Renault has updated its electric Megane E-Tech hatchback after four years on sale, with a new look and more range among the headline enhancements.
The mid-life nip and tuck for the firm’s first bespoke EV comes as rivals including the Volkswagen ID 3, Cupra Born, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot e-308 also receive updates to boost their competitiveness alongside the Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV4 and Mini Aceman.
The updates are signalled chiefly by a new front end that brings the Megane in line with the newer Austral and Rafale SUVs, with a more imposing grille and a lower-set Renault badge.
Renault boss Fabrice Cambolive previously told Autocar this refresh would seek to reposition the Megane as a “hot hatch or a hot car”, and the redesign has clearly been influenced by the brand’s previous performance models.
The lower front bumper has been restyled with chequered flag-style daytime-running lights, similar to those featured on the previous-generation Mégane RS, while a more aggressive valance adds visual width. At the rear, the bumper features a chunky integrated diffuser. New ‘power bulge’-style creases in the bonnet and 3D-effect tail-lights complete the exterior makeover.
Battery capacity has been increased to 67kWh from 60kWh, boosting the hatchback’s maximum range to 310 miles from 285 miles. This compares with 309 miles of range for the 58kWh Volkswagen ID 3 Neo.
The height of the battery has increased slightly to achieve the uplift in capacity, resulting in a 20mm increase in overall height: the Megane is now 1520mm tall (roughly 40mm lower than an ID 3 Neo). The new Megane also weighs 100kg more, at 1772kg, 75kg of which is due to the bigger battery, but that’s still more than 100kg lighter than the ID 3.
