The new-generation electric Renault Megane is due in local showrooms late this year – pending any delays – priced from $70,000 to $80,000.
The 2024 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric hatchback is due late this year priced between $70,000 and $80,000 plus on-road costs, though the exact price is due to announced closer to Australian showroom arrivals.
While the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is available in three model grades and with a choice of battery capacity overseas, customers in Australia will be offered one high-end variant.
While some electric-car rivals have established online sales to allocate in-demand vehicles, the local distributor for Renault in Australia says the Megane E-Tech Electric will be allocated to and sold via its network of 58 dealerships nationally.
The boss of Renault in Australia, Glen Sealey, says the company is still negotiating production allocations, however has forecast supply will be limited initially.
“The car has had huge success in Europe, getting production (allocation for Australia) is a nightmare,” Mr Sealey told a recent media briefing.
“We aim to secure some volume right at the end of this year, but fundamentally, it’ll be a 2024 model.”
The Renault Australia executive said the company had already received “thousands” of expressions of interest from potential customers.
While in Europe the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is available with a choice of two battery sizes, two electric-motor power outputs and three model grades per vehicle – plus a launch edition – Australia will have a single variant.
“Given our history, we will take the highest specification, the bigger battery, the more powerful engine, and keep the choice simple,” said Mr Sealey.
As previously reported, the Renault Megane E-Tech is based on the same electric-car platform as the Nissan Ariya – though scaled to size – as part of the giant Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Information shared by Renault Australia in a recent media briefing outlined the following highlights: a 160kW/300Nm electric motor, a 60kWh battery pack, and an energy consumption rating of 16.1kWh/100km.
Renault says the Megane E-Tech can travel up to 350km on a fast-charge – from empty to about 80 per cent capacity – and up to 450km on a full overnight charge.
The company claims it does the zero to 100km/h dash in 7.4 seconds, which puts on par with the acceleration of the Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive and Toyota BZ4X electric SUVs.
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has the footprint of the Renault Captur city SUV (4.2m long) – but is claimed to have interior space similar to the outgoing, petrol-powered Renault Megane hatchback (4.36m long).
The claimed boot space of 440 litres is slightly bigger than the Volvo XC40 Recharge but smaller than the cargo hold in the Tesla Model Y.
Renault says sound deadening has been used extensively to deliver a whisper-quiet driving experience. There are 48 colours in the cabin mood lighting system, which can be programmed to change every 30 minutes – or set to a favourite colour.
In an attempt to enhance the vehicle’s environment credentials amid growing concerns about the source of the precious minerals that go into electric-car batteries, Renault says the electric motor has “rare earth materials” and many suppliers are located near the French production line to “reduce our carbon footprint”.
Some of the exterior body panels are claimed to have been made from recycled metal. Leather seats are not an option, with Renault instead favouring hard-wearing fabric.
The advanced lighting system has a “welcome sequence” when the driver approaches the car with a sensor key, and the door handles extend on approach.
Inside, there is a 12-inch instrument display and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Owners will be able to establish unique driver profiles and a raft of advanced safety tech will bring the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric up to speed with rivals, though many features will be a first locally for the brand.
One unique feature: a QR code on the glass will shows first responders the best way to safely cut open the structure after a severe crash – and pinpoint the battery ‘kill switch’.
Renault Australia says the Megane E-Tech Electric will come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on the vehicle and an eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery pack.
Renault says battery capacity is intended to not to dip below 70 per cent usability over eight years.
However, if the usable capacity of the battery pack dips below 70 per cent within eight years/160,000km, it could be eligible for replacement under warranty.
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