Renault launches stylish new EV in Australia

What is it? The Renault Megane E-Tech is a stylish hatch/mini SUV mash-up, and the first purpose-built electric car to be sold in Australia by the venerable French manufacturer (first four-wheeler: 1898). It replaces, rather than supplements, the long-running petrol Megane.

What does it cost? $64,990 plus on-road costs. On this market, there is only one equipment level, which is generous though not market leading, and one motor-battery combo.

What makes it go? A front-mounted motor with 160 kW and 300 Nm, driving the front wheels. It is mated to a 60 kWh battery pack, giving a 455 km driving range on the WLTP standard. Thanks to aluminium panels and other saving, it weighs 1642 kg, on the lighter side for an EV.

Why would you want it? Because it is the best-looking Renault we’ve seen for quite some time, with its short overhangs, huge wheels (20 inch), and rising shoulder meeting a falling roofline. Because it’s made in Europe (rare for lower cost EVs sold here) in a new ultra-green French factory. It’s a fun drive too, with direct steering and instant punch while on the move. That said, acceleration off the line is quite muted (by EV standards) even in Sport mode, presumably to reduce wheelspin, and the wet roads during our test drive didn’t flatter the front-end grip (see below). There’s an interesting and highly functional interior using a wide variety of recycled materials and with customisable lighting. To compensate for the tiny rear windscreen, the central rear-view mirror can give a broader camera view at the touch of a switch.

Why wouldn’t you? There is no great innovation here, though for some buyers the chic lines will be enough. Enthusiasts will prefer rear-wheel drive, though Renault argues for front-drive for reasons of familiarity and safety. It says when the grip breaks away it does so more gently and can be more easily corrected by a simple lift of the throttle. That argument would have been stronger before we gained stability control and other electronic chassis smarts. Front-drive does, however, make for a bigger boot (albeit with a high loading lip here), but there is no cargo space in the nose and the rear seat space is a little disappointing.

And in conclusion It is unlikely to set the world on fire, but this first “new generation” Renault EV is a handsome and distinctive addition to the growing list of pure battery vehicles on the Australian market, and the harbinger of E-Tech stablemates positioned above and below this model.