Renault set to expand electrified options

Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Renault is extending the electrification of its line-up with the announcement of three hybrid E-Tech models going on sale in Europe markets later this year.

The Clio hatchback will become available as an E-Tech hybrid while the Megane and Captur lines will get an E-Tech plug-in hybrid solution with an estimated 50km emissions-free driving range.

Renault New Zealand has been an early adopter of EV models with its Zoe city car and the Kangoo EV van. A spokesman says the company is very keen to evaluate the new E-Tech models for the local market as soon as they become available.

The Megane wagon is getting a plug. Consider us excited.

All three E-Tech models combine a 1.6-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors, a six-speed multi-mode clutchless transmission and Renault’s MultiSense drive mode system.

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The smaller Clio won’t get the plug-in treatment but will get Yaris Hybrid-rivalling electrification.

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But it’s the Captur crossover that is expected to capture (sorry) the lion’s share of sales.

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The hybrid Clio has a 240v/1.2kWh lithium-ion battery and Renault estimates it can operate as an EV is about 80 per cent of typical urban driving situations at speeds up to 44km/h.

The e-motor system provides up to 250Nm of torque in addition to the 144Nm developed by the petrol engine. Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 4.4L/100km in the WLTP test cycle.

Renault’s E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid technology is given to both the Captur crossover and the Megane in the Sport Tourer (estate) Bodystyle. The Megane hatchback has already been given the PHEV treatment over in Europe.

Offering the Megane in conventional and plug-in forms mirrors the approach taken by rival Seat with its refreshed Leon hatch/wagon. Cupra, Seat’s high-performance sub-brand, is also having a crack at the plug-in models if you want a more sporty hybrid.

In both vehicles a 9.8kWh lithium ion battery provides the EV capability. The electrified Megane is rated with WLTP combined cycle consumption of 1.3L/100km with the Captur rated between 1.5-1.6L/100km depending on specification. The CO2 emissions are rated at 30g/km.

With its popular compact crossover design combined with plug-in efficiency the Captur E-TECH is expected to have the highest potential appeal in the New Zealand market.

The PHEV system will position the E-Tech variant as the top performer in the Captur family with 118kW of combined output and 350Nm of torque allowing a 0-100km/h run in 10.1secs.