PLUGGING A GAP (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_renaultmeganeetechpluginhybrid_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 80

Back in 2020, Renault reckoned that this Megane E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 model offered an ideal compromise between the future requirement for eco-minded electrification and the need for everyday common sense. With this model, there was a 30 mile electric driving range, a choice body styles - five-door hatch or the Sports Tourer estate - and pricing that undercut a number of key plug-in segment rivals. So this contender ought to be worth a second look on the used market.

Modelsword count: 9

5-door hatchback / Sport Tourer estate - 1.6 [petrol]

Historyword count: 117

Different brands have different perceptions of the right way forward when it comes to electrifying family hatchbacks and compact estates or SUVs. Back in 2020, we had Renault championing plug-in hybrid tech with this PHEV version of the MK4 Megane. Here was an electrified product that was at least easy to get your head around. A plug-in set-up offering up to 30 miles of WLTP-rated all-electric range - quite enough to cover most people's daily commute; a 1.6-litre petrol engine to smoothly cut in when that range is exhausted; and a price tag that was much more affordable than that of the car that back in 2020, had hitherto emphasised the plug-in family hatch, Volkswagen's Golf GTE.

What You Getword count: 470

The E-TECH plug-in version of this Megane came in Hatch and Sports Tourer estate guises but visual changes over the standard model were limited to a few E-TECH badges. This model did of course feature all the visual updates that by 2020 had been visited upon the revised version of this fourth generation Megane. The bumpers, lower grille and front corner cut-outs were re-designed. And the headlights were of the Renault 'LED Pure Vision' type, with beams increased in range by nearly 30%. Inside, changes over the ordinary Megane with this PHEV version are fairly minimal. There's an EV Button amongst the piano-style keys below the central 'EasyLink' infotainment screen, which will be either 7-inches or 9.3-inches in size, depending on the trim level you choose. This monitor has various EV-specific menus, including a useful 'Energy Info' graphic showing at any given time what's being powered by what. The instrument binnacle display (either 7-inches or 10.2-inches in size, dependent on trim) is EV-specific too, most of the E-TECH features showcased in the right hand virtual dial. As well as a lower charge meter, this features an outer rim showing blue 'regenerative', green 'charge' and white 'power' zones. And has a central area showing a triangulation of battery, e-motor and engine to depict in real time the hyperactive hybrid system's flow of energy. Glance down at the 'e-shifter' auto gearstick and you might notice its extra regenerative braking 'B' option. Otherwise, things are just as they would be in any other Megane. Which means you get quite a premium ambiance, thanks to smart trim and upholstery which is 'R.S.Line-themed in this top model. And you'll like little extra touches like 8-colour ambient lighting and this rim-less electrochrome rear view mirror. Tom Tom Navigation is standard, as is 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone integration. And in the back? Well despite this fourth generation Megane's relatively lengthy wheelbase and the fact that it's one of the widest cars in its class, accommodation here is quite tight, despite Renault's insistence that there's more shoulder room than most rivals can offer. Unless the passengers ahead of you are quite short, you won't find very much space for knees and legs. Lift the tailgate and you'll find that the opening is a good square shape but that this high sill will make it a little awkward to get heavier items in. Inside, the space you get falls by 116-litres over what you'd get in a conventionally-engined TCe 140 petrol model, which means that in the E-TECH Sports Tourer estate, you'll have only 447-litres to play with. There's no space for anything much under the floor - only really room for the charging cables and the tyre repair kit. Use the cargo sidewall catches to drop the 60:40-split rear bench and that increases to 1,408-litres of total capacity.

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