Renault Megane E-tech: thoughts after three months 

Just come across your videos Andrew you have a natural easy going nature that really makes viewing your videos a joy. Lots of good info, on the car information tips and grumbles which will be most useful when I come to receive it. Thanks

Another good relaxed balanced review Mr Till. Enjoy all of your videos.😀😀👏👏

The thoughts i was waiting for. Since i placed my order for this car in june. Ive watched many hours of youtube content to learn more about ev's. Your channel is the best ive saw, ive learned so much. Keep up the good work. A nearly perfect car will do me.

Thanks Andrew. Good honest review covering lots of useful topics. I have 2020 Eniro. Not sure I could live with that elevated brake pedal though. I wish I knew how you remain so incredibly calming, relaxed and natural even whilst on camera! You must be super laid back. I wish I could learn how to be so relaxed in life, let alone when on a broadcast recording! I really admire that ability. I would be a quivering nervous wreck if I tried it. Well done. Peter.

Thanks for your videos. Although I live in the States, I always enjoy an honesty and lovely opinion of Europe's EVs!

Great video again. The location of the charge port and direction of opening put us off. It was a serious contender for a while though

Thank you Andrew nice test where you go into many practical details about charging on the car and pedals! Remember that prices have dropped drastically here lately!

Hi Andrew, interesting review 😊 I'm into my 4. month with the Megane Iconic, and I'm really enthusiastic about it. Mine has heat pump, and the infotainment screen is bigger in the Meganes sold here in Denmark. Apple Carplay works perfectly. The dark interior is a matter of taste, and I like it. You're right about the mystery around charging: When charging, you cannot turn on the car without forcing the charging to stop. I found a workaround in a Megane-forum, though... Just tip the ventilation lever, and you "keep the system alive"

Andrew, I'm about three months in to my ONTO subscription with the Renault Megane E-tech and pretty much agree with everything you have said. The 22kWh A/C charging rate has been so important for me and I don't think I would change for a vehicle that didn't have this charge rate. I have noticed that the radio controls on the stalk are not great and just don't work sometimes but voice control might get round that. One beef I do have is that there is a total lack of information on the cruise control buttons on the left of the wheel. By experimentation I have found that you need to ensure lane keeping is on, pressing the bottom right button on steering wheeel and then pushing up the control to set the target speed seems to do the trick - no idea what the others do! Lane keeping/adaptive cruise control is amazing and really making long journeys that much easier - really didn't expect this feature! Watch out though, when it loses track of the lines and turns off lane keeping, it makes no warning sound at all, which seems a very odd decision bearing in mind all the other sounds it can make and how dangerous this can be! Love the auto locking and unlocking and just so used to walking away knowing that it will lock. Auto windscreen wipers go a bit mad sometimes! Boot capacity is amazing and way better than most similar vehicles. I feel almost guilty that I don't use the paddles much, but rarely find any point to them. Thank you hugely for your reviews - really enjoy the family holiday/long distance ones!

Great video. And good points on both pros and cons. Your videos are among the most insightful and balanced available.

Great review, great video 😄👍 I get the same impression you seem to have about this car, albeit in my case having never so much as seen one in person

Hi, only just watched this video. I found it really good and your annunciation was brilliant. Calm voice that I can definitely listen to again. Very informative too. Congrats. (Subscribed too 👍)

A good video with your thoughts on the Megane. It’ still at the top of the options for our next EV when we have to hand the Leaf back in Jan. I believe some (all?) of the models have a video rear-view mirror option to counter the very small rear window. I saw in one of the comments too that there is now an option for a lighter interior which will be good - the darkness in the back is one thing I’m not sure about for our kids (they both get car sick, so feeling too dark and enclosed wouldn’t be good)…… PS totally unrelated but at around 12:30 it looks like Ronald McDonald walks past the back of the car 😂

Thank you for a good review. I will get this car in December. If I find something else you haven't mention, I will come back to you. Again, thanks.

Thanks for your review, I just ordered my Techno version of the Megane. In the Netherlands the screen is bigger with the Techno version.

As you say the ONTO subscription really works for you and enables these great reviews. Would be great to see what you think of the MG4. We we are on our 5th & 6th owned EV, e-Niro & KONA, perfect for us, we don't want any other EVs

Great video. Thank you, Andrew.

Hi Andrew, this is such a brilliant review of the Renault Megane E-tech. I found this review to be honest and not negative for simply being a French car! Yes, ok I am a Frenchman and the way you review is from a point of view of how we would like to see what it is really all about. This is be perfect for myself and Clément which is my Airedale Terrier dog :) I just subscribe as I found you brilliant in the way to perform your reviews. Well super done and apologies for my English!

