RENAULT Australia has confirmed it’ll deliver the Renault Megane E-Tech battery electrical SUV to those shores by Christmas, in a single high-spec trim stage, for round $75K.
Whereas Renault Australia has not but introduced retail pricing or confirmed full native specs, GoAuto understands it’ll characteristic the Technic trim stage, which is the highest grade obtainable within the right-hand drive Megane E-Tech vary.
As such, it’ll possible include a 60kWh battery pack and 160kW/300Nm from a single electrical motor driving the entrance wheels.
At a neighborhood media preview for the Megane E-Tech, final week Renault Australia basic supervisor Glen Sealey was solely prepared to say that worth could be “within the mid to low seventies” however confirmed that guarantee protection would final 5 years with limitless kilometres for the automobile and eight years or 160,000km for the battery pack.
No incentives will probably be supplied, resembling free charging infrastructure subscriptions, however Renault australia has partnered with EVSE and Jet Cost for set up of residence charging services.
Modelled intently on the Megane eVision idea unveiled in 2020, the Megane E-Tech Electrical sits on the CMF-EV platform shared with Renault’s alliance companions Nissan and Mitsubishi, and is customized from underpinnings utilized by these manufacturers’ Qashqai, X-Path and Outlander SUVs.
One in every of Renault’s goals with the brand new Megane, in keeping with Renault Australia product supervisor Charly Clercin, was dealing with agility.
Whereas not claiming to be a Renault Sport or Alpine, Renault’s efforts to maintain dynamics sharp for the brand new Megane embody a multi-link rear suspension and a faster steering ratio than most battery electrical automobiles
With a 4210mm size 1500m peak and lengthy 2700mm wheelbase, the Megane E-Tech Electrical is a five-seat, five-door hatch with 440 litres of boot capability.
Though kerb weight has not been introduced, Renault claims the Megane’s drag coefficient of 0.29 makes it probably the most aerodynamic within the present line-up, and higher than opponents such because the Volvo XC40 and C40.
In the meantime, the Megane E-Tech Electrical will dash from relaxation to 100km/h in a claimed 7.4 seconds and has a WLTP vary of as much as 450km.
Consumption is famous as 16.1kWh/100km and recharging time is half-hour at as much as 130kW on DC cost to acquire 350km WLTP vary, or full cost (and 450km vary) from absolutely depleted on AC energy in 10 hours at a most 7kW.
Battery packs make up a good portion of an electrical automobile’s weight, so Renault labored on lightening the brand new Megane.
Renault claims that the 145kg powertrain is about one-third lighter than the standard inner combustion engine powertrain (and its motor doesn’t use everlasting magnets), so it wants no uncommon supplies whereas the tailgate is 20 per cent lighter than earlier than.
Utilizing a layer of soppy foam between the ground and battery pack in what Renault calls a cocoon impact, highway noise has been lowered, in keeping with Mr Clercin.
The battery pack weighs 395kg and at 110mm tall is comparatively slim, offering a flat flooring contained in the automobile.
“You actually really feel as if you’re in a phase up, when it comes to roominess”, mentioned Mr Clercin.
In the meantime, a lot of the inside is made out of recyclable and recycled supplies, such because the tweed-look material and vegan leather-based (made out of 100 per cent recycled plastic).
Know-how is roofed off with a 12.0-inch driver instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch central contact display screen, angled in the direction of the driving force. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, though a USB socket is fitted for wired use if required.
Distinctive profile settings for options resembling lighting and driving modes are normal, as is voice recognition. There are 48 totally different colors for the temper lighting, which could be set to alter each half-hour throughout a journey.
The Megane E-Tech Electrical was accorded a five-star security ranking by Euro NCAP, with Renault Australia hoping for the same end result when assessed in Australia by native security physique, ANCAP.
A lot of passive and lively security techniques will probably be normal, in keeping with Mr Cercin.
“We’ll have greater than 20 totally different driver assistant options together with fairly a number of which can be fully new for Renault Australia,” he mentioned.
“For instance we’ll have a secure occupant exit, junction help and emergency intervention for blindspot warning.”
The Megane’s native competitor set contains the likes of the Volvo XC40 Pure Electrical, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Polestar 2 and Tesla’s Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y that every one have variants within the $70,000 worth class.
Mr Clercin added that the Renault Megane was a automobile that had “plenty of historical past”, with the introduction of the nameplate to Australia in 2001.
He described the Megane as ”probably the most versatile within the Renault line-up:.
“It has been supplied as a hatchback, a sedan, coupe-cabriolet and at the same time as an MPV – it’s the chameleon of the Renault vary,” he mentioned.
“It looks as if a really logical thought to usher in the all-new technology Megane as an E-Tech, 100 per cent electrical and as crossover SUV, it’s in keeping with present developments within the business.”
