Forget the old Megane and embrace the all-new Megane E-Tech. That's the message from Renault as it leaves behind the traditional family hatchback for an electric future.
Despite its name, this car is not related to the previous, combustion-engined Megane. Its styling makes the Megane E-Tech look like a small-scale SUV, but Renault insists this is a regular hatchback.
It certainly looks handsome, with a swooping roofline leading into a truncated tail. Add in a sculpted bonnet and Renault's bold new badge, and it all makes for a rather attractive EV.
The Megane E-Tech certainly looks bigger in photos. In reality, it is 4,200mm long: shorter than the previous Megane and similar in size to key rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4 EV.
All versions of the E-Tech come with a single 220hp electric motor. Unlike many other EVs, this drives the front wheels only, adding to the impression that Renault wants the Megane to be as conventional as possible.
Performance is brisk, if not rapid, with the 0-62mph sprint taking 7.5 seconds. Curiously, there is no big hit of electric torque, making initial acceleration feel a touch muted.
The E-Tech's steering is very light, and lacking in feel, meaning there is not much pleasure to be found in hustling it along country lanes. That's despite the firm body control, although the Megane avoids being uncomfortable - even on 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Megane E-Tech uses a 60kWh battery, with an official range of up to 280 miles. You can expect less in the real world, but it offers more than sufficient mileage for everyday commuting and school runs.
The E-Tech is compatible with public EV chargers of up to 130kW, which means adding 155 miles in 25 minutes. Using a 7.4kW home wallbox, it takes more than nine hours for a full charge.
For the most part, the interior of the Megane E-Tech feels like a genuinely premium experience. Some components, such as the air vents either side of the 12.3-inch digital driver's display, look a bit cheap, but everything else supports Renault's plan to push the Megane upmarket. Notably, there are physical buttons to operate the climate control air-con - something of a rarity in 2023.
Specification across the Megane E-Tech range is strong, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control just some of the standard features. Techno trim (the spec we tested) is the sweet-spot in the lineup. It comes with those 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, two-zone climate and a wireless smartphone charger.
Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are also standard across the range. This is handy, because the Megane's low roofline restricts visibility at the rear. Techno models gain front parking sensors, with the Launch Edition benefiting from a surround-view camera.
Straddling a hinterland between regular hatchback and an SUV makes the Megane E-Tech a practical option for families. Interior space is generous, if not overwhelming, but lifting child car seats into the rear should be straightforward. Taller passengers in the back also feel the effect of that drooping roofline, as headroom is tight.
Those in the front should have no complaints, with plenty of seat adjustment and numerous storage options. The large centre console has movable dividers, plus there is a tray beneath the touchscreen to hold your phone.
Boot capacity of 440 litres means the Megane E-Tech can accommodate more luggage than conventional hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf. It also bests the electric ID.3 and MG4.
Such usability is the Megane E-Tech's key selling point. Aside from its electric powertrain, everything else feels familiar, giving Renault's new EV particular appeal for those buying their first electric car.
ALSO READ:
Best electric cars to buy in 2023
Inside Renault's secret classic car collection
Your EV questions answered on Motoring Electric