• Stylish, plush interior
• Impressive build quality
• Sharp infotainment screens

How is the quality and layout?

The quality was a big surprise for us. The cabin is a definite step upmarket for Renault which might just be enough to rid the brand of any lingering prejudices. It’s certainly a match for the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia Niro EV – if not better.

The material choices are a little unusual, but we like the recycled fabric dashboard cover and the suede inserts on the door cards. They’re a welcome change from the usual sea of black plastic and faux leather. However, we’re interested to see how fresh the trims will look after a few years of family abuse – suede trim especially will end up looking like an old flannel if mistreated.

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We like the way the infotainment system has been organised, too. The central screen is angled towards the driver (which makes it easier to read navigation instructions) and Renault has retained some physical buttons for things like the climate controls and demisters, making them easier to locate on the move. It’s preferred to a button on the touchscreen.

Even the gear selector is unusual. It’s mounted on a stalk to the right-hand side of the steering wheel, a bit like an old American classic. But its placement there means it doesn’t eat space on the centre console, which looks cleaner and has allowed Renault to design an enormous storage tray between the front seats. It’s a great setup, especially if you need to carry lots of loose items – it’ll swallow everything from a stack of expenses receipts to a nursery of baby tat.

Infotainment and technology

UK Megane E-Tech buyers get just one infotainment setup. It mixes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 9.0-inch infotainment screen. They’re connected to one another by a piece of black plastic and a well-placed air vent, as is now customary in the segment.

Both screens are sharp and fast. The infotainment system runs on Google software, which means it’s supremely simple to use and features built-in support for Google Maps. Unlike some systems (we’re looking at you, Volkswagen) plumbing your phone into the dashboard is a breeze, too. If you leave your Android phone lying around the cabin for a minute, it’ll basically pair itself to the car.

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The digital dashboard is very pared back, but it suits the nature of the car. There’s a lot of empty space, which is refreshing alongside the Niro EV’s graphic fest. Speed is expressed as a simple scrolling number, while the motor’s power and brake regen is displayed as a percentage. You can also alter the background and colour scheme by cycling through the drive modes.

Comfort

• Spacious, bright and airy cabin
• Comfortable and supportive seats
• Noticeable wind noise at speed

The Megane E-Tech is a nice place to be. Because Renault used a blend of light grey materials rather than black, the cabin doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The windows are a good size and shape, too, which allows lots of light to flood into the interior.

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We also like the seats. Our mid-range Techno model featured electric lumbar support and enough adjustment to allow anyone to get comfortable. Even the cheapest model comes with heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard, which are welcome in the winter months. In all, you get a comparable level of equipment to the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Road noise is quite well suppressed, but there’s a noticeable amount of wind noise whipping around the A-pillars on the motorway – and you sense it more than you would in a petrol car because there’s no engine noise to drown it out. Thankfully, the stereo is loud enough to overpower it.