Video Summary
Here is the summary of the YouTube video review:The Renault Megane E-Tech is priced at $54,990 before on-road costs, which is similar to a base model Tesla Model 3. Renault doesn't traditionally compete on price, so this price comes as a surprise. The car is available in a single trim level in Australia. It has cloth seats with manual adjustment and is roughly equivalent to a mid-spec model in the UK. However, it lacks some features available overseas, like a 360-degree camera or a faster AC inverter. Other missing items include a sunroof, head-up display, and V2L connectivity.
In terms of styling, in the metal the Megane E-Tech looks like a hatchback rather than an SUV. This can be credited to the black cladding, and its 20 inch alloy wheels. Direct rivals include the MG4 and Cupra Born. However, the Megane E-Tech is completely different from Tesla's and has an intrigue of its own. The light profile is cool, and overall the design feels like a concept car. The cabin has a modern feel with unusual design and materials and it doesn't feel like an iPad on wheels. There are smaller multimedia screen than the digital dash, physical hardware controls for major functions, and a floating wireless phone charger.
The back seat area is small, enclosed, and plasticky, which impacts comfort. The rear window is narrow. Storage is disappointing. It does include USB-C ports and adjustable air vents. Under the bonnet it has a 60kWh battery, smaller compared to some of its rivals, and it has front-wheel drive, which is an unusual choice in EVs. The driving experience is more like a combustion car and makes the EV light and quite reactive. It can get 454 Kilometers of range.
Although the official DC fast charging is 130 kW, the reviewer only got about 90 kW. Australian versions come with only a 7kW AC inverter, slow charging speed, that they don't love. Testing beat the stated consumption, in combined driving with a 14.3 kWh per 100 KM range number. While the traction can be overdone, the safety systems do not interfere with the overall driving experience, giving more traditional feel.
The reviewer rates the Renault Megane E-Tech 7.5/10.
