-world range, then it’s simply that the charge port is at the front of the car. With reversing into a parking space a good way of reducing low-speed prangs, it’s a shame that when charging you have to drive in forwards. But this is a small thing and the car at the higher trim levels is equipped with rear-traffic alert.

Overall, the Megane E-tech is a very appealing car to drive and live with.

FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Renault Megane E-tech

An impressive all-rounder with strong fleet credentials.