Renault is poised to launch a range-topping performance version of the Megane E-Tech next year as part of a radical styling makeover that will reposition the EV as a hot hatch.
The move is motivated by a desire to revive the Megane E-Tech’s appeal and reverse a sharp fall in sales of the car over the past 18 months.
Speaking at the Munich motor show, Renault brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive confirmed the Megane E-Tech will be repositioned as “a hot hatch or a hot car”, adding: “That’s the direction we want to go in.”
He also told reporters that Renault is exploring the viability of a new performance model and will show the “first proposals” within 12 months.
While he declined to give further details, the two are expected to be linked.
The brand’s last true dedicated sporting model was the fourth-generation Megane RS hot hatch, which went out of production in 2023 with the 296bhp Ultime run-out special.
Renault has begun experimenting with sportier models again recently, bringing to market the exclusive, £140,000 5 Turbo 3E – a 533bhp hyper-hatch designed to show what a Renault performance EV is capable of.
The new top-rung Megane E-Tech model isn’t expected to receive such a lofty power output, but a more feasible option is apparent from its Ampr Medium platform-mates.
Of those, the new Alpine A390’s bespoke 464bhp tri-motor powertrain isn’t likely to be transferred to the Megane E-Tech, but the Nissan Ariya Nismo’s 429bhp dual-motor set-up could be in play. The current Megane E-Tech is offered exclusively with a single electric motor and a topend output of 215bhp.
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As an ex Megane owner it was the gloomy cabin that I found more of an issue than the poor side and rear visibility. The dark grey headlining didn’t help. I think it desperately needs a panoramic roof. I think the Megane E-Tech is fundamentally a good car and with a bit more development would make a competitive warm hatch. I found it fast enough and I’m not sure that you could put more power down through the front wheels without a limited slip differential. The steering was too light and highly geared for spirited B road driving and Renault need to smooth the transition from regen and pedal braking. They need to set the Alpine A290 development engineers on the car. It’s fantastic sporty looks make the basis for a good warm hatch but it would need the addition of rear motors to make it a proper hot hatch. One consequence of its lack of popularity is that there are some terrific deals to be had on new cars and used Megane’s are very good value.
Brand wise it's almost as much of a mess as Vauxhall (VXR / GSi / GSe etc). They need to decide which horse they are backing and comit to it. Either Alpine or RenaultSport, or fully merge the two (RS Alpine etc.) Some Alpine versions, some RenaultSport versions and a sprinkling of Esprit Alpine trim levels to confuse things still further is just incoherent.
A brand is a promise, and currently as a potential punter I have no idea what they are promising.
PS I should have added a plea to Renault not to graft on the nose of the new Clio.