Overview

Renault is undergoing a revolution – and the Megane is the latest car to be swept away by the firm’s electric car restructure. The French firm’s family hatchback, which has been around since 1995, is now an EV aimed squarely at the Volkswagen ID.3.

However, Renault is selling to a slightly different audience. While most electric hatchbacks major on practicality and comfort, the Megane E-Tech Electric is being pitched as a driver’s car. The only other real competitor in those stakes is the Cupra Born, although the MG4 EV is also proving to be very effective for people who enjoy driving.

The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is rather unusual. In pictures, it looks an awful lot like a family SUV – but in the metal, its proportions are much closer to that of a family hatchback. In fact, it’s only 50mm taller than the old Megane and has regular ground clearance.

Its line-up is simple, too. UK buyers have a choice of three specifications called Equilibre, Techno and Iconic. Even the most basic model is well-equipped – standard kit includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear-view camera, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mid-range Techno cars build on this specification with enormous 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, scrolling indicators, dual-zone climate control, a 48-colour interior ambient lighting system and synthetic leather upholstery. There’s also some extra safety equipment, such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and all-round parking sensors.

The range-topping Iconic model features a different set of 20-inch alloy wheels, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, a 360-degree parking camera and gold detailing for the front and rear bumpers. Prices start from £36,995 for the cheapest Equilibre model, £39,495 for the middling Techno variant and £41,995 for the range-topping Iconic version.

Despite the trim differences, every Renault Megane E-Tech Electric features the same powertrain. Under the floor, there’s a 60kWh battery pack that feeds an electric motor mounted on the front axle. The system develops 217hp and 300Nm of torque which Renault says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 99mph and a maximum range of 280 miles.

Over the next few pages, we’ll review each aspect of the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, considering its practicality, comfort, equipment levels, running costs and performance before offering our final verdict on the car. Read on to find out whether Renault’s latest EV is worth spending money on – and whether it can save you any cash in the long run.