Long-term review: Renault Megane E-Tech month 1

June 25, 2025 Phil Huff

We welcome the Renault Megane E-Tech to the EV Powered long-term fleet to see if there’s still space for traditional hatchbacks amount the sea of SUVs

My Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic arrived in the middle of a cold spell, with unseasonably chilly weather that meant less-than-ideal conditions for an EV. But even with the chill, the Megane has been delivering a steady 3.0 miles per kWh. That’s a usable real-world range of 174 miles from its 60kWh battery. Down on the official 281 miles, sure, but pretty solid given my mostly motorway-heavy mileage.

Is 174 miles enough? It’s not generous, but it’s workable. On the UK’s roads, that’ll get you roughly three hours of driving — about the time you should be stopping for a coffee and a top-up anyway. A quick half-hour charge can add another 180 miles, so it’ll mean plugging in just once a week for many drivers.

And as the weather warms up, I expect to squeeze out a few more miles per charge.

So what is a Megane E-Tech? This is the first all-electric version of the long-running Megane, and while the market keeps shifting SUV-wards, Renault has stuck with a compact hatchback silhouette — mostly. Those 20-inch wheels, tall sills (to hide the battery), and plastic wheel arch cladding give it a touch of crossover cosplay, but the car’s compact footprint and low-slung stance make it feel nimble and easy to place. It’s a refreshing contrast to the bulkier offerings out there.

Renault has also given the Megane a (very) subtle update. You won’t notice it from the outside, as most changes are under the skin. There’s now a heat pump to boost winter efficiency, improved adaptive cruise control, and a 12-inch infotainment screen across the range. A slight price drop helps, too, though my top-tier Iconic test car still rings in at £37,995.

Inside story

The cabin hasn’t changed much since launch, either, but that’s no bad thing. It’s neatly designed, with solid materials, clever use of fabric, and just enough physical buttons to keep things usable. That said, the control layout is a bit of a tangle — six stalks, paddles and selectors behind the wheel are at least two too many, and the lack of a proper volume knob on the dash still irritates.

The infotainment screen uses a Google-based system that’s slick, fast, and gets better when you log in with a personal account — giving you access to your music, contacts, locations and more. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Google Workspace (the business version), which will annoy company car drivers. That’s on Google, not Renault, but it’s still a limitation worth knowing about.

As an Iconic-spec car, my Megane is loaded with kit: 360-degree cameras, adaptive LED headlights, wireless charging, Harmon Kardon audio, a digital rear-view mirror, and dual-zone climate control. The only real visual giveaway that you’re in the flagship trim is a titanium strip under the nose — lower trims get a colour-coded version that, to my eyes, actually looks neater.

You can drop down to the Techno trim, lose the premium sound system, digital mirror and surround cameras, and save £2,000. Most of the good stuff stays.

Practicalities

The Megane’s cabin is spacious and smart, at least in the front, with quality materials and just enough flair to feel a little premium. The back seats are fine for adults on shorter journeys, though the legroom is tight, and the dark headliner and high beltline make things feel slightly closed in.

Boot space is good, but there’s a hefty loading lip to lug things over, but that’s no bad thing if you’re worried about stuff rolling out. A compartment under the floor keeps charging cables tucked away, which helps keep the tangle fairy at bay.

renault megane e-tech boot — The Megane’s boot is a good size but has an awkward lip

How it drives

The Megane puts its 220hp to the front wheels, with a 0–62mph time of 7.5 seconds. It’s not lightning-fast, but the power delivery is smooth and progressive. There’s some wheel chirp if you get overenthusiastic with the throttle, but generally, it keeps its composure, even in slippery conditions.

With my travels limiting any spirited driving, I’ve not yet seen the Megane at its most entertaining — but it’s clearly competent, confident, and refreshingly easy to live with.

More miles and (hopefully) some proper summer temperatures lie ahead. I’ll keep you posted.