Discussion
Has anyone got one of these or had a serious look at one? If so what were your impressions?
I'm moving to (ruralish, north-east) Netherlands in the summer on a work assignment for 12 months and long-story short, the vehicle choice is the Megane, a Leaf or a VW ID3. The range of the Leaf puts it last (~230km vs ~430km for the other two, all projected of course) and whilst none of them are lookers, I don't mind the look of the Megane to be honest. Running costs aren't a consideration as it'll be on company account.
This would be my first time looking at an all-electric vehicle so probably got a lot to learn about them. The smaller hatchback options aren't much cheaper than this class; and the likes of the C40, ID5 ad Ioniq are a fair bit more expensive - so it's a choice of these 3 at the same price.
ETA this is just a 12 month lease, so looking at this in pure terms of usability/day-to-day living with it approach; the ownership/future value etc doesn't really apply in my case.
I'm moving to (ruralish, north-east) Netherlands in the summer on a work assignment for 12 months and long-story short, the vehicle choice is the Megane, a Leaf or a VW ID3. The range of the Leaf puts it last (~230km vs ~430km for the other two, all projected of course) and whilst none of them are lookers, I don't mind the look of the Megane to be honest. Running costs aren't a consideration as it'll be on company account.
This would be my first time looking at an all-electric vehicle so probably got a lot to learn about them. The smaller hatchback options aren't much cheaper than this class; and the likes of the C40, ID5 ad Ioniq are a fair bit more expensive - so it's a choice of these 3 at the same price.
ETA this is just a 12 month lease, so looking at this in pure terms of usability/day-to-day living with it approach; the ownership/future value etc doesn't really apply in my case.
Edited by parabolica on Thursday 4th May 08:54
Me 
Originally looked at, and thought I'd buy a pre-enjoyed Polestar 2. Test drove the single motor and went with the full intention of buying a dual motor but decided it wasn't for me and felt dark/claustrophobic.
Also considered an EV6, Ioniq 5 then test drove the Megane.
As it's 300-500kgs than some of the others but also smaller I found it better to drive with sharper handling and worked out later than it's lighter than my current car (Jag ePace)
Decided it was the best one for me on a combination of style, space, tech/features and range and as with it being only me, smaller car didn't matter and the reviews bar a couple of niggles I've seen/watched are universally positive.
So, I placed an order for a Launch Edition in Ceramic Grey, which is due to be delivered next week.
Originally looked at, and thought I'd buy a pre-enjoyed Polestar 2. Test drove the single motor and went with the full intention of buying a dual motor but decided it wasn't for me and felt dark/claustrophobic.
Also considered an EV6, Ioniq 5 then test drove the Megane.
As it's 300-500kgs than some of the others but also smaller I found it better to drive with sharper handling and worked out later than it's lighter than my current car (Jag ePace)
Decided it was the best one for me on a combination of style, space, tech/features and range and as with it being only me, smaller car didn't matter and the reviews bar a couple of niggles I've seen/watched are universally positive.
So, I placed an order for a Launch Edition in Ceramic Grey, which is due to be delivered next week.
Cheers pal - spookily I was originally thinking of the PS2 as I’m a Volvo guy at heart but I’m not 100% happy with the exterior looks. Appreciate if you feedback with how you find the range in the Megane once you’ve had it a while. I’ve a few months to go so plenty of time to ponder this.
Out of interest I ran a quote for the Megane through our company’s electric car scheme and it came back at £350 a month all in, inc servicing, tyres and insurance. Bummer I’m not back in the UK as I would snap that deal up; the quote for the same kind of deal but in NL is considerably more (but so is everything else).
I had one from Onto from mid December until mid April.
Some of the opinions will be guided by the fact I had it during winter and early spring.
Rapid charging was bad - I didn’t ever see it get more than 50kW even on a 150kW charger. It’s especially slow from 85-95%, and 95-100% was under 7kW. Needless to say I didn’t charge beyond 80% very often but then…
Range and economy were bad. Less than 200 miles on the guessometer at 100% and <3m/kWh economy. Before the Megane I had an ID.4 and the economy was significantly better in the VW, even though it’s a bigger car. The economy did improve slightly in March and April but only to about 3-3.1 m/kWh. Combined with the charge speed I felt I was forever going to charge it because Onto included public charging and I refused to charge at home when I’d already paid for electricity via the subscription.
