PHEV replaces diesel 2022 Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault will drop purely petrol and diesel versions of its Megane hatchback in favour of a plug-in hybrid, in line with its electrification strategy. The Megane E-Tech will be available in hatchback guise from August, and the first examples are expected to arrive with the early bird customers from September, costing from just under £30,000.

The E-Tech will be offered in Iconic and R.S. Line trims, with power coming from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 64bhp electric motor, supplied by a 9.8kWh lithium-ion battery – a powertrain shared with the Megane Sport Tourer and Captur PHEV. Most importantly, it achieves official economy figures of up to 235mpg, with just CO2 emissions of 28g/km, aided by its EV range of around 30 miles.

With a combined 158bhp, it can also get the Megane from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 114mph. Its low emissions will be a key selling point for company-car drivers thanks to its low 11 per cent Benefit-in-Kind banding, while also allowing the Megane E-Tech to drive in low-emissions zones without facing tariffs.

Both trim levels will feature a 10-inch instrument display, various driving modes, all-round parking sensors and a healthy list of safety equipment. Iconic models feature 16-inch alloy wheels and a seven-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. R.S. Line brings stylish 17-inch wheels, sporting tweaks inside, a larger 9.3-inch infotainment display and a rear-view parking camera.