Following the Mégane station wagon, the five-door model now follows as a plug-in hybrid. (Photo: © Renault)
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Until now, the Renault Mégane Plug-in Hybrid was only available as a station wagon, but now there's also a five-door version with an external charging function. This practical test shows how the compact, part-time electric car performs.
When it comes to purely battery-electric cars, Renault long with Zoe The French have been hesitant for a long time with the plug-in hybrids. But after the station wagon Mégane Grandtour now the regular Five-door plug-in hybridThanks to the possibility of external power recharging, the French golf rival up to 51 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h purely electrically, which ultimately Gasoline consumption on only 1,2 liters That sounds pretty good, even if the official model name of the Renault Mégane E-Tech Plug-in-Hybrid 160 sounds rather cumbersome.
The drive unit is just as unusual as its name. Under the hood Three engines share the work. The 1,6-liter petrol engine from two electric motors supported by a Multi-mode automatic transmission to the front wheels. The CVT-like transmission has a total of six gears, two of which are intended for pure electric drive. While the first electric motor with its 49 kW (67 PS) mainly for driving serves, the second works with 25 kW (34 hp) as a generator and charges the lithium-ion batteries in the rear when needed. The generator is powered by the Internal combustion engine, which in turn electric traction motor supplied with energyThis allows the Renault to be used as serial hybrid run purely on electricity, or in combination with its petrol engine and electric motors as Parallel hybrid with a system output of 116 kW (158 hp).
Sounds complicated, but it isn't. Because the enormous effort Renault put into its part-time electrician works in practice completely simple and problem-freeAfter engaging gear D, the Mégane E-Tech rolls off electrically. And only at higher speed or when powerful acceleration The combustion engine makes its presence felt. Then the familiar interplay of power sources begins. The naturally aspirated gasoline engine mostly remains acoustically in the background. And for those who prefer to take it easy in the city or on short journeys, actually travels up to 50 kilometersOn the highway, however, this figure drops to a good 30 kilometers. Power delivery is also decent. The Mégane E-Tech sprints to 100 km/h in 9,4 seconds, and the top speed is 175 km/h.
Overall, stand three driving modes from Eco to Sport available. Especially in the dynamic program, the Frenchman responds promptly to spontaneous acceleration commands. However, the gasoline engine also becomes noisy, as the automatic transmission allows high revs and also no longer shifts smoothly. However, those who embrace the Gaul's actual fuel-saving mission and take it easy will find their joy in the Mégane E-Tech, because overall Its three drives work together very harmoniously and are barely noticeableHowever, we didn't achieve the stated average fuel consumption of just 1,2 liters. The figure measured on a roller stand seems, as is often the case with Renault, far too realistic. With fully charged batteries, 5,2 liters should be taken into account in everyday useIf the storage depot is exhausted, the Full chargen at a Household socket for up to five hours. At a local Wallbox or at a public charging station the time is reduced to almost three hoursHowever, the fast-charging cable costs extra: Renault charges around €250 net for it.
Mobility
Operations management
Craft policy
The driver looks at a digital instrument cluster, which changes the view depending on the selected driving mode and also displays the navigation map in large format. To the right of it and within easy reach is the portrait touchscreen of the Easy-Link multimedia system. The 9,3-inch online entertainment proves to be modern and appealing with its easy handling and fast route guidance. Smartphone integration is easy and smooth. A digital radio reception (DAB) to the standard scope of delivery as well as the abundant driver assistance systems, which reliably perform their duties in the tested Intens configuration. Overall, the Renault Plug-in Hybrid proves to be a relaxed cruiserThe softly padded seats offer satisfactory lateral support, and the ride is comfortable. Only the 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted to the test car occasionally cause the Mégane E-Tech to roll stiffly over bumps. Those who don't like that should opt for the standard 16-inch wheels.
However, concessions must be made regarding the space available, as In plug-in hybrids, the batteries were installed under the rear seat and the trunk. For this reason, the Luggage compartment volume compared to the regular Mégane on only 308 liters together – that's exactly 94 liters less than the conventional model. However, if the rear seat backrests are folded down, the capacity increases to 1205 liters, allowing for the transport of at least slightly bulky items.
The price for the plug-in hybrid is extremely low. The 158 hp Mégane E-Tech starts at 29.832 euros netHowever, if you take the Environmental bonus of up to 9570 euros The Mégane E-Tech costs only €20.262. This makes the Mégane E-Tech an attractive offer – at least as long as plug-in hybrids are subsidized here.
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