I’ve had mine now since September and I seriously can’t fault it. Yep the price is steeper than others, but i. Tested a few prior and this one got me. I’ve got the techno + model with the heat pump so right now it’s a massive help with the weather. I actually bought mine so I’ve got it for a few years, we’ll see what I think I three years when it’s paid up. But great review as always. Oh the boot issue with the brake pedal, it’s annoying but I found adjusting the seat made a very slight difference. The only thing I wish they did was the 12.9 portrait screen like the left hand drive versions, but the infotainment I think is awesome.

Great Video 👍 One problem with Renault its self for me. Before January the Megane e tech came with a 5 year warranty. Now its a 3 year warranty. Chinese EVs soon start to look a better deal with 7 year warrantys .

This will be my next car,ordered for 2nd week in September...can't wait😊

Nice car, I'll wait until I can buy one over two years old? Your wife is lovely, you have such patience! Good review

Thanks for the round up. I had one of these mid spec Megan's on a 48 hour test drive from Renault. It was in winter and obviously a car which had previously back to back test drives. I had needed to make a trip to the Midlands for a funeral and charge to 100% the night before. It showed only 180 mile range and that's about what I achieved with mainly motorway driving. I liked car but there were three issues for me. 1. Rear visablity 2. The loading aperture too narrow when rear parcel shelf in place. (I noticed that you had removed it) 3. The mixture of touch controls on the steering wheel. It should be one or the other. Interested to hear if you found these annoying. I bought a 3 year old model 3 after testing the Megan

Apparently the brake peddle moves depending on the regen setting so it's not sticking 👍🏻

Well for the Megane sold i Scandinavia, there is an heat pump, and, you can charge with the ignition on. And the AC on.

22kW is the mutts nuts, a lot of twin AC destination chargers are 3 phase 32A, so if you're the only car connected,

Great video. Shame it wasn’t for us. Our mobility scooter won’t go through the boot opening

Had ours for 6 months and agree about the charging speed missing from the display and the scrimping on the smaller display is a pain as it obscures loads of information.

Since this video the top spec Megane has dropped in price quite considerably, along with the introduction of the 12.9" infotainment screen for us in the UK. I believe the heat pump is now included as standard in all new cars (March 24 onwards)

At 12:21 you can see your driver's door insulation/whateverthatis is all messed up. You should probably pull that back over the metal to reduce the wind noise

Can you set the navigation up so that it will only recommend charging stops with a minimum number of chargers, or avoiding certain CPOs?

Hahahah of course Mrs. EV is brought in for the "what irritates the sh*t out of me with this car". Fantastic. I would really like to know what you think of the new NIro Ev. i think you'll love it. Especially the space inside and out.

I have owned an ID3 and now a Niro EV. My brother owns a mid spec MG4. The MG4 is right up there in comparison. More low end torque and quieter than the Niro, very similar to the ID3 in fact. Except the price and the software is better! I am really liking the Niro EV though. It’s a keeper!

Thanks for the content. Enjoyed your comments. Would you recommend the Renault for long trips to France, for example? Perhaps the AC charging would help when not on the motorway? Like to hear your thoughts. Again, thanks for your honest comments.

Thanks, another enjoyable informative video Andrew. There are discounts available on the Emegane... £35,000 for the E-Tech, so not such a large premium for avoiding the MG4... No premium at all compared to other Chinese brands!... they're not as cheap as some people think.

Haha your wife knows not to go with a French car. 😅 Great video really enjoyed it.

I can't unsee the gearshift lever location. Too many stalks. Reminds me of our Fiat 131 in 1978. Renault will have to rethink that.

Great video, get a MG4 X Power as a test next.

I've just ordered the Megane techno in Midnight Blue on motability, It was a close call after testing the Kia Niro EV as that was a great car to drive but could only afford the base level 2 spec, so the Megane won me over with it's extra features. This will be my first EV as well after watching your channel and a few others. It's really helped me into my transition into the EV world and I am thankful for that.

We are on a PCP with the ZOE and at the exchange/walk away point, we were wondering about upgrading to the Megane - or maybe the scenic to come? Uncertain about the 60kW battery capacity and range for the price.

All software - Route planning, driver assistance, voice control - is so far superior on the Megane compared to the MG4. And if the efficiency on both cars is similar, at least, the Megane has the excuse of going for good looking approach. Great feedback as always ! Will be curious of what YOU think of the MG4 now.

What a great looking car I'm not ready for a full electric car just yet but if I was this would be the one My son says black interior is cool

Great review not much else I can say really.

