Renault drops pure petrol and diesel variants from Megane range

The Renault Megane has gained a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option and lost all of its pure petrol and diesel variants. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but the 2021 Megane PHEV will reach showrooms in September and be capable of covering 30 miles on electricity.  

There will be two trim levels available, the Iconic E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid 160 Auto and the sporty R.S. Line E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid 160 Auto. Renault is removing the petrol and diesel versions of the Hatch and Sports Tourer.

Like the Clio E-Tech hybrid, the Megane PHEV combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 1.2kW lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, together with the automatic, multi-mode gearbox that features in all other E-Tech models. I

in operation, it starts the vehicle in 100 per cent electric mode. Renault says the car can reach 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and offers a top speed of 114mph. Advertised fuel economy is 235.4mpg and 28g/km of CO2, but these figures will be dependent on the battery being recharged regularly.

Both trim levels feature an electronic parking brake, cruise control with speed limiter, 10-inch TFT driver’s display, three driving modes and eight ambient lighting colours, and a hands-free key card (as standard).

Standard safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist and the Visio System that incorporates lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam.

The Iconic trim level gets 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel. The EASYLINK navigation system sees two USB ports, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that are accessible through its 7-inch touchscreen.

The R.S. Line version gains exclusive body-coloured R.S. Line bumpers, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and an R.S. leather steering wheel. Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), rear parking camera and hands-free parking are also included - while the navigation system has a larger 9.3-inch touchscreen.