For some it is a lame excuse, for others the ideal intermediate step: the plug-in hybrid. Renault is making an attempt with the Mégane to give that last camp some ammunition.
You can have a long discussion about the sense and nonsense of plug-in hybrids, that much is certain. Opponents put forward the complexity of the technology and the non-committal nature of plugging as an argument for their view that the power connection is mainly a reality for the paper, making it easier for manufacturers to avoid the CO2 fine that is hanging over their heads. Proponents, in turn, argue that the plug-in hybrid combines the best of both worlds. On the one hand, the zero-emission (and potentially cheap) kilometers of an EV and, on the other hand, the freedom of movement of a car with a combustion engine to be able to travel long distances without having to think about charging stops. Of course, a lot stands or falls with the implementation of the concept. With a car with a six-cylinder turbo engine with hundreds of horsepower and the air resistance of a skyscraper, you may wonder how much use that plug makes. How different is that with the Renault Mégane Estate Plug-in Hybrid. A relatively modest total power of 158 hp, an electric range with which the average Dutch person can travel electrically to work and a fuel consumption that is better than that of most other station wagons in this part of the market even without plugs.
Creative solution
As we are used to from the brand, Renault has come up with a creative solution for its plug-in hybrid Mégane. In fact, the Frenchman has two gearboxes, one for the electric motor and one for the combustion engine, which ultimately end up on the same axle. On one side is a 67 hp and 205 Nm strong electric motor that has two gears. On the other side is the 1.6-liter combustion engine that transmits its forces via a four-speed gearbox. However, that gearbox has no clutch, but can change gears thanks to a second electrical power source that synchronizes the speed of the engine and the gearbox. A bit like you can push a manual gearbox into gear without using the clutch by giving a little gas. The theoretical advantage of this setup is that the Megane can operate as a parallel hybrid (where both engines drive the wheels), but also as a series hybrid, where the combustion engine acts as a generator for the electric motor. You have to. Because there is no clutch, the Mégane can only drive off on electricity. It is an interesting solution from a technical point of view, but the concrete benefits are limited. We forgive the Mégane that it feels a bit strange to feel the shift moments of two transmissions. Sometimes, however, the Renault does not seem to know what to do and there is a shock through the powertrain, which does not seem to coincide with a natural shifting moment. In addition, the consumption without plugging with 1 to 18.9 downright neat. Purely on electrical power, the Mégane works fine and its range is sufficient for the average commuter. The Renault can also preheat its interior while it is still on the pole and the combustion engine, even if you don’t, does not have to jump in for extra warmth. Yummy!
Facelift
The launch of the plug-in hybrid variant coincides with the facelift of the Mégane, in which the digital part in particular received a decent polish. The multimedia system is now equipped with the same software as the Clio, which means a significant improvement. The Megane also received a new, now fully digital set of instruments. Remarkably, there is no clear ecometer. It is nice to be able to see the navigation map in front of you. Also nice: the plug-in hybrid technology is neatly incorporated into the car, so that the plug-in offers as much space for passengers and luggage as any other Mégane. We usually notice with plug-in hybrids that they are more firmly sprung and damped than other engine versions. The Megane deviates from that image. It drives comfortably and has a nice steering, but the ‘green’ EcoContacts give up pretty quickly when things go faster.
The Renault Mégane Business Edition One costs € 37,953 including options. If we look at the equipment, it is very defensible. The Mégane can count on an electrically operated sliding / tilting roof and leather upholstery.