Renault Megane E-Tech Review

Practicality and space

The Renault Megane is more than practical enough for the average family. There’s a decent amount of space up front, so that even tall drivers will be able to find a natural-feeling driving position. There’s plenty of space in the back seats, too. The flat floor means there’s plenty of legroom, and you can squeeze a third person in the middle – although there’ll be a fair bit of elbow-rubbing. The only downsides are that it does feel a bit dark in the back seats due to that tapering windowline and small rear window, and there’s no centre rear armrest. It’s better than the MG4 for rear passenger space and comfort, no doubt, but the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born feel airier and rear armrests. 

Interior and Design

It feels really nice in the Megane, with plenty of nicely textured materials and gloss finishes to make it look interesting and classy. It is a bit confusing that you have three big stalks on the side of the steering column, to control the lights and indicators, adaptive cruise control and audio. It’s very easy to get the wrong stalk. Even so, it’s easy to get comfortable in the Megane – standard electric lumbar adjustment is especially helpful witih that - and most of is very easy to use. It is a shame that we don’t get the really big touchscreen that left-hand drive Meganes get, but the smaller screen still does a good job.

Dashboard

Hurrah for proper, physical air-con buttons (they’re so easy to use when you’re driving!) which the Megane gets. Between this and the fairly straightforward touchscreen, the Megane’s dash layout is one of the most user-friendly in the class.  

Technology and Equipment

There are three trims to choose from. The Megane evolution is the entry-level model but is still seriously well equipped, with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a heat pump, heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and a 9-inch touchscreen. We’d probably stick with the evolution trim and be happy with that, but mid-range techno is worth considering, not only because the name reminds us of clubbing in the ‘90s, but because you get a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen, 20-inch alloy wheels and a really nice, tactile recycled upholstery on the seats. Top-spec iconic ups the style ante, and also adds a 360-degree parking camera and semi-autonomous parking mode. 

Safety

Every Renault Megane gets adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, two sets of Isofix fittings and a full suite of airbags. It managed a full five star safety rating in Euro NCAP tests.