The Renault Megane E-Tech is the French company’s first fully-electric compact to arrive on the local market.
Under what Renault has tagged a Renaulution, the Megane E-Tech is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles to be built on the brand’s advanced CMF-EV platform and styled within its new ‘sensual tech’ design language.
As well as being emission-free, the E-Tech comes with improved sustainability features including an electric motor containing no rare earth metals and makes extensive use of recycled material throughout including recycled aluminium body panels.
Renault wants to be carbon neutral by 2040 and has set a global target of using 33-percent of recyclable materials in vehicle production by 2030.
Already over 90-percent of the Megane E-Tech is recyclable with over 28kg of recycled plastics and fabrics used in the dashboard, centre console, headrests and floor mats.
The dashboard is topped with a recycled textile finish, while the seat upholstery is 100 per cent recycled.
Powered comes from a new 160kW electric motor with 300Nm of torque and four levels of regenerative braking.
There are four drive modes: from Sport, Eco, Comfort and Custom.
It weighs just 145kg and is capable of accelerating from 0-100kmk in just 7.4 seconds, consumes just 16.1kWh per 100km at the socket, for a claimed consumption of 15.6kWh per 100km.
The 60kWh battery is just as innovative.
At only 110mm it is one of the thinnest on the market, meaning the centre of gravity is lower and the car is more agile, giving a dynamic driving experience.
Weight is evenly distributed thanks to the battery being housed under the whole floor plate.
Megane E-Tech is compatible with AC charging up to 7.4kW and DC fast charging up to 130kW.
Overnight charging from 0 to 100 percent overnight using a standard 7kW Wallbox, while a charge from 15-80 percent can be done in around 30 minutes using 130kW public fast charging infrastructure.
Driving range is listed at up to 454km (WLTP),
Megane E-Tech has extended wheelbase over the outgoing models for extra interior space with reduced overhangs and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The infotainment system combines a 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster with the 9.0-inch OpenR central display.
Wireless smartphone charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, and also wireless.
Safety features include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with automatic emergency braking with junction assist that can detect pedestrians and cyclists.
There is also to emergency lane keeping assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection, traffic sign recognition, hill start assist, driver drowsiness alert, distance warning alert and adaptive cruise control.
Six colours will be available: Rafale Grey, Shadow Grey, Solid White, Diamond Black, Flame Red, and Night Blue.
There is also a choice of a body-coloured or contrasting roof design in either Diamond Black or Shadow Grey, depending on the body colour chosen.
Renault Megane E-Tech is available to order, priced from $64,990 plus on road costs.
CHECKOUT: Alconi turned little Renault into a giant killer
CHECKOUT: Double shot in Renault’s pocket rocket