Hi Andrew, your views on the negatives are exactly the same as mine were when I drove the Megane last year. I opted for the Niro EV with grey pack - which gives a nice airy feeling to the car. Love your wifes thoughts on the gear selecter - tell her its not just women that confuse the wipers with it, I did too. The wheel is simply too busy with all the stalks etc. I also hated the 'creep' that you cant stop when you put it in drive. They are emulating a problem that old auto boxes suffered - why? On the Niro EV you can disable it by turning on the regen braking. Renault have 'almost' cracked it with this car, I too loved it but the negatives put me off it and I bought the Niro EV which I love. Range wise I am also seeing 300 miles on my EV 4 with heat pump, which is so good! Great review though, and keep including your wifes comments!!

Please please , do a review on the New Kia Ev Niro , would love your views on that 😊

i see it has the same seat material as my 2015 zoe, i was cleaning my seats the other day and they were messing with my eyes haha. yea the break and start button stopping charge is a pain. as i get in and automatically do it and it stops the charge

Great Review… funny, I have the same problem when I drive with my boots

Great video. You didn't list Kona along with those other candidates. The 2023 is now bigger in the back and boot and I love the styling. Also more range and efficiency than new Niro. Definitely a candidate to replace my e-Niro!

I’ve removed the rear centre headrest to improve rear visibility.

Like your review Andrew. Unfortunately Renault Australia have knobbled this by reducing the AC to 7kW, idiotic for unknown reason. The charge port if it was in the front as Bjorn has shown in other cars it could freeze shut probably better on the back quarter panel similar to the classic Ioniq or many others. I also would prefer a level load bay in the back of it as I take my lawn mower, handles folded, in my Ioniq(classic) and it fits and is easy to get in and out but this one I would bet would not fit my lawn mower. It does use the google automotive system like the Polestar & Volvo cars, think more cars need it particularly Hyundai/Kia who don't do route planning in their software. There is no floor space looking at what you showed to put my foot other than that stupid footrest that all car makers love to have, being tall 6'4" my foot I prefer on the floor not on the footrest next to the brake pedal.

Who let the chickens out, who who .... ok I couldn't help myself. Ahhh, what's a video without the princess disagreeing with you and putting you in your place with style.... LOL. I like the look of this car Andrew. I agree with you.

Remind people to like your video too, I forget!

The dark headliner was the one thing the kids didn’t like when we looked at one. There’s bow an option for a lighter interior which is far better from a rear passenger perspective. Definitely a potential ZOE replacement 👍🏼

Given you had a roof rack to go to Italy in the Kia I'm surprised you like the Meganne boot, I test drove it and it was deep and short, no good for bikes (back wheel would have to come off) and we're a dog in the boot family and it's a dog jail back there, I'd have had to make a shelf or something

Absolutely love Megane Techno spec. The MG4 feels like a cheap car compared to the Megane. I had the MG4 Trophy on order for months before cancelling and going with the Megane. Yes it is priced higher but even with the cut down spec we in The UK get it is worth the extra. MG4 just worried me so much with it's dealer and HQ issues, Cars being bricked because of stupid update issues, dealers not having a clue and then people literally getting locked in their cars. No the Megane is the better vehicle and we'll worth paying for compared. The 22KW charging is one of the most under rated/under mentioned feature. Every other EV I've used annoys the hell out of me with the max 11KW charging in AC.

popped into Renault supplier really liked the outside 9 outa 10( nice one ren ) , didnt test drive or go through some of your irritating design or tec features BECAUSE boot space was just simply too small for our lifestyle , V dark interior due to black roof lining and no roof glass , wifes immediate downside was actually the A pillar width including mirror housing as she is a 5ft 2 incher and said if 1or 2 sub 7 yr olds were wanting to cross on lights or zebra she feels her vision would be really bad in seeing them when approaching( we live in built up area) We have a ren kadjar which has wide A pillars and door mirror housing BUT we sit higher up so less of a problem .

Explain about Heat Pumps in your EV content and how its highly important for UK residents..

Andrew! Well go drive the MG4 then 🤣. Personally having driven all the cars you mentioned plus the born, more than once, all, as you said, are competant cars but the one I liked least to drive was the ID3, with probably the born as my SLIGHT favorit and the MG4 second. BUT I cannot ignore the very large difference in price, so for me the MG4 is the clear winner.

The issue with having the charging point towards the front of the vehicle (especially front bonnet) is that it requires you to drive front first into a parking spot and subsequently reverse out of the parking spot. It's always safer to reverse into a parking spot and then drive out, going backwards in any vehicle should always be kept to a minimum. For instance - imagine you live on a busy road, the highway code says you should not reverse onto a main road from a side road/driveway. It's situational, but something I've thought of before.

One aspect of these mid sized ev reviews that is almost always not mentioned is their ability or not to have tow hitch, or bike transport compliant hitch fitted. Just a quick mention would be helpful as many people carry bikes about, but for example the 77kw ID3 cannot use the transport hook behind the number plate, but the lower battery sized variants can. Knowing if any family EV supports this is useful and for many critical to purchase. Cheers for the clear real world reviews.

