NEW Renault Megane E-Tech review: confusing but brilliant

The Renault Megane has morphed into a crossover-style hatchback, and it's one of the best ever.

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The Renault Megane is one of those cars that have become part of the establishment within the automotive landscape. The name is among the most recognisable in the family car class, having been on our roads since 1995; only the Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Vauxhall Astra are longer-serving badges in this segment.

It’s a big deal, then, when a new Megane comes out. It’s an even bigger deal when the car that Renault releases represents such a radical departure from what went before it. And despite what you might think when you see the dramatic new crossover’s proportions, we’re not talking about the design. That’s because the most significant change here is that the fifth-generation Megane is all-electric.

Under the skin, it uses the CMF-EV platform, which is the same tech as our Car of The Year, the Nissan Ariya. However, the Megane uses a different motor, made in France by Renault, which in UK-spec models produces a healthy 217bhp. There are no rare earth metals in the motor, and when that’s combined with the 20kg of recycled material that’s used in every Megane – including plastic bottles for the seat upholstery – the car’s sustainability credentials are boosted. But has the Megane's electric transition been a success? Nicola Hume finds out.

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[SustainableGal]

The brake pedal makes perfect sense. When you have regen set to minimum, the pedals up, so as you press it down further it increases regen (in proportion to how hard you press down). So when regen is set to full, its already depressed all they way just before it starts engaging the brake pads on the disks. Meaning all 'braking' to a creep is done by regen, no matter where you set it. Stopping is achieved by then pushing down harder to start engaging the brake pads

[jonathantaylor]

"He didn't even thank me...!"
Oh Nicola - I am on your side with that...!
The lack of courtesy with some drivers (actually, MOST drivers... 😠) nowadays is absolutely disgraceful.
A simple wave costs nothing but means everything.
Well done for keeping your composure, too - I think I'd have uttered a few bleeped-out expletives...!! 😉

[nathanb]

Renault really know how to make great looking cars 😃

[Paris__]

I've had my Iconic in White with Black roof for 7weeks now. I've driven it on long journeys, and when driven carefully on Eco, I get between 280-302 miles range (although don't go above 57-59mph😉).
What really helps is that, unlike almost every other EV, the Megane doesn't affect it's range when the blowers/heaters are on, as the power doesn't come out of the EV batteries. It comes out of the car's normal 12v battery (like it does on a ICE car). Only the AC does.
But don't forget, the Megane is one of the lightest EV's on sale (lighter than a Zoe). Helped by aluminum and Carbon Fibre construction. Only the Mini and Fiat 500 are lighter.
Plus don't care anout rear visability. It has a wide-angle rear view mirror camera....Brilliant!!
Plus Google is fantastic! You cannot beat phone tech! It's the most up-to-date around, constantly updated.

[peterproctor-noone]

Nicola, the problem with having the charging point like the Zoe, is that a bit of a bump head on and you can’t charge your car!😢 Enjoyed the review as always. 😊

[alanwayte]

Physical climate controls ❤❤❤excellent review

[wozza]

My wife and I really enjoyed this review. The presenter was excellent and certainly made us chuckle.

[wainerollins]

I can't remember the last time I saw Renault Mégane of any kind.
That's a shame because this current one looks great.

[robsmitha]

I think the charge point to the side more sensible because a minor front end knock could easily damage a charge point at the front.

[Kangaroo_Caught]

A better review than many I have watched.

[anthonystevens]

So I guess when we draw up to a car in front that is turning left onto an empty road but stays at a standstill for ages there may be a chance it's Nicola enjoying the indicator sounds. The regen braking sounds odd, take your foot off the sparks and it slows to a creep, what if there are no creeps around? You could go miles out of your way. Joking aside I like this car, the proper climate controls at last, good on you Renault. The point about the MG is valid though. My car was at the dealers for a service yesterday and while I waited I had a wander around an Enyaq, I got in the front and right away you could feel the higher floor, even more so in the rear seats so the SUV style makes total sense as you mention Nicola. Thanks for sharing.

[ResfeberBear]

I have an MG4. It is a disaster. Horrible software, bad support, annoying tech, and absolute lies in the options (I know the difference between auto wipers and intermittent wipers). So many things have gone wrong and I am returning it and getting a Megane.

[bricktop]

Quite an excellent review. But again it is the elephant in the room...the MG4.

Not the current Trophy model MG4, but the 400 HP all wheel drive sports model coming out this then again, the answer to that baby is the Renault 5 relaunch as an EV....could get a tad interesting...

I had the Megane E-Tech for a few hours and it was brilliant. Renault are killing it with design and build quality. Teh suspension was smooth over speed bumps and potholes and it is quite quick.
I thought it would be my next car. Until I stepped back in to my current car, I then realised the Megane is a normal, low car.
It is not an SUV and I do like to sit quite high.

[famengholm]

Very nice and relaxed review and I quite agree... ALWAYS thank when someone is helping you in traffic!

[Paris__]

A wonderful review by a superb motoring journalist who has taken all the essence of a car, and distilled it into what makes it great! Well done.
I've ordered a top-spec Uk Iconic (with that essential heat pump). It was a straight choice between the Renault and the Tesla Model 3 (forget the contest!
The 'sterile', boring and poorly made Tesla is now looking so dated, and the tech is so 'yesterday'.
And on the 0-60 claim of 7.5 seconds, is actually 6.9 (the same as a Mini Cooper typically French, downplaying it. Unlike the over-exaggerating Italians 😂 .
A brilliant touch going to the experts for the tech, Google, constantly done Renault!

[StarLuna]

I’ve had my ID.3 for 15 months now and have never, not even once, had any issues with the infotainment screen! It respondes immediately and even though I’ve heard so many people complain about the volume/heater slider switch, I’ve never used it! The voice command works every time, but I don’t use that very often. Why? Because the volume control button is on the steering wheel and the temperature, heated seat and heated steering wheel control is on the Home Screen so easily accessible.

[andy]

word to the wise... having your charge point on your car at the front can be beneficial unless you have a front shunt - then you may not be able to charge your vehicle or you're the kind of person who likes to reverse into car park spaces.

[_B.M_]

Total sacrilege that this is going to be the only Megane now. RIP the Renault Sport Megane - one of the best hot hatches ever!

[garnray]

Confusing ? I really don't think so.... It's one formidable car. Saw one the other day, it's such a stunningly beautiful car, insanely pretty.

[TheHutchRuns]

Great review Nicola but when are you giving MC Hammer his pants back? 🤣