Just four months after going on sale, Renault is expanding its all-new Megane E-Tech line-up, replacing the previous range-topping ‘Launch Edition’ model with an ‘Iconic’ flagship.
Available for a limited time, on top of more body colour choices, the single biggest addition is a heat pump that boosts total efficiency by as much as 9%, according to the French manufacturer.
As well as increasing its everyday usability, it is also said to cement the car’s second-hand value – a key concern for motorists thinking of making the switch from petrol or diesel to pure electric.
Developed by thermal management engineers, the system is claimed to recover heat generated by the battery and the electric motor twice as efficiently to ensure optimal temperature for the cabin without affecting range even when outside temperatures drop below ten degrees Celsius.
The heat recovery is captured by a circuit of pipes that run through the entire battery and motor and occurs when the battery and electric motor are under heavy load, during rapid recharging or when driving on motorways. The pipes then convert the recovered heat to help warm the cabin.
Over and above ‘Launch Edition’ grade, ‘Iconic’ specification cars are available with two-tone paint options, and a choice of either a ‘Diamond Black’ or a ‘Shadow Grey’ roof finish. The body colour options vary across solid, metallic, or special metallic paints and include grey, white and blue.
Sitting slightly higher from the road than a regular hatchback to give the Megane E-Tech a more crossover stance, angled LED headlights – including 3D tail-lights – are joined by 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the cabin benefits from a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, smart rear-view mirror, and around view 3D camera system. This is in addition to a 12.3-inch central display and a 9-inch multimedia display for the driver that can be toggled through to relay key pieces of information.
All Megane E-Tech models have four regenerative brake options to help drivers recoup energy when slowing down, with ‘0’ having the no effect and ‘3’ intended for one-pedal driving. Rapid charging at a maximum 130kW DC allows a 15 to 80% charge of its 60kWh battery in 30 minutes for a range of 186-miles of driving.
