The new Renault Megane 2020 gets charged up: the PHEV version arrives

The new Renault Megane is updated to offer greater technological content, a slight redesign and, above all, a PHEV powertrain to earn the DGT Zero Emissions label

Four years have already passed since the fourth generation of the Renault Megane hit the market, bringing a major change in every respect. The French compact remains one of the most popular models in our market, and it was one of the members of our list of the 10 best-selling cars in Spain in 2019.

However, the French brand has decided it is time to update its compact so it keeps posting good sales figures. Aesthetically, this is where we will find the fewest differences, since there is no reason to change what still works. We will therefore see slight changes to the headlights, a grille with a small redesign, and more colour and wheel options in the catalogue.

Light revisions to its trim range and more standard equipment

Opening the door, we won’t find major changes either, as the focus has been on using new materials to improve the sense of quality. What does evolve is the technology, so the R-Link system gives way to Easy-Link, far more complete and integrating new features such as wireless charging for smartphones.

The range of driver assistance systems is also expanded, so we now have lane-change assist, cross-traffic alert and parking assist with hands-free operation.

Within the equipment levels of the Renault Megane 2020, the same ones will remain: Life, Limited, Zen and Bose. What will change is the name of the sportiest trim in the range, so the GT Line will now be called RS Line. According to the brand, these will feature a more sporty design.

Surprise in the new Renault Megane’s engine line-up

The range of engines for the Renault Megane was updated recently, so in this update we will still have the full petrol TCe family -115 hp, 140 hp and 160 hp-. Likewise, the trio of diesel engines currently available will remain -Blue dCi of 95, 115 and 150 hp-.

The first change in this facelift will be felt -or rather enjoyed- by the spiciest version of the range, as the Renault Megane RS will now use the same 1.8 turbocharged TCe engine. However, power has been raised from 280 hp to 300 hp, so torque rises to 420 Nm when paired with the EDC automatic gearbox and 400 Nm with the manual.

Therefore, both the Renault Megane RS and the even more radical RS Trophy will share the same powerplant under the bonnet. However, the Trophy will keep the Cup chassis, so in addition to greater stiffness it gets a Torsen-type limited-slip mechanical differential.

Renault Megane E-TECH: the plug-in hybrid arrives

The major news, however, is that the Renault Megane 2020 debuts a new plug-in hybrid variant. It will use the same powertrain as the recently presented Renault Captur E-TECH, a model arriving in a few months.

The Renault Megane E-TECH will therefore use a propulsion system made up of a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 90 hp, combined with two electric motors, one with 48 hp and the other with 20 hp. With this combination, the compact’s PHEV version will have a total output of 160 hp.

To power them, it will carry a battery pack with a capacity of 9.8 kWh. With this, the Renault Megane plug-in hybrid is expected to offer an electric range of around 50 kilometres and run in zero-emission mode at speeds of up to 135 km/h. This figure should be enough for the French compact to earn the DGT Zero Emissions label for the first time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBnKBKhvh-w&feature=youtu.be

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Megane3 versions · from 39,650 €