The new Megane PHEV has a 160hp E-Tech plug-in hybrid powertrain with an energy-recovery system drawn from Renault's Formula One expertise.
Available initially on the new Megane Sport Tourer, the E-Tech plug-in engine will subsequently later be offered on the hatchback version.
The E-Tech plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and an multi-mode clutch-less gearbox which optimises shifts.
With its 9.8kWh (400V) battery, the Megane PHEV can run on full-electric mode for 48km in mixed cycle (WLTP) and 64km in urban cycle (WLTP City).
As for internal combustion engines, the new Megane still offers the Alliance 1.3-litre TCe FAP 140hp petrol-powered engine and a 1.5-litre Blue dCi diesel engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or dual-clutch seven-speed EDC automatic transmission.
The new Megane has a redesigned front bumper and lower grille, and now features fog-light surrounds with a chrome trim and air deflectors at the front of the wheel arches for improved aerodynamics.
The headlights now feature LED Pure Vision technology. Available from the entry-level, it replaces the previous model’s halogen lights.
These new headlights improve and increase the headlamp beam by nearly 30 per cent, offering greater visibility, safety and driver confidence.
The headlamps, tail lights and fog lights are now all LED.
Inside, the new Megane has a new 9.3-inch screen for the multimedia system and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.
The MY Renault smartphone app, the brand-new Renault Easy Link multimedia system, is an essential part of the new Megane’s Easy Connect offer, which includes a whole set of connected apps, platforms and services.
For instance, it allows remote interaction with the vehicle, including vehicle location, door-to-door navigation with journey instructions sent to the vehicle and, ultimately, remote locking and unlocking of doors and remote activation of lights and horn.
As an option on the petrol and PHEV variants, the new Megane offers Renault Easydrive driver-assistance systems, including Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, for a safer driving experience.
Highway & Traffic Jam Companion combines adaptive cruise-control (fitted with automatic Stop & Go) with Lane Keep Assist.
Activated between zero and 160kph, the system features in all vehicles with EDC automatic transmission.
It regulates the speed of the vehicle and maintains a safe distance from other vehicles ahead while providing lane centring assistance.
This driver-assistance system is particularly handy during heavy traffic and on motorways, since it allows the new Megane to stop and start automatically within three seconds without any action by the driver.
The Highway & Traffic Jam Companion still requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
