Thursday, March 31, 2022

Renault Megane V E-Tech

The fifth-generation Renault Megane is now a fully-electric hatchback that can be either a revolution or a revolting feat, depending on how you see it. Either way, that's how the system works, as a certain someone said. Anyway, it's time to meet your new Megane-san.

2022 Renault Megane E-TECH
2022 Renault Megane E-TECH

2022 Renault Megane E-TECH
2022 Renault Megane E-TECH

Starting at 35,200 Euros plus additional costs, the fifth-generation Renault Megane is a drastic change that shares nothing in common with its predecessors because starting now, the Megane is a BEV that signals the new age for Renault in this time of the new normal.

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Megane draws inspiration from the eVision Concept but in reality, it's hard to describe whether it is a crossover or a hatchback just like the Hyundai IONIQ5 and the Kia EV6, the Megane E-TECH's main targets. Apart from that, the Megane E-TECH is the first Renault to don the new logo because it's the new decade and the new logo rush is the new normal. Either way, that's how the design works, but still, it's worth charming for a French electric car of such size.

2022 Renault Megane E-TECH
2022 Renault Megane E-TECH interior

2022 Renault Megane E-TECH
2022 Renault Megane E-TECH interior

The new interior can be as hospitable as, well, Meganee-san of course, probably because of its roomier creature comforts and boot space compared to the previous model, not to mention the extensive use of recycled materials for guilt-free purposes like most EVs had, but what's on the driver's side is worth a controversy because of its massive touch screen on the dashboard similar to Teslas, which controls much about everything on this car ranging from the audio, the sat-nav, the smartphone connectivity, and so on. This stuff scares speedo boys straight to their knees but as always, that's how the system works.

2022 Renault Megane E-TECH

Now let's get to know more about its electric powertrain, the trump card of the new Megane E-TECH. It features a brand new EESM and it weighs less than the one used on the ZOE, and it features two power configurations with the latter producing 160kw of power and 300Nm of torque, capable of 0-100kph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 160kph, 20kph slower than everyday Japanese vehicles. As for range, the range-topper is good for 450km based on WLTP standards and its charging time takes 42 minutes to reach 80% when plugged into a public charging station. That's how the electric powertrain works and apart from that, the Megane E-TECH features regenerative braking on demand with four interchangeable brake levels.

In terms of driving feel, the Megane E-TECH feels bulky to drive unlike past Megane models because it weighs over two tons due to its electric powertrain, but it feels stable and civilized. In the end, that's how the Megane works.

The Renault Megane E-TECH, much to the shock of speedo boys behind the wheel, features the most advanced driving aids offered in its class such as Active Driver Assist, Smart Speed Limiter, LDW, BSW, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Rear AEB, OSE, and many others. That's how safety features work.

Is the new Renault Megane E-TECH a revolution or a revolting feat? With its crossover styling, futuristic interior, game-changing electric powertrain, and the most advanced safety features offered, you can't really say but in the end...that's how the new Megane E-TECH works.

Say hello to your new Megane-san, Megane-san.

Photo: Renault

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