Infotainment was slow to start up, CarPlay took an age to connect and was buggy (never had an issue with other CarPlay implementations before or since, so I am pretty confident it was the car)
Ride was fine. Seatbelt was annoying to put on as the centre console gets in the way - I’m 6’1” and could lose a few kg but this was a design flaw imo. Didn’t have any issues with a Zoe, for instance, or any other car I’ve ever driven.
All in all I was glad I didn’t buy this car and was pleased to see it go back to Onto. That said, it wasn’t as bad as the Vauxhall Corsa-e I had in September- I hated that car.
Some of the opinions will be guided by the fact I had it during winter and early spring.
Rapid charging was bad - I didn’t ever see it get more than 50kW even on a 150kW charger. It’s especially slow from 85-95%, and 95-100% was under 7kW. Needless to say I didn’t charge beyond 80% very often but then…
Range and economy were bad. Less than 200 miles on the guessometer at 100% and <3m/kWh economy. Before the Megane I had an ID.4 and the economy was significantly better in the VW, even though it’s a bigger car. The economy did improve slightly in March and April but only to about 3-3.1 m/kWh. Combined with the charge speed I felt I was forever going to charge it because Onto included public charging and I refused to charge at home when I’d already paid for electricity via the subscription.
Infotainment was slow to start up, CarPlay took an age to connect and was buggy (never had an issue with other CarPlay implementations before or since, so I am pretty confident it was the car)
Ride was fine. Seatbelt was annoying to put on as the centre console gets in the way - I’m 6’1” and could lose a few kg but this was a design flaw imo. Didn’t have any issues with a Zoe, for instance, or any other car I’ve ever driven.
All in all I was glad I didn’t buy this car and was pleased to see it go back to Onto. That said, it wasn’t as bad as the Vauxhall Corsa-e I had in September- I hated that car.
Just had one of these for a week as a a loan car.
Covered over 400 miles, half of which was on the M25. Average economy was 4.4m/kWh which I thought was pretty good.
Found the infotainment to work flawlessly, and CarPlay worked well, but I preferred Google so the map was on the centre console. Screen a little small but. OK. Android Automotive was good and easy to use.
The instant acceleration was fun. After a 120 miles motorway trip the fully charged, range showed at 282 miles, probably helped by good weather and steady driving.
Looking forward to getting mine, hopefully soon.
Covered over 400 miles, half of which was on the M25. Average economy was 4.4m/kWh which I thought was pretty good.
Found the infotainment to work flawlessly, and CarPlay worked well, but I preferred Google so the map was on the centre console. Screen a little small but. OK. Android Automotive was good and easy to use.
The instant acceleration was fun. After a 120 miles motorway trip the fully charged, range showed at 282 miles, probably helped by good weather and steady driving.
Looking forward to getting mine, hopefully soon.
uuf361 said:
Mine arrived last week, really pleased with it so far.
This week will start to put some miles on it going to work but round town it’s been good and averaging 4.1 mkwh
Good stuff; I won't be in my new location until August and whether or not my apartment is close to chargers will determine whether I go full electric or not. But if I do, the Megane is still top of the list based on all the reviews I've read/watched. Interested to hear how you get on with it. This week will start to put some miles on it going to work but round town it’s been good and averaging 4.1 mkwh
Chippo1 said:
Just awaiting delivery of ours , delayed it seems due to logistic issues in uk , it’s parked here somewhere!
Same happened to me - mine was delayed at the import centre as it was missing locking wheel nuts and mats!But another one came in (to a different import centre) so I was allocated that instead.
Well after finally getting settled into dutch life and looking into car options, the dealership I was dealing with announced they had no Meganes available for months, in fact all electric cars were on back order, so no EV for me. Ended up with something completely different - Ceed Sportwagon - which in fairness is pretty nice, but my conversion to EV living has to wait.
Well we have had our Megane E tech Teckno for about 2 months.
Really nice interior comfy and seat approved by the wife , her car actually , she loves the door handles! Must admit cloth dash rather nice , rather than the normal slab of black plastic.
Nice to drive , fairly smooth and quiet.
OBSERVATIONS
1) delivery delayed not only logistics but fitting an alarm in Bristol ! Not required in rest of Europe , is it an insurance swindle in this country !
2) Charging failures maybe 75% of time using our Zappi , Renault software even though Nissan use the same hardware and software that works . Renault finally re wrote software to mirror other manufacturers and the accepted standard for charging cars. Recalled for update which you need to allow a day at dealers esp if it’s the first car they have updated . all works fine now.
3) Random alarm triggers that required another dealer visit.
4) Slight wind noise around top/b pillar of drivers door , turns out to be known issue awaiting a Renault fix
5) soon learnt position of seat belt sockets , no issue , had other cars similar
6) on cruise control , change lanes to over take , before any enforced slowing and the perception is the car accelerates into next lane
7) don’t seem to have heated mirrors ! Can’t find setting in any case , should do research lol
8) getting used to stalk control for reverse drive n park
9) like the final brake touch after regen slowing , but after recent dealer visit this had been turned off , back on now , use it all the time.
10) I drive in full regen all the time , wife finds it lumpy , but she always was a bit on off , brakes and throttle, if u can drive and modulate the pedal it’s fine
11) boots ok, although she moans about Sahara dust on top of bumper after rain lol
12) sat in back a few times , I am 5,10 and not small was ok , bit gloomy , but this seems the norm for many cars.
13) not a fan of the Allegro style quatric shape steering wheel, ( was that what BL called it ?)
14) we both drive in eco 90% of time just hitting the sport mode for the odd over take , usually in eco has more than enough poke to keep up with all traffic
15) longest drive 220 miles on A14 , M11 , M25 at 70ish depending on traffic got home with 18% battery lef and no anxiety , slight drop of now as it’s colder and she loves pre-warming car from her app and esp heated seats and wheel
16) seems easy to keep clean washed it three times now and gave it a polish
17) tyre pressure indication seems a bit wayward and variable unlike our previous Quasqui which seemed spot on , no biggy
18) auto lights and wipers work satisfactorily
19) tried the spooky lane keeping function a few times , odd !
20) Google maps work fine , but then I am used to them in my old banger Jazz on my phone, at least unlike my last company cars A4 and Passat she doesn’t keep saying please !
21) I don’t use the rest of the tec stuff so no comment , for me radio works fine
22)need an illuminated socket area for charging , bit of a phaff getting the plug in the socket in the dark , or hair around the hole
23) once or twice auto Door unlocking didn’t work , requiring a button press , think we sorted this now dumping the fob in the correct place in car , maybe some sort of re- pairing going on every now and again
24) had a few nice comments and wow what is it type comments , not many about it seems
So all in all a pretty good experience other than, delivery , alarm and charger software integration , all Renault issues ! Had far worse with the A4 and Passat !
Dealer , Smiths of Peterborough, was pretty good keeping us informed throughout, purchase , delivery and the rectification of defects. Angus in sales of particular note and the service reception girls. No issues providing us with loan cars.
Really nice interior comfy and seat approved by the wife , her car actually , she loves the door handles! Must admit cloth dash rather nice , rather than the normal slab of black plastic.
Nice to drive , fairly smooth and quiet.
OBSERVATIONS
1) delivery delayed not only logistics but fitting an alarm in Bristol ! Not required in rest of Europe , is it an insurance swindle in this country !
2) Charging failures maybe 75% of time using our Zappi , Renault software even though Nissan use the same hardware and software that works . Renault finally re wrote software to mirror other manufacturers and the accepted standard for charging cars. Recalled for update which you need to allow a day at dealers esp if it’s the first car they have updated . all works fine now.
3) Random alarm triggers that required another dealer visit.
4) Slight wind noise around top/b pillar of drivers door , turns out to be known issue awaiting a Renault fix
5) soon learnt position of seat belt sockets , no issue , had other cars similar
6) on cruise control , change lanes to over take , before any enforced slowing and the perception is the car accelerates into next lane
7) don’t seem to have heated mirrors ! Can’t find setting in any case , should do research lol
8) getting used to stalk control for reverse drive n park
9) like the final brake touch after regen slowing , but after recent dealer visit this had been turned off , back on now , use it all the time.
10) I drive in full regen all the time , wife finds it lumpy , but she always was a bit on off , brakes and throttle, if u can drive and modulate the pedal it’s fine
11) boots ok, although she moans about Sahara dust on top of bumper after rain lol
12) sat in back a few times , I am 5,10 and not small was ok , bit gloomy , but this seems the norm for many cars.
13) not a fan of the Allegro style quatric shape steering wheel, ( was that what BL called it ?)
14) we both drive in eco 90% of time just hitting the sport mode for the odd over take , usually in eco has more than enough poke to keep up with all traffic
15) longest drive 220 miles on A14 , M11 , M25 at 70ish depending on traffic got home with 18% battery lef and no anxiety , slight drop of now as it’s colder and she loves pre-warming car from her app and esp heated seats and wheel
16) seems easy to keep clean washed it three times now and gave it a polish
17) tyre pressure indication seems a bit wayward and variable unlike our previous Quasqui which seemed spot on , no biggy
18) auto lights and wipers work satisfactorily
19) tried the spooky lane keeping function a few times , odd !
20) Google maps work fine , but then I am used to them in my old banger Jazz on my phone, at least unlike my last company cars A4 and Passat she doesn’t keep saying please !
21) I don’t use the rest of the tec stuff so no comment , for me radio works fine
22)need an illuminated socket area for charging , bit of a phaff getting the plug in the socket in the dark , or hair around the hole
23) once or twice auto Door unlocking didn’t work , requiring a button press , think we sorted this now dumping the fob in the correct place in car , maybe some sort of re- pairing going on every now and again
24) had a few nice comments and wow what is it type comments , not many about it seems
So all in all a pretty good experience other than, delivery , alarm and charger software integration , all Renault issues ! Had far worse with the A4 and Passat !
Dealer , Smiths of Peterborough, was pretty good keeping us informed throughout, purchase , delivery and the rectification of defects. Angus in sales of particular note and the service reception girls. No issues providing us with loan cars.
I have access to Zoes as well as recently, Megane E-Techs, from my work place.
The Megane is a big step up from the Zoe in terms of design, handling, percieved quality, infotainment and refinement.
It’s comparable to my Giulietta SportivaQV, in terms of style, space and handling.
Handling wise it’s not nearly as lively and sharp steering as my Giulietta, which handles fine for a family warm hatch, though the Megane corners flatter. Neither is nearly as fun to drive as an i3.
The electric motor is far better and more fun in normal and town driving with its instant torque, but the petrol engine is more fun to wring out on the open road, with a bit of top end to it and an allright noise for a better than average small capacity turbocharged four cylinder. Not to mention that it’s a bit thirsty for a 1.4, which can partly be attributed to my driving style, especially compared to the efficiency of an EV like the Megane.
I would love to see and try what Renault Sport could do in terms of improving the handling, with a little bit more power to it as well.
What I’m trying to say, is that I can recommend it :-)
The Megane is a big step up from the Zoe in terms of design, handling, percieved quality, infotainment and refinement.
It’s comparable to my Giulietta SportivaQV, in terms of style, space and handling.
Handling wise it’s not nearly as lively and sharp steering as my Giulietta, which handles fine for a family warm hatch, though the Megane corners flatter. Neither is nearly as fun to drive as an i3.
The electric motor is far better and more fun in normal and town driving with its instant torque, but the petrol engine is more fun to wring out on the open road, with a bit of top end to it and an allright noise for a better than average small capacity turbocharged four cylinder. Not to mention that it’s a bit thirsty for a 1.4, which can partly be attributed to my driving style, especially compared to the efficiency of an EV like the Megane.
I would love to see and try what Renault Sport could do in terms of improving the handling, with a little bit more power to it as well.
What I’m trying to say, is that I can recommend it :-)
Edited by Undercover McNoName on Thursday 25th January 06:47
Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff