Renault will launch its Megane E-Tech Electrical SUV regionally the fourth quarter of this 12 months, and has stated it is going to be priced within the early/mid-$70,000s vary.
The French model will promote the automobile via its 58 sellers, relatively than providing it solely on-line, however has acknowledged it gained’t be low cost.
“That notion that EVs will get cheaper I simply haven’t seen it but, in any respect,” Renault Australia boss Glen Sealey advised CarExpert.
With a price ticket within the $70-75,000 vary, the Megane E-Tech Electrical will face down the likes of the bottom Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($72,000 earlier than on-roads) and Kia EV6 ($72,590 earlier than on-roads) – each of that are bigger automobiles.
The Megane E-Tech Electrical was not too long ago accepted on the market regionally by the Australian Authorities, with paperwork itemizing two variants: the Techno and Iconic.
Just one powertrain was listed, with 160kW of energy and 300Nm of torque. The official 0-100km/h declare for this powertrain is 7.2 seconds.
It’s powered by a 60kWh battery, with a claimed 470km of vary beneath the stricter WLTP check cycle.
There’s no point out within the paperwork of the smaller 40kWh battery or 96kW/250Nm entry-level powertrain supplied in Europe.
The Megane E-Tech Electrical mannequin anticipated to hit Australia helps DC quick charging at as much as 130kW, and AC charging at as much as 7.4kW.
The listed braked towing capability is 900kg, with an unbraked towing capability of 750kg, whereas the Megane E-Tech Electrical’s tare mass is 1642kg. The paperwork additionally checklist a selection of 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels.
The electrical hatchback measures 4200mm lengthy, 1768mm broad, 1500mm tall and rides a 2685mm wheelbase, making it comparable in dimension to the Hyundai Kona Electrical and the Cupra Born.
Beneath the pores and skin is the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-EV platform which it shares with the Nissan Ariya.
Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch vertical infotainment system with Android Automotive.
Constructed round Google’s Android Automotive, the infotainment system known as OpenR Hyperlink. It may be up to date over-the-air, and helps the form of gestures acquainted to iPhone or Android telephone customers.
It has a full suite of Google apps together with Google Maps, Google Play and Google Assistant, but additionally options Apple CarPlay.
Relying on the variant there are numerous upholstery trims accessible for the European market together with a selection of textile, Alcantara, and fake leather-based upholstery.
In entry-level and mid-spec automobiles abroad, the seat upholstery is comprised of 100 per cent recycled supplies.
Security expertise consists of autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep help and blind-spot monitoring.
The Megane E-Tech was first revealed on the Munich Motor Present in 2021, and went on sale in Europe early in 2022.
It gained’t be the primary EV from the French model in Australia, as Renault has beforehand supplied the Kangoo Z.E. and Zoe.
It would be a part of the newest small electrical van, the Kangoo E-Tech Electrical, within the model’s native line-up. It’ll additionally come as the present, petrol-powered Megane R.S. heads out the door.