Nice video thank you.

Beautiful car, especially the higher spec'd ones but not really priced competitively compared to the competition.

Early reviews of this car highlighted 2-way (V2H) charging. Not heard this mentioned in any review since. What happened to that?

Could you do a EV test on the Nissan Ayria, as am thinking of either that or ionic 5. Advice please or even Mrs EV’s thoughts

Andrew I believe the left hand drive has a larger screen I seen this somewhere a while ago so be kind to me if I am incorrect everyone

Smart looking car,what about Kia ev 6?

first! Megane is a cool looking ride, too bad they don't sell it in the US.

Its a beautiful car, and the whole EV thing is still in the baby fase of development so better things wil come it needs some time 😅❤

That brake pedal looks very high compared to the accelerator pedal which looks dangerous to me. I'm not a fan of charge ports on the front fender like that, seems like the cable is always trying to rip off the charge door at charging stations with short cables. I prefer charge ports on the rear corner of the car, my Leaf had it in the front and it was always a pain to open it in the winter with snow and ice always freezing the door closed when driving in winter weather.

Other reviews have mentioned there seems a lot of travel on the brake pedal before the brakes really kick in, have you found this to be the case?

The Regenerative setting can also effect the brake pedal. It loses its progressive feel and stiffens slightly.

Hi Andrew...just a query, got abrp working on my Hyundai Kona EV 2021,got a vgate icar pro obd2 working perfect BUT am aving serious overheating of my Samsung s20fe, ave you had problems like that with ur phone..?

Currently an id3 owner and think this is at the top of the list for a replacement. I know you say there is plenty of space but I am similar height to you and the back looks very cramped in comparison to the id3 and as it's a ground up ev seems disappointing - welcome thoughts

With so many negatives it’s just not good enough, problem is we tend to put up with most cars having so many problems and in 2023 why do we have to accept these issues especially when paying lots of money. One down side I noticed was getting in and out the roof line is so low I kept hitting my head.

Good info, nice car but no way they can justify that price. MG4 trounces not only on cost but warranty too, now an extra 4 years after Renault cheaped out & showed no confidence in the vehicle.

You are a very thorough and engaging host Mr EV! 🚗 honk honk

Fit finish and build quality is in another world to the MG4

ok, dark interiors are not good imo. yesterday went to look at the new KONA. petrol only N LINE. atm, be November before we see the EV. Very very impressed except for the black roof lining, but apparently that is a N LINE thing. 52k AUD, so expect the EV to be 20k more.

I get this in june can i use the basic 3 pin chargers

Seeing some keenly priced 2023 used megane now on AT

Any problems with your Alarm going off constantly when you exit the car ?

I really liked the Megane, it is a beautiful car inside and out. But it is just too small for a family car, why did they make it so short and narrow? There is very little room in the back seat, my feet didn’t even fit under the front seats. The boot has a massive load lip and whilst it is deep, it is also narrow, so not the most practical. It’d be a great car for people without kids or maybe younger kids. Shame it is so expensive as well, a car that size needs to start in the low £30 thousands

You do not need to press the microphone button.. Just say hey google.. it beeps then ask what you wish.

I want it.

The only issue with a front charge port would be if you have a crash with the front end you probably wouldn't be able to charge it

The 43 kW AC on rapids is meant for zoes not for leaving your 22 kW AC car plugged in for 3 hours.

Can you activate siri with the steering wheel voice command button if apple carplay is active?

Charge port on the front is a pretty bad idea during winter: it can sometimes get frozen and won't open on many car models (cf. Bjorn Nyland's videos). That's why the Hyundai/KIA group is slowly getting rid of that idea and putting the charge port in on the rear of the car.

Have you been thinking about the IONIQ 5 N? Even a little?

Not aligning the stop AND go pedals is really irritating and potentially dangerous.

The Brian cox of the car world

The MG4 is very good.

have a colleagues who have there 3rd electric car in last 10 years ( or so). I am driving the same diesel car for the last 13 years. Somehow, I think my cumulative impact on environment is much lower than those who.....

I notice you say you were recording with an iPhone. What is the connection to Car Play like? Android Auto connection is notoriously poor. It's the only thing I don't like about my E-Tech.

I preordered this exact car. Then the prices came out. I laughed and cancelled the order!

Dark headliners remind me of bachelor pads; too many men left alone designing things

Pretty lady with lovely accent!❤

Hi could you fit a golf bag in the boot? thank you

If you loved e-niro, how about niro ev?

Thanks for the review. Route planning looks useful - much better than my MG4. The Renault also looks plusher. However, hard to ignore the massive price gap, plus the mediocre range. That charge port is also badly placed. Dont know why makers haven't standardised on one location. Big plus for me is the MG charge port is convenient - esp for Tesla chargers.