Best in class
Whole-life cost analysis: Renault Megane E-Tech
Renault is the latest manufacturer to join the C-segment EV sector, but is it the leader of the pack? Martyn Collins
Is Renault late to the EV party? It feels like the Megane E-Tech was revealed ages ago, but delays from Covid and the chip crisis meant it only arrived on the UK market late last year. This Megane is a significant model from the French manufacturer too, as it’s the first Renault model to use the CMF-EV platform, shared with the Ariya, from allied manufacturer Nissan. We’re covering the range-topping Techno here, but there are also Equilibre, Launch Edition, and Iconic versions. All are powered by the same 60kWh battery and 160kW electric motor equalling 218hp and a WLTP range of 280 miles. Although questions are raised over the Renault’s efficiency, as the most we could extract from the Megane was just 180 miles. We would expect Renault to sell a larger amount of the lesser-spec Equilibre and Iconic into fleet.
Renault Megane E-Tech Techno
P11D: £39,440 CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month: £13/£26 Range: 280 miles National Insurance: £380 First year VED: £0 Subsequent VED: £0 Battery size/power: 60kWh/218hp AFR: 9p
43.84p Cost per mile
What marks this Renault out is its sharp exterior and interior design. Outside, the highlights are the coupe-like curvy roofline, sharp bumper, and flank detailing and, on the Techno grade, those 20in detailed alloy wheels. The interior of this Megane is no less distinctive, as sitting on the top of the dashboard is the combined 12.3in driver information display cluster and the 9in infotainment
touchscreen. Elsewhere, there’s a rather busy three-spoke, almost oval in design, multi-function steering wheel. There are also tall and supportive front seats. Previous ICE-engined Megane models are well-known for their driving ability, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Highlights are the tight body control, sharp acceleration, and responsive steering. It is not all good news though, as the 20in wheels give an over-firm ride – especially around town. and despite being agile, the steering is too light and lacking in feel – unsettling the handling if you make sharp actions. Elsewhere, we’re fans of one pedal driving (once we’d figured out how to work this via the steering wheel-mounted paddles) – it works well enough as the brakes feel generally snatchy.
This Renault joins a busy and quickly growing EV C-segment, including our current favourite under £40,000, the Cupra Born – but can it be the cost per mile victor here?
Renault models haven’t always been
Residual value: 51.20% Depreciation: £20,195 Fuel costs: £4,371 SMR: £1,743
the best for residuals for their models, and the 51.20% figure is no disgrace – but it’s only good enough for third place here, behind the Cupra and the car with the highest residual, the MG4.
The Megane sadly does even worse when it comes to depreciation, as its £20,195 figure puts it in last place, over £4,000 more than the third-place car here, the Cupra Born. With the Citroen in second place and the MG coming top again.
With the Renault also coming last in terms of National Insurance, with its £380 figure, and second place for SMR its highest position, the Megane brings up the rear overall with its cost per mile figure.
48 | May 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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