The Renault Megane E-Tech Barely Resembles the Car It Replaced, on Purpose
All three reviews open with the same context: the previous Megane was a genuinely forgettable family hatchback, and this all-electric reinvention shares almost nothing with it beyond the name.
A Nameplate Rescued by Starting Completely Over
Reusing a struggling nameplate on an entirely different car is a real gamble. Reviewers keep concluding this particular gamble paid off, precisely because the new car owes so little to what came before.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Electric hatchback with SUV-influenced styling |
|---|---|
| Battery | 60kWh (UK spec) |
| Power | 215bhp |
| 0–60mph | 6.9 sec |
| Claimed range | Up to 285 miles official |
| Charging | Up to 130kW DC rapid |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar detailed the dedicated CMF-EV platform shared with the Nissan Ariya, with all motor and inverter hardware mounted at the front, giving the Megane a deeper boot than rivals with rear-mounted motors. They measured the car at 1,636kg — over 100kg lighter than a comparable Cupra Born — and found 2024's updates, including a standard heat pump and larger touchscreen, addressed the car's previous shortcomings around range and infotainment meaningfully.
Top Gear
Top Gear praised a roomy, storage-rich cabin thanks to the flat floor and long wheelbase, and rated the ride as quiet and refined if not especially soft. They found the "electric GTI" marketing a bit of an overstatement given the car lacks the involvement of a genuinely sporty hatchback, though praised quick steering and lively performance for what's fundamentally a comfortable, efficient family EV rather than a hot hatch in disguise.
Honest John
Honest John rated build quality and ease of use as genuinely ahead of the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born, crediting Renault's attention to interior detail. They praised a highly usable real-world range of around 280 miles and an impressive Google-based infotainment system within a genuinely lounge-like cabin, though flagged rear seat space as an area that could be better and noted the lack of a lower-powered, cheaper option limits the range's accessibility.
Strengths
- Genuinely upmarket, well-finished cabin
- Impressive Google-based infotainment system
- Strong real-world range for the battery size
- Deeper boot than rivals with rear-mounted motors
Weak points
- "Electric GTI" marketing oversells the driving experience
- Rear seat space trails some rivals for taller passengers
- No lower-powered, more affordable version available
- Heavier depreciation predicted versus key rivals
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely well-built, tech-forward electric family hatchback and don't need rear seats sized for tall adults. Worth cross-shopping directly against the Cupra Born and VW ID.3 on cabin quality specifically, where reviewers consistently rate the Megane ahead.