Renault is on a roll, winning over buyers with lots of eye-catching new models including the stunning all-electric 5 model – James Stinson
The French car maker has also refreshed its Megane E-tech and Scenic E-Tech electric ranges. These are now available in simplified and sportier three-version model ranges that gain a new One Pedal driving function and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adaptor. The simplified line-up for both models now consists of techno, techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine, the latter two inheriting the sporting character from the storied Alpine brand. For the Megane E-Tech electric esprit Alpine trims, this is most evident by the F1 blade finished in Matte Shadow Grey, with a matching finish to the rear diffuser.
All Scenic and Megane esprit Alpine models wear Ice Black logos front and rear, 20-inch esprit Alpine alloy wheels, gloss black side window trim, and esprit Alpine badging. Inside, the esprit Alpine body-hugging seats gain six-way electric adjustment as standard with two-way lumbar and massage functions on the driver’s seat, and are upholstered in an embossed titanium black mesh made from recycled materials, finished with blue top-stitching. Scenic esprit Alpine models now boast a face ID feature that automatically selects the appropriate driver profile and seat position, while both the Megane and Scenic E-Tech electric benefit from an improved rear-view camera with enhanced quality. One Pedal driving is now included as standard across both ranges, which allows the vehicle to decelerate smoothly when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, coming to a stop without the driver having to apply the brake.
This helps maximise the energy that can be recuperated to extend the driving range while also reducing brake pad wear. For situations where more manual control is preferred, the steering wheel-mounted paddles can be used to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking system. Both Megane E-Tech electric and Scenic E-Tech electric are now equipped with a new 11 kW charger. The included V2L (vehicle-to-load) adaptor also allows external 230V devices to be powered by energy stored in the car’s battery – anything from a laptop to a coffee machine! Another useful addition to each range is Plug & Charge compatibility.
Compatible chargers will recognise the car as soon as you plug-in, authorising the payment automatically and starting the charging process instantly. The Plug & Charge system is included in the Mobilize Charge Pass, with compatible chargers identified in the My Renault app and the vehicle’s OpenR Link display. The cherry on the cake is that both models also feature a new lower starting price. The Megane E-Tech electric is now available from £32,495 with prices for the Scenic E-Tech starting at £37,195.