Renault teases Megane E-tech to drivers ahead of 2023 arrival

The countdown is on for arrival of the Renault Megane e-Tech, which is slated to arrive in Australia in early 2023.

Having been unveiled to drivers in September 2021, an email has now been sent out to interested customers by Renault Australia importer Ateco.

“Welcome to your exclusive first look at all-new Megane E-Tech 100% Electric – our revolutionary fully electric compact SUV, coming soon to Australia,” the email says.

“Over the coming months, we will introduce you to this innovative new model and you will discover its journey from concept to reality.”

The Megane E-tech will be the French automaker’s first new EV on sale to the local market since it pulled the Renault Zoe in 2020 citing poor sales volume and a lack of support from government.

While the Zoe has proven a popular electric hatch in Europe, the Megane E-Tech is likely to appeal to a broader base in Australia where compact SUVs have greater appeal.

With a driving range of up to 470km (WLTP) for a long-range option, the new 100% electric vehicle embodies the first stage of the manufacturer’s Renaulution project.

Overseas, there are two battery options starting with a short-range 40kWh battery and 300km WLTP range (about 267km real world), while the 96kW/250Nm single motor offers 0-100km/hr acceleration in 10 seconds.

The 60kWh battery option comes in two power options with the range-topping “performance” variant offering 450km WLTP range (400km real world depending on driving conditions), 160kW/300Nm for acceleration to 100km/hr in 7.4 seconds.

On a DC charger, a top charge rate of 129kW can be achieved for the larger battery options, while the smaller battery option gets a top charge rate of 85kW. Both offer top-ups from 10-80% when out and about in around half an hour.

At home or work, a top 22kW charge rate on AC offers a full recharge in 3 hrs 15 minutes for the larger battery and 2hrs 15min for the smaller battery.

Local details and specifications will no of course be released closer to the Megane E-Tech’s Australia launch, but for the moment it is likely that it will have a starting price in Australia of around $57,000, placing it up against the short-range Hyundai Kona Electric ($54,500 before on-roads).

Prices in France start at €35,200 for a base, short-range model and go up to €51,200 for a top-of-the-line, long-range model with extras. In April, it was awarded a full five starts by the Euro NCAP safety body.