Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Model update: Renault Megane Sport Tourer E-Tech R.S. Line
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Model update: Renault Megane Sport Tourer E-Tech R.S. Line

Date: 06 May 2021   |   Author: Sean Keywood

Renault sends its facelifted lower-medium estate into PHEV battle.
What's new
Having previously sampled a left-hand drive version, we now get our hands on a UK-spec example of Renault's new PHEV.
Standard equipment:
LED daytime running lights, 17in alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, electric heated and folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, 9.3in touchscreen satnav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, 10in TFT driver display, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition.

The Renault Megane is the largest model included in the brand's new E-Tech electrified range, alongside the Clio supermini and Captur small SUV. The plug-in hybrid Megane is initially only available as a Sport Tourer estate, although a hatchback version is set to follow later this year. It features a 1.6-litre petrol engine, along with a pair of electric motors, for a total system output of 160hp. A 9.8kWh battery allows an electric driving range of up to 30 miles on the WLTP cycle.

The E-Tech benefits from a general facelift that was introduced late 2020 to the Megane range. Exterior styling tweaks include new bumpers and LED lights and a new front grille, which do a good job of lifting the model's appearance. The R.S. Line model tested here replaced the previous GT Line at the top of the range and features more styling cues from the RS hot hatch.

The main addition inside is a new 10in driver display, with integrated sat-nav display. It's an impressive bit of kit, with good graphics and slick operation. The central touchscreen is more responsive than previous incarnations of Renault's system, and the overall standard of interior trim is generally good. In terms of practicality, the E-Tech's boot capacity of 447 litres is down from 563 litres with the petrol version, and 504 litres with a diesel. 

Even with our test car being in the R.S. Line equipment grade, the Megane E-Tech certainly isn't a sporty drive. In corners the chassis feels lumpen and ponderous (the E-Tech is around 250kg heavier than the equivalent petrol Megane), and the steering is uninvolving, while the powertrain is at its happiest by far when utilised with a relaxed driving style. It starts automatically in EV mode, and this form will get you around fine in and out of town. When running in hybrid mode, the powertrain's 160hp is perfectly adequate for family transport, but no more than that. There is also the option to increase the regenerative braking effect by switching to B mode on the automatic transmission.

If pushed, the powertrain is initially a bit slow to respond, then can deliver droning revs in a way reminiscent of CVT gearboxes - the Megane features an innovative clutchless six-speed auto - though refinement most of the time is actually very good. 

The overall lack of dynamic sharpness would be fine if it meant the car was a comfortable drive, but in fact the ride is rather brittle, a feature not helped by the R.S. Line's firm sports seats.

Looking at the cost sheet, there's the usual brilliant (if heavily driver-dependent) PHEV official fuel economy figure and low BIK tax rate. It's worth noting, however, that the Megane E-Tech is predicted to suffer poor residual values. That means it will cost slightly more to run than an equivalent Skoda Octavia PHEV, despite the latter being 44hp more powerful, though the Skoda's higher purchase price would mean very slightly higher BIK payments.

Renault Megane Sport Tourer R.S. Line E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 

P11D: £32,940

Residual value: 26.6% 

Depreciation: £24,179

Fuel: £1,494

Service, maintenance and repair: £1,750

Cost per mile: 45.70p

Fuel consumption: 215.6mpg

CO2 (BIK band): 30g/km (11%)  

BIK 20/40% a month: £60/£121

Boot space: 447 litres

Engine size/power: 1,598cc/90hp plus 65hp electric motors


Verdict


7/10
  • Cheap to fuel and tax
  • Facelift a good upgrade inside and out
  • Uninvolving drive
  • Disappointing RVs

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