Renault Mégane ST E-TECH plug-in hybrid review

The Renault Mégane ST is one of the models most frequently seen on our roads, and for several generations much of its success in Portugal has been linked to the “dCi” badge.

That was the case with the second generation (the one with Guilherme’s famous estate car), the third, and it has remained true for this fourth generation. However, the automotive world is currently moving away from Diesel engines - as shown by the growing prominence of petrol-powered TCe models in recent years - so Renault has embraced the obvious trend of the moment: electrifying its popular estate.

Almost identical in appearance to its siblings, the Mégane ST E-TECH - the name given to this plug-in hybrid version - conceals its key changes beneath the bonnet and under the boot floor. These are the elements intended to make it an alternative to the Diesel version for drivers who cover plenty of miles while wanting to keep costs down.

But does it deliver on that promise? And does it have what it takes to replace the Diesel? We put it to the test to find out.

The formula Renault has chosen

Renault has paired a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 91 hp and 144 Nm with two electric motors. The larger of the two develops 67 hp and 205 Nm, and is responsible for driving the Mégane ST E-TECH. The smaller unit offers 34 hp and 50 Nm, acting as both a starter motor and an energy generator by recovering power during deceleration and braking.

The combined output is 160 hp, while the claimed all-electric range is around 50 km on the WLTP cycle. This is made possible by a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, although it has reduced this family estate’s boot capacity from 521 litres to a far more modest 389 litres.

Finally, the transmission is a clutchless multimode gearbox that uses technology found in Formula 1 cars and provides up to 14 (!) ratios.

Constant improvements to the Renault Mégane ST E-TECH

While the exterior revisions are subtle - both compared with the previous version and with combustion-only variants - the cabin receives more substantial updates.

Renault has addressed its previous shortcomings. As well as relocating the formerly questionable cruise control and speed limiter controls from the centre console to the steering wheel, it has equipped the Mégane ST E-TECH with a new 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and, in this case, a new infotainment system featuring a 9.3-inch screen.

Both are more comprehensive and use considerably more modern graphics, yet they retain the straightforward operation offered by their predecessors.

Renault has also improved both material and build quality. There are now more soft-touch surfaces around the cabin, while the solidity of the assembly was confirmed over many kilometres through Lisbon’s streets and narrow lanes, where unwanted noises were rarely noticeable.

Comfortable, but not only that

Interestingly, just like the last Mégane ST I tested, this car was also fitted with sports seats. Therefore, my previous comments still apply: they are comfortable and offer plenty of lateral support, but can become slightly awkward during certain manoeuvres, as it is easy to knock your elbows against their side bolsters.

On the move, one quality stands out in this plug-in hybrid version: its smoothness. Whether it is the quietness of all-electric running - or hybrid mode at a gentle pace - or the refinement of the clutchless multimode gearbox, the Mégane ST E-TECH wins you over with its comfort.

That comfort should not be mistaken for less polished handling, however. The chassis and suspension remain effective, allowing the French estate to tackle a sequence of bends safely and confidently, without the additional battery weight becoming especially noticeable.

As for the steering, it does not offer the same level of precision or response as that of the Ford Focus, but it performs well overall. The only criticism is that it becomes a little too heavy in “Sport” mode, particularly if you forget to choose another setting before carrying out manoeuvres.

A lesson well learned

Although the Renault Mégane ST E-TECH follows the familiar formula in dynamic terms, one area is entirely new: its plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Starting with all-electric mode, Renault appears to have applied the lessons learned from the Zoe regarding battery management. In this respect, it performs considerably better than some more expensive models from a class above.

In practice, that means it is possible - particularly in urban driving - to cover the kilometres promised by the brand without compromising the pace, whether in all-electric or hybrid mode. That is why average consumption rarely rose above 5 l/100 km throughout this test, remaining close to 4.5 l/100 km most of the time.

When the internal-combustion engine comes into play, it can behave in two distinct ways. At a relaxed pace, it delivers low fuel consumption and is barely noticeable, such is the smoothness of the plug-in hybrid system - a marked contrast with the Diesel versions.

If, on the other hand, you want to make full use of the combined 160 hp - especially in “Sport” mode - or ask the 1.6-litre engine to recharge the battery, it becomes more insistent in the cabin. Even so, it continues to return consumption figures normally associated with Diesel engines.

Lastly, in terms of performance, the electric motors always provide an advantage when pulling away, and the Mégane ST E-TECH lives up to its claimed output.

Is it the right car for me?

I opened this article with a question, and after spending a few days behind the wheel of the first plug-in hybrid Renault Mégane, the answer was easy to find: for me, this version is better than the Diesel-powered one.

Capable of fuel consumption that can rival the Diesel on open roads, the Renault Mégane ST E-TECH also delivers an urban economy that diesel versions can only dream of.

The only thing it “asks” of us is that we remember to charge it. Given how much can be saved on daily city journeys, that should not be a barrier to choosing it. In this respect, only its higher price compared with the Diesel may put off private buyers.

With that in mind, if you are looking for a comfortable, safe family estate and cover many miles both on the open road and in urban areas, the Renault Mégane ST E-TECH could very well be the ideal choice.

It is true that it has lost some boot capacity, but it is equally true that this is a future-proof model, ready to face an era in which vehicles powered solely by internal-combustion engines may become persona non grata in city centres.