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2020 Renault Megane facelift and plug-in hybrid unveiled

The updated 2020 Renault Megane range has been unveiled in Europe, bringing subtle styling changes and new technology, along with a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variant.


2020 Megane RS

Of most interest to Australia are the changes made to the Megane RS models, the only variants on sale Down Under.

All of the revised Megane RS models are now powered by the same engine used in the outgoing RS Trophy.

The 224kW 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has 400Nm when paired with a six-speed manual or 420Nm in conjunction with a six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

Not only has the engine range been simplified, the softer Sport chassis is standard on the regular RS, while the Trophy is only available on the Cup setup, which includes a limited-slip differential at the front, and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

New features for the RS range include a mechanical valve to control the sound of the car, and the available RS Monitor, which displays live information about acceleration, braking, steering angle, and various temperatures and pressures.

There are upgrades for the interior patterns, while Recaro seats are an option on the Trophy.

 

 

 

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2020 Megane E-Tech plug-in hybrid

The new Megane E-Tech PHEV will initially be available in Europe only with the wagon body, and features a 1.6-litre engine, two electric motors, a clutch-less transmission and a 9.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

According to Renault, the Megane E-Tech has an electric-only driving range of 48km using the WLTP standard. The Captur E-Tech, which was unveiled earlier this year and has the same drivetrain, is capable of up to 50km.

 

Other changes

Brighter LED headlights are standard throughout the Megane range, and non-RS models have been treated to redesigned bumpers and alloy wheels.

The GT Line trim has also been replaced by the RS Line, and has a few style-based connections to the hot hatch.

 

Drive

The interior is now available with a 7.0-inch horizontal touchscreen or 9.3-inch vertical touchscreen for the infotainment system (images still to come), as well as 7.0- or 10.2-inch digital screens in the instrumentation area.

While the autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring systems have been upgraded, the most significant safety addition to the Megane is the Highway and Traffic Jam Companion, which promises Level 2 autonomous driving and is capable of keeping the car in its lane at speeds up to 160km/h while maintaining a safe distance to vehicle in front.

 

Australia

Renault Australia has confirmed the RS models will again carry the Megane flag here, with production for our market set to begin near the end of 2020. Expect Australian deliveries to begin in early 2